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February 28, 2026

The highly anticipated inaugural Endless Worlds world cruise by Explora Journeys is now open for bookings: it will set sail on January 6, 2029, aboard EXPLORA I.

Explora Journeys, the luxury travel brand of the MSC Group, has officially announced that sales are now open. The itinerary will span four continents and include 63 unforgettable destinations over a total of 128 days. Guests will particularly enjoy 12 ports where the ship will remain docked overnight, allowing for an even deeper immersion in the local culture. There will be 44 inaugural ports for Explora Journeys, sailing from the Indian Ocean to Australia and New Zealand, and continuing through the South Pacific and Peru.

Guests can choose the full 128-day world cruise from Dubai to Barcelona (January 6 – May 14, 2029), or opt for slightly shorter versions. Departing on the same date, the options are a 112-day world cruise ending in New York City on April 28, 2029, or a 108-day cruise ending in Miami on April 24, 2029. This provides flexibility for those wishing to spend more time in the United States before EXPLORA I’s transatlantic crossing, allowing each guest to personalize the luxury of their time.

Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys, captured the allure of Endless Worlds as an invitation to experience the world as a single, uninterrupted story: a journey that unfolds gradually, with grace and emphasis. By opening bookings, she invites guests to secure a place on this exclusive voyage, designed around the true luxury of giving oneself time—time for unhurried discovery, time to deepen cultural curiosity, and time to strengthen a profound connection with the sea. Whether it is the spiritual calm of a Balinese temple or the vast stage of the open ocean, Explora Journeys offers a privileged vantage point from which to admire the world in its most authentic form.

This journey can be virtually divided into seven stages, spanning vastly different cultures and explorations that envelop guests in an endless flow of beauty and knowledge.

It all begins in Dubai on January 6, 2029, a city shaped by the ancient Incense Route. Its magnificent deserts and mountains lead to vibrant coasts and opulent cities. Here, tradition meets innovation, a land where ancient customs coexist with cutting-edge modernity. Over the course of 20 days, visiting India’s spice-scented ports, travelers will encounter the lush coasts of Sri Lanka and Langkawi, before arriving in Singapore, a city of commerce with deep cultural charm.

The second leg of the journey, spanning 23 nights, is defined by the radiant spirit of Bali and the prehistoric landscapes of Komodo and Papua New Guinea, before following the Great Barrier Reef all the way to Sydney.

From towering waterfalls, candy-pink lakes, and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, passing through the wild frontiers of Tasmania, the voyage continues over 14 nights to Auckland, framed by New Zealand’s majestic fjords.

The next stage is a continuous passage across the Pacific Ocean, dotted with countless islands including Fiji and the Cook Islands—an archipelago of 15 small islands made up of coral reefs and tiny sandy islets—before arriving in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Here, marine life is abundant, vibrant, and diverse. Snorkeling along the coral reefs is a breathtaking experience, with warm waters year-round.

From Tahiti’s colorful capital, Papeete, guests continue exploring lost horizons with Fakarava, a stunning Polynesian atoll, followed by the volcanic Pitcairn Islands. A visit to Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is a highlight, home to its 900 monumental statues called Moai, carved by the islanders between the 13th and 16th centuries. The 14-day segment concludes with a docking in Valparaíso, Chile, returning to civilization in this wonderful city known for its steep funiculars and colorful hillside houses. A visit to La Sebastiana, the former home of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, now a museum, is an absolute must.

The next leg lasts 21 nights, sailing along South America from Chile to Peru. A extended stop in Lima allows for a visit to Cuzco and Machu Picchu, offering an immersive experience into the culture of the Inca Empire. The cruise then continues with a passage through the Panama Canal, a remarkable feat of hydraulic engineering that links the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. A stop in Cartagena provides the opportunity to explore this fortified colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. From its historic walls and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas to the lively Getsemaní district, guests can experience the vibrant spirit of Colombian life. The journey continues through the idyllic Caribbean landscape, concluding with a docking in Miami, a multicultural city rich in Latin American flavors—from language to music—creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.

The final leg of this incredible world cruise will visit New York City, a cosmopolitan metropolis on the Hudson River, recognized as one of the world’s major commercial, financial, and cultural hubs. Manhattan, the Empire State Building, Central Park, and Broadway theaters captivate every visitor. During the transatlantic crossing, the itinerary includes a stop in the Azores, with their volcanic lakes—once calderas—tea plantations, and lush green pastures. The journey concludes with the Spanish treasures of Lisbon, Cádiz, and finally Barcelona, marking the end of the 128-day cruise.

Given the unique nature of this world voyage, Explora Journeys has thought of everything. Their flawless door-to-door service manages every detail, from international Business Class flights to private transfers, as well as baggage logistics and visa arrangements, ensuring guests arrive in Dubai completely stress-free, ready to begin their exceptional voyage at sea.

The company has also planned a series of included services, many of which are exclusive to the World Journey. Guests can enjoy nine different dining options, unlimited premium beverages, an entertainment program featuring world-renowned experts and performers, personalized according to the destinations visited, as well as a Journey Experience credit. Additional privileges include high-speed Wi-Fi and weekly laundry service.

And it doesn’t stop there: seven destination experiences and three exclusive onshore celebratory events complete the itinerary, offering a full immersion into local culture. It’s an invitation for guests to experience the world as an endless story unfolding through time, tides, and the magic of the ocean.

Stay connected with us on Cruising Journal and make sure to keep up-to-date with the latest news from the world of cruising.

Lucia Angeli

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