Dublin, Ireland, package lets you plan your own itinerary

Info: Springboard Vacations, Los Angeles; (310) 242-9234, www.springboardvacations.com/hip/hip_au_melbourne_phillip_island.html

NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA

Worldly journey

Embark on an excursion worthy of a 16th century explorer aboard Silversea Cruises' "Grand Inaugural Voyage 2010," a hemisphere-spanning 91-day cruise. Providing entertainment and enlightenment for certain segments of the itinerary are comedian John Cleese and astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan.

Itinerary: Multiple ports; see Silversea's website for a complete list. A highlight is arriving in Rio de Janeiro at Carnaval.

Dates: Departs from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 21; travelers can disembark at their destination of choice or stay onboard for up to 91 days to end in New York on April 22. See website for details.

Price: This trip may be aspirational for many; staying 70 days starts at $31,770. Call or go online for pricing options.

Contact: Silversea Cruises, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; (877) 215-9986, www.silversea.com/silverspirit.aspx?id=1475&page_id=silverspirit

-- Avital Binshtock

itinerary@latimes.com