Oceania Cruises releases world cruises on ‘Ultimate Explorer' ship
Oceania Cruises is now accepting reservations for the inaugural sailings for Oceania Aurelia, set to debut in late 2027 after undergoing a major renovation.
Currently sailing as Oceania Nautica, Oceania Aurelia will be purposefully transformed into "The Ultimate Explorer," a luxurious, residential-style home at sea for extended cruises.
Known for its destination-rich luxury voyages, Oceania is set to reimagine how its passengers sail on immersive, world journeys through Oceania Aurelia's intentional design featuring spacious suites and sophisticated public spaces that foster a club-like sense of community. The ship will accommodate fewer than 500 passengers and sail with 400 officers and crew, creating an intimate ambiance that invites relaxation and connection as passengers sail across the globe.
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Oceania Cruises releases 2028 and 2029 world cruises on Oceania Aurelia
Oceania Aurelia will begin its inaugural season in late November 2027 with a collection of European sailings of seven to 14 days, before setting sail on two 180-day Around the World voyages for 2028 and 2029 and two Grand Voyages of more than 70 days each. For the first time ever, Oceania Cruises is releasing two world cruises simultaneously as reservations open for these new voyages on May 13, 2026.
"We are thrilled to welcome Oceania Aurelia, The Ultimate Explorer, to the fleet next year. She will be perfectly designed for extended global travel, so to be able to launch two Around the World voyages plus spectacular Grand Voyages at the same time is a true milestone for us," Oceania Cruises Chief Luxury Officer Jason Montague said in a press release.
Related: Oceania Cruises to reimagine luxury cruise ship for longer voyages
A highlight of both Around the World voyages is a series of overnight port stays that allow for more time to explore destinations including Papeete, Bora Bora, Sydney, Bali, Tokyo, Singapore, Mumbai, Seville, and Bordeaux. Each world cruise offers access to nearly 100 UNESCO World Heritage sites and offers select Mid‑Cruise Overland Programs that take passengers inland to experience wonders such as Machu Picchu in Peru, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan, and the Taj Mahal in India.
"These incredible itineraries will pique the interests of curious travelers who want to explore the world in elegant comfort with the chance to enjoy more time ashore and experience well-loved and new favorite destinations in depth," Montague added.
Oceania Aurelia's world cruises will sail from Miami and Los Angeles
Passengers sailing on the 2028 Around the World Voyage will be invited to join the celebrations as Oceania Aurelia is officially christened in Miami in January 2028, before she sets sail on her first global voyage.
After the christening ceremony, Oceania Aurelia will depart from Miami on Jan. 18, 2028 to sail through the Panama Canal to the Pacific coast, and across the Pacific Ocean to Asia and beyond. Sailing westward, the voyage will visit India, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean, before a transatlantic crossing to New York completes the circumnavigation.
Related: What your travel agent needs to know to book your cruise
Departing Jan. 6, 2029 from Los Angeles, the 2029 Around the World Voyage on Oceania Aurelia will feature Pacific coastal exploration of the Americas, from Central America to Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, with the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu.
Continuing on to the South Pacific, the ship will call at remote Easter Island before sailing to French Polynesia, New Zealand, and Australia. The voyage will then visit Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, and the Arabian Peninsula before sailing to the Mediterranean and culminating with calls in the British Isles and a transatlantic crossing to New York.
Oceania Aurelia's Grand Voyages will explore Northern Europe and South America
Oceania Aurelia's inaugural season will also include two Grand Voyages:
- Grand Nordic & Baltic Discovery - 78 days from New York to Boston, departing July 18, 2028 - a journey to Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, the British Isles, and Norway, followed by calls across Scandinavia and the Baltics, from Denmark and Sweden to Latvia and Germany to the shores of Western Europe.
- Grand South America Adventure - 71 days from Miami to Los Angeles, departing Oct. 27, 2028 - a holiday voyage that calls on culture-rich islands across the Caribbean before beginning a circumnavigation of South America, featuring stops in iconic ports in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Peru. The voyage also includes the unique experience of cruising the Antarctic Peninsula and offers passengers the opportunity to explore Machu Picchu.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2026 at 12:13 PM.