When Jules Verne wrote Around the World in 80 Days, traveling around the world was primarily a question of speed. The French author reportedly drew his inspiration from a newspaper article he read in a Paris café. The world was changing rapidly, and new railways, the Suez Canal and increasingly faster ships were making distances seem smaller than ever before. For Verne, this technological progress provided the perfect foundation for an adventure story in which Phileas Fogg wagers that he can travel around the world in just eighty days.
Today, the appeal of a world voyage lies elsewhere. It is not the clock but the map that sets the pace. The question is less about how quickly you can travel from one continent to another and much more about what there is to discover along the way. That idea comes to life aboard Oceania Aurelia during her 180-day Around the World voyage, departing Miami in January 2028 on a journey spanning six continents.
Oceania Cruises is also making the inaugural world voyage available through individual segments ranging from ten to nineteen days. This allows travelers to choose a specific chapter of the itinerary and immerse themselves in a region that appeals to them, without committing to the full 180-day journey.
A New Home at Sea for Global Discovery
Welcoming fewer than 500 guests and served by around 400 officers and crew, Oceania Aurelia combines an intimate, club-like atmosphere with the comfort of a sophisticated home at sea. Of the ship’s 238 accommodations, 179 are suites, with dedicated butler service available in selected accommodations. On board, the emphasis extends beyond accommodation, with restaurants including The Grand Dining Room, Polo Grill, Toscana and Terrace Café complemented by new concepts such as a European bakery, a crêperie and the Founders Bar.
Long days at sea are equally important to the experience. Guests can take part in culinary workshops at the Chef’s Studio, explore their creativity at the Artist Loft or attend talks by guest speakers, while the Aquamar Spa Terrace provides another space to slow down between destinations. The result is a ship designed not simply to transport travelers around the globe, but to make the time spent at sea an integral part of the journey.
From the Americas to the South Pacific
The journey begins with the 17-day Two Oceans Odyssey, departing Miami on January 19, 2028, and ending in Los Angeles. The Panama Canal provides a natural highlight before Oceania Aurelia continues along the coasts of Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Mexico. Tropical landscapes, colorful cultures and coastal cities give this opening segment a character all of its own.
The scenery then changes completely. Departing Papeete for Sydney on February 23, the 19-day South Pacific Serenade calls at Bora Bora, Pago Pago, Vava’u, Lautoka, Port Vila and Nouméa. While the first segment focuses on the transition between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, this itinerary is much more about the island world of the South Pacific. These destinations are not only geographically distant from Miami, but also offer an entirely different travel experience.
Asia in All Its Diversity
From Sydney, the world voyage continues towards Asia, where different cultures and landscapes unfold one after another. The 14-day Isles of the Orient begins in Bali and ends in Taipei, calling at Jakarta, Singapore, Puerto Princesa, Coron, Manila, Salomague and Hualien along the way. The itinerary brings together a remarkably diverse part of Southeast Asia with Taiwan.
Those who want to continue exploring can travel onwards from Taipei aboard the 12-day Pearls of East Asia. The itinerary visits Busan in South Korea and several destinations in Japan, including Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Kochi and Osaka, before concluding in Tokyo. Here, the atmosphere shifts once again, bringing together centuries-old traditions, vibrant cities and a rich culinary culture.
The Treasures of Southeast Asia itinerary offers another perspective on just how diverse a single region can be. This 12-day journey from Hong Kong to Bangkok explores Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, with calls including Hanoi and Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville and Ko Kood. Historic cities and cultural traditions give way to tropical landscapes and coastal destinations before Oceania Aurelia reaches Bangkok.
A Final Chapter in the Mediterranean
Later in the world voyage, the scenery changes once again as Oceania Aurelia heads for Europe. The 14-day Timeless Mediterranean departs Istanbul on June 20, 2028, and ends in Barcelona. Along the way, the itinerary includes Athens, Katakolon, Messina, Salerno, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Livorno, Nice, Saint-Tropez, Sète and Palamós, bringing together a remarkable concentration of the Mediterranean’s cultural and historical heritage in a single journey.
For those undertaking the full 180-day voyage, these segments are just chapters in a much larger story. During her Around the World voyage, Oceania Aurelia visits destinations across six continents, with overnight stays in places including Papeete, Bora Bora, Sydney, Bali, Tokyo, Bangkok and Mumbai. Travelers can also choose from thousands of small-group shore excursions, while nearly 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites are within reach during the full itinerary.
Pictures Oceania Cruises
Contact us for additional information or Discover Your Perfect Cruise here.
Sign up for our newsletter and receive more travel tips and inspiration!