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January 7, 2026

Silversea has launched its 2026 World Cruise, The Curious and the Sea, an unprecedented journey designed to combine exploration, culture, and luxury into a single extraordinary experience.

The 140-day cruise will visit 59 destinations across 30 countries, spanning six continents aboard Silver Dawn. The itinerary, the most diverse in the brand’s history, aims to offer guests a fully immersive experience of the cultures, landscapes, and histories of some of the world’s most remote and captivating places, inspired by the curiosity that once guided ancient sailors to unknown lands.

Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea, explained that The Curious and the Sea is a voyage created to celebrate the essence of exploration. He emphasized that the cruise blends exclusive cultural celebrations with extraordinary culinary moments, aiming to spark guests’ curiosity and deepen their connection with the world’s diverse cultures and landscapes, all while providing the personalized service that defines Silversea.

The journey began in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with an evening celebration introducing guests to the theme of the cruise. The exclusive Bon Voyage event, hosted at the Boca Raton hotel, was inspired by the 1920s in honor of the resort’s centennial. Guests donned flapper-style attire and were transported by the music of the Jazz Age, marking the start of an adventure lasting over four months.

From there, the World Cruise route will take guests to Central America, passing through the Panama Canal and onward to Ecuador and Peru, before experiencing the magic of Easter Island, French Polynesia, and the South Pacific. In New Zealand, guests will explore pristine landscapes, while a semi-circumnavigation of Australia will mark a first for a Silversea World Cruise. The journey will continue through Southeast Asia, crossing the Bay of Bengal to Sri Lanka and India, before venturing into the majestic landscapes of South Africa and the continent’s western coast. The cruise will conclude in Europe, celebrating history and culture, with arrival scheduled in Lisbon, Portugal, on May 27, 2026.

This voyage is not just a cruise, but a complete cultural immersion. Each stop offers guests exclusive and memorable experiences. In February, the call in French Polynesia, named Polynesian Dreams, will take guests to the sacred island of Motu Tapu, an area once reserved for the 19th-century monarch who ruled Tahiti. From sampling local flavors to learning traditional dances, the day will culminate in a celebration capturing the spirit of the islands. Shortly thereafter, at Mystery Island, Vanuatu, the event The Magic of Mystery Island will allow guests to experience the local culture through ritual dances, fresh island cuisine, and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, showcasing the archipelago’s vibrant natural beauty and cultural richness. In Bali, the From Paddy to Plate program will guide guests through the rice paddies of the five-star Tanah Gajah resort, where they will learn about the history of rice, the so-called “sacred grain” of Southeast Asia, and participate in traditional Balinese performances, manuscript writing, and other cultural activities. In India, at Cochin, the stop The Exotic Marigold and More will provide an immersive experience among the city’s sights and sounds: after a tuk-tuk ride through bustling streets, guests will be welcomed with flower garlands and performances of martial arts and drumming, followed by a traditional Sadhya lunch served on banana leaves and a relaxing houseboat cruise through the city’s canals.

In Cape Town, Diamonds are Forever will celebrate elegance and luxury with an exclusive dinner at the Vergelegen Conservatory, inspired by the legendary Cullinan Diamond and featuring a menu curated by nine-time Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen. Orchestral music, swing band performances, and dance shows will complete the evening, turning it into a celebration of cultural heritage and luxury. Finally, in Funchal, Madeira, during the Flower Festival, guests will be welcomed at Quinta Magnolia for a garden reception featuring local artisanal products, live music, and a four-course dinner with entertainment between courses, concluding the series of exclusive events of The Curious and the Sea.

The cruise also offers unique culinary experiences: world-renowned chefs and local culinary ambassadors will present bespoke menus and activities such as S.A.L.T. Talks and S.A.L.T. Lab in five ports of call, including Lima, Melbourne, and Singapore. Guests will also be treated to performances by the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra during the West Africa segment of the voyage, recognized as one of the best all-around dance bands of all time.

Aboard Silver Dawn, luxury and comfort reach their pinnacle: the ship combines elegant design and state-of-the-art facilities with intimate spaces, spacious ocean-view suites, and dedicated butler service for every suite category. Silversea’s all-inclusive offering ensures a refined yet welcoming experience, featuring world-class dining across multiple venues and an immersive S.A.L.T. culinary program, with menus that evolve according to each destination.

With the launch of The Curious and the Sea, Silversea is already looking to the future. The 2027 World Cruise, The Three Oceans, will take guests to explore the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, with a focus on the cultures, histories, and ideas of each region. Exclusive events will include a traditional Ho’olaule’a sunset celebration in Polynesia, a journey to Africa’s iconic Victoria Falls, and a musical performance at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast. In 2028, the cruise An Ode to the Moment will invite guests to slow down and savor each destination, from the Caribbean to South America, from Africa to the Middle East, and on to Europe, connecting more than 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This 132-day journey will also include visits to the southern Atlantic islands, unparalleled overland tours, and smaller ports, a first for Silversea.

With The Curious and the Sea, Silversea reaffirms its leadership in experiential luxury travel and discovery cruises, offering an unprecedented itinerary that combines culture, history, gastronomy, and luxury. This journey is not just a voyage at sea, but a true global immersion, designed to spark curiosity and foster deep connections with the world, staying true to the brand’s promise: unique and unforgettable experiences where personalized service meets discovery and adventure.

Stay up to date with Silversea news, updates, and reviews on Cruising Journal, featuring photos, videos, and special cruise offers.

Giorgia Lombardo

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