Silversea has completed its 2026 World Cruise, “The Curious and the Sea”, a 140-day journey aboard the Silver Dawn that visited 59 destinations in 30 countries and six continents.
This voyage connected guests with cultures, traditions, and cuisines from around the world through exclusive events, enriching destination-focused experiences, and shared moments both on land and at sea. “The Curious and the Sea” charted a course from the South Pacific and Southeast Asia to Africa and Europe, before concluding in Lisbon, Portugal.
“With 'The Curious and the Sea,' we set out to design a world cruise based on cultural access and meaningful experiences at the destinations,” said Bert Hernandez, Chairman of Silversea. “This voyage reflects a broader evolution in luxury tourism, where guests not only visit places but experience them deeply. It sets a new benchmark for what a world cruise can be and serves as inspiration for how we are designing the travel of the future, including our 2027 World Cruise, 'The Three Oceans.'”
Throughout the voyage, Silversea hosted a series of exclusive events for guests, including cultural celebrations in French Polynesia and Vanuatu, culinary experiences in Bali and India, and an elegant evening in Cape Town inspired by South African heritage, featuring an exclusive menu created by nine-Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen.
The trip’s final exclusive event, “A Feast of Flowers” in Funchal, provided the perfect send-off as guests were welcomed to Madeira during the island’s Flower Festival. Beginning at Funchal’s Central Market and continuing with a reception in the gardens of Quinta Magnolia, the evening unfolded amidst blossoming flowers, local artisanal flavors, live folk music, and a four-course dinner accompanied by performances throughout the night, celebrating the lasting friendships and shared discoveries that defined the journey.
In addition to exclusive events, guests seeking a deeper immersion had the opportunity to explore each destination through carefully curated excursions and optional land experiences. Some of the highlights included:
- “Thai Performance at Siam Niramit with Dinner” – Phuket, Thailand: In Thailand, guests enjoyed an evening with a traditional Thai dinner and a three-act performance celebrating the region’s traditions and performing arts.
- “Sandwich Harbour & Dune Drive by 4×4” – Walvis Bay, Namibia: The most adventurous travelers took an off-road tour of Sandwich Harbour, exploring the area where the giant sand dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean within the Namib-Naukluft Park.
- “Uluru – Outback Wonders” – From Melbourne to Adelaide, Australia (Overland Experience): A two-night stay at the Longitude 131° desert lodge in the red heart of Australia allowed guests to take part in a guided exploration of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, as well as view “Field of Light,” an immersive outdoor art installation created by British artist Bruce Munro, featuring 50,000 illuminated frosted glass spheres that transform the desert into a vibrant garden of color.
- “Masai Mara” – From Mahé to Port Louis, Kenya (Overland Experience): Guests participated in an immersive safari experience in one of the continent’s most celebrated nature reserves, home to lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards and an extraordinary diversity of wildlife.
- “Siviti Timbavati Safari” – From Durban to Port Elizabeth, South Africa (Overland Experience): In South Africa, guests had the opportunity to stay at the Siviti Timbavati Plains Lodge, within the Greater Kruger National Park, enjoying safaris, al fresco dining, and a traditional Boma dinner under the stars.
“The Curious and the Sea” also featured a culinary collaboration with four guest chefs in Mexico, Australia, Indonesia, and West Africa. Each presented a special local menu in SALT Kitchen and led meetings and conversations within SALT Talks. The final leg of the World Cruise also included exclusive entertainment, with onboard performances by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, recognized as one of the best dance bands in the world.
With the conclusion of “The Curious and the Sea”, Silversea looks ahead to its next Around the World voyage series:
- Around the World 2027, “The Three Oceans”: Guests will explore the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans through the lens of culture and history. They will have access to several exclusive events, including a traditional Ho'olaule'a sunset celebration honoring Polynesian culture, a trip to the world-famous Victoria Falls, and a musical performance at St. Anne's Cathedral in Belfast.
- Around the World 2028, “An Ode to the Moment”: Silversea invites guests to slow down time and immerse themselves more deeply in each destination, exploring more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 58 destinations in 29 countries and 17 overnight stops, this 132-day voyage will offer longer stays, carefully curated events, and optional overland experiences designed to foster deeper cultural connections and exclusive access to each region.
- World Cruise 2029, “A Pacific Awakening”: A 125-day journey across the world’s largest ocean will connect guests to more than 60 destinations in 19 countries, from Polynesia and Micronesia to Australia, Asia, and beyond. Featuring six signature events and an included overland experience, World Cruise 2029 is designed to offer unparalleled access to and a deeper connection with the Pacific.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
