Crystal has placed Australia at the center of its newly announced 2029 World Cruise: a 127-night, five-continent journey that will depart from Melbourne on January 7, 2029, circumnavigate Australia completely and conclude in New York on May 13, 2029.
Crystal has announced its 2029 World Cruise with a distinct Australian focus. This 127-night voyage to New York begins in Melbourne and includes a complete tour of Australia. Guests can also add an optional five-day extension with Abercrombie & Kent, which includes spectacular fireworks and New Year's Eve celebrations. The cruise line will operate the itinerary aboard the Crystal Symphony.
The cruise will cover 72 destinations in 22 countries, cross the International Date Line, and feature 13 overnight stops, extended stays, and a selection of rarely visited ports. Bookings will open to the public on March 16, 2026.
“Our 2029 Round the World voyage is designed to connect extraordinary regions of the world in one continuous journey,” said Mario Parodi, Crystal’s Vice President of Itinerary Planning and Port and Fuel Operations. “From Australia and the South Pacific to the fjords of Chile and the Amazon River, this voyage reflects our commitment to designing ambitious yet carefully balanced itineraries.”
For Crystal's president and brand ambassador, Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, who will be accompanying the voyage, the 2029 itinerary marks a shift in the company's route philosophy. "The 2029 World Cruise charts a course unlike any we have sailed before, reinventing not only the destinations we visit, but also the very route that connects them," he declared to the world cruise guests aboard the Serenity.
“By venturing beyond our traditional round-the-world itineraries, we can discover more exclusive ports, offer longer stays and provide a deeper connection with each place, all accompanied by the exceptional onboard and onshore experiences that Crystal guests expect.”
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE: FIVE CONTINENTS, 127 NIGHTS
- January: Complete circumnavigation of Australia
The Crystal Symphony sails from Melbourne with stops in Portland, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide, before heading west to Albany, Fremantle (Perth), Geraldton and Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef) —one of the voyage's new ports— and Broome.
From there, the ship sails to Indonesia, including Komodo and Bali, before returning to the northern and eastern coasts of Australia with stops in Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane and Sydney.
- February: New Zealand and the South Pacific
The journey crosses the Tasman Sea to Wellington, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands, before stopping in Suva, Apia and Pago Pago.
After crossing the International Date Line, guests explore French Polynesia in depth, including Raiatea, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete, Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Fakarava.
- March: Easter Island and the Chilean fjords
Highlights include a scenic cruise off Adamstown (Pitcairn Island) and an overnight stay in Hanga Roa (Easter Island). From there, the ship visits Robinson Crusoe Island—another new port of call—and continues along the Chilean coast to Valparaíso, Puerto Montt, Castro, Puerto Chacabuco, and Laguna San Rafael, with scenic sailing through the Chilean fjords.
A night in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is followed by stops in Port Stanley (Falkland Islands), Puerto Madryn and Punta del Este, concluding the month with a night in Buenos Aires.
- April: Brazil and the Amazon
Abril travels along the coast of Brazil with stops in Balneário Camboriú, Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro and Búzios —another new port— before continuing on to Salvador de Bahia, Maceió and Recife.
The journey then ventures into the Amazon River, visiting Santarém, Boca da Valéria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter do Chão, before crossing over to Îles du Salut (Devil's Island) and Bridgetown, Barbados.
- May: From the Caribbean to New York
The final leg includes Basseterre (St. Kitts), San Juan, Samaná and Grand Turk, followed by Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda, before the Crystal Symphony arrives in New York for a grand finale.
The trip includes new ports such as Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef), Australia; Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile; and Búzios, Brazil; as well as nights in Hanga Roa (Easter Island), Ushuaia or Buenos Aires, among others.
The Australian approach extends beyond embarkation. Guests can opt for a five-night stay in Sydney curated by Abercrombie & Kent, timed to include the world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks, before traveling to Melbourne to board.
Michelle Mickan, vice president of Marketing for Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal APAC, described the alliance as a “beautiful synergy”.
He explained that these pre- and post-cruise extensions are designed to offer “unique experiences, privileged access” and a deeper immersion than a standard hotel stay.
The culinary offerings include Umi Uma — chef Nobu's only dining experience at sea —, the only Beefbar on the ocean in collaboration with restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, and a special Osteria d'Ovidio menu created by three-Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimiliano and renowned restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo.
The ships also feature the Aurōra Spa and entertainment with Broadway-level shows.
Mickan noted that great interest is expected in a world cruise that starts at home and includes celebrating New Year's Eve in Sydney as a prelude to departure.
In addition, guests who book the full 127-night itinerary will receive an all-inclusive package that includes Business Class flights and transfers, two nights in a Melbourne hotel, "As You Wish" onboard credit, Crystal Society discounts, complimentary laundry and ironing service, valet luggage service, special themed onboard events, and a free medical consultation.
Priority access to reservations will first be granted to current guests of the Around the World Cruise, followed by Crystal Society members, before opening to the public on March 16, 2026.
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