Cruising around the world has become one of the most aspirational travel experiences. Beyond visiting multiple countries, for several months the ship transforms into a true floating home from which to explore completely different cultures, cuisines, and landscapes, traveling from Pacific atolls to major Asian capitals, Mediterranean cities, or historic enclaves in South America. In this context, Oceania Cruises has just unveiled two impressive 180-day world cruises for 2028 and 2029 aboard the new Oceania Aurelia™, a ship specifically designed for extended voyages and intended to offer long stays in port, immersive excursions, and a world-class culinary experience.
With fewer than 500 guests and nearly 400 crew members, Oceania Aurelia was conceived with a distinctly residential philosophy. The idea is for passengers to feel as if they are temporarily living in an elegant home from which to discover some of the most fascinating corners of the planet. All of this is complemented by the culinary offerings that have made Oceania Cruises the leading gastronomic destination in the luxury sector, with iconic restaurants such as The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, and Toscana, alongside more casual spaces like Terrace Café, Waves Grill, and the Pizzeria. Furthermore, the classic Baristas experience has evolved into a new space in Horizons, accompanied by new additions such as The Bakery, featuring European specialties, and The Crêperie, dedicated to crêpes, waffles, and artisanal ice cream.
The ship also introduces new social and wellness spaces such as the Founders Bar, focused on mixology experiences, and the Aquamar Spa Terrace, which for the first time will offer unlimited access to all guests. The offerings are rounded out with enrichment spaces such as the Chef's Studio for culinary workshops, the Artist Loft for creative activities, the LYNC Digital Center for interactive learning, and a lecture program with guest experts that complements the long voyages.
The two Around the World itineraries will cover dozens of countries, hundreds of ports, and nearly 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many stops will also include overnight stays in port, allowing for a much deeper exploration of each destination.
The 2028 round-the-world voyage will depart from Miami on January 18 and conclude in New York after 180 days at sea, visiting 35 countries and 88 ports. The journey will begin in a very special way, as guests will participate in the official christening ceremony of the Oceania Aurelia before embarking on this historic voyage.
The itinerary begins by crossing the Panama Canal to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, continuing on to Hawaii. Then comes one of the highlights of the trip: over two weeks exploring French Polynesia and several remote islands in the South Pacific. Destinations like Papeete and Bora Bora will offer extended stops to enjoy both idyllic beaches and the local culture.
Australia will then occupy a significant part of the journey, including an overnight stay in Sydney to explore the city at a leisurely pace and enjoy its vibrant nightlife. Following this, the ship will sail to Southeast Asia with stops in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand, combining major capital cities with less frequented ports of call.
Japan will be another highlight of the itinerary thanks to almost two weeks exploring its coast, and the journey will then continue towards India and the Arabian Peninsula before entering the Mediterranean for a stay of almost three weeks.
Greece, Italy, the French Riviera, Spain and Portugal will be part of the European leg before embarking on the final transatlantic crossing to New York.
The 2029 round-the-world voyage will begin on January 6th from Los Angeles and will also end in New York after 180 days at sea, visiting 39 countries and 96 ports. This expedition aims for a more intensive exploration of the American Pacific coast.
The journey will travel south through Central and South America, stopping in Ecuador, Peru, and Chile. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to participate in land-based programs to visit Machu Picchu, one of the most exclusive experiences included in this grand expedition.
The journey will continue to remote Easter Island before venturing back into French Polynesia and the South Pacific for over two weeks. This will be followed by an extensive exploration of New Zealand and Australia lasting approximately three weeks.
Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand will mark the return to Southeast Asia before heading towards Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, and various destinations on the Arabian Peninsula. Once in Europe, the itinerary will take in some of the most iconic locations in the Mediterranean, including Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, and France.
The final stretch will take travelers to the British Isles before completing the classic Atlantic crossing to New York.
Beyond these two grand round-the-world trips, Oceania Cruises has also designed two Grand Voyages intended for those who wish to enjoy a shorter, but equally exciting and enriching journey.
The Grand Nordic & Baltic Discovery will depart from New York on July 18, 2028. The voyage will explore Greenland, Iceland, and the remote Faroe Islands before continuing to the British Isles and Norway. The itinerary will then delve into Scandinavia and the Baltic countries with stops in Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, and Germany before concluding in Western Europe.
Meanwhile, the Grand South America Adventure will depart from Miami on October 27, 2028, bound for Los Angeles on a 71-day voyage. The itinerary will combine the Caribbean with a complete circumnavigation of South America, passing through Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. It will also include a voyage around the Antarctic Peninsula and the opportunity to discover Machu Picchu through specially organized land excursions.
Oceania Aurelia's official debut will take place in late 2027 with an inaugural season in Europe. Among the first itineraries is a seven-day voyage between Rome and Trieste, visiting Salerno, Sicily, Malta, and the Croatian coast with stops in Dubrovnik and Zadar. Also noteworthy is the exclusive Oceania Club member cruise between Trieste and Athens, which will include private events, receptions, and an overnight stay in Istanbul. The inaugural season will also feature festive Mediterranean cruises, transatlantic crossings, and autumn routes between Boston and Montreal.
With this launch, Oceania Cruises expands its commitment to long-haul voyages. Its new offerings combine cultural exploration, world-class cuisine, and an intimate atmosphere. For those who dream of discovering the world by cruise ship in ultimate comfort, the Oceania Aurelia promises to become one of the most outstanding vessels.
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