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Fort Lauderdale And Los Angeles From Tropical Pacific Islands to Historic Mediterranean Ports, Princess Cruises Unveils an Unforgettable Global Voyage!


Published on
March 11, 2026

Cruise ship coral princess sailing

Image generated with Ai

Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles will serve as the starting points for an ambitious global voyage planned by Princess Cruises, offering travelers an opportunity to explore multiple continents during a single extended journey. The cruise line has revealed plans for a 115-day circumnavigation sailing aboard the intimate vessel Coral Princess, scheduled to depart on January 3, 2028. The round-trip voyage allows passengers to travel across five continents and approximately 36,000 nautical miles, visiting an extensive list of destinations while only needing to unpack once. In addition to the full world voyage, the company is also offering flexible cruise segments ranging from 20 to 100 days, giving travelers the option to join specific portions of the itinerary depending on their schedules. The journey is designed to combine exploration, cultural immersion, and scenic sailing, with extended port calls, overnight stays in key destinations, and curated shore experiences across some of the world’s most recognizable regions.

The expedition will take place aboard the 2,000-guest capacity ship Coral Princess, known for its smaller size compared to many modern cruise vessels. This allows the ship to access ports and waterways that are often unavailable to larger ships, including the historic Panama Canal. During the voyage, passengers will cross both the Equator and the International Date Line, symbolic milestones often celebrated on long ocean journeys. The itinerary begins with a transit through the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans before the ship heads toward the tropical islands of the Pacific. Following the canal crossing, the ship will sail toward the Hawaiian Islands, including stops near Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach, known for its beaches, surfing culture, and vibrant island atmosphere.

After departing Hawaii, the voyage continues deeper into the South Pacific, where guests will experience a variety of island destinations celebrated for their natural beauty and unique cultural traditions. The itinerary includes visits to Samoa and Fiji, regions renowned for their tropical landscapes, coral reefs, and traditional island hospitality. These destinations offer opportunities for travelers to explore pristine beaches, volcanic terrain, and indigenous cultural heritage. Many of the shore excursions planned in this region highlight local customs, cuisine, and natural environments, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Pacific island life beyond typical tourist experiences.

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The world cruise itinerary then turns south toward Australia and New Zealand, two destinations known for their diverse ecosystems and dynamic cities. Stops in Australia include major cultural centers such as Sydney and Melbourne, both internationally recognized for their waterfront skylines, arts scenes, and culinary offerings. The ship will also travel to Auckland in New Zealand, where passengers will enjoy one of the cruise’s planned overnight stays. This extended visit allows guests additional time to explore the city’s harbors, cultural attractions, and nearby natural landscapes. Beyond the cities, travelers will also encounter some of the region’s most remarkable environments, including Fiordland National Park, a dramatic wilderness area known for its towering fjords, waterfalls, and rich wildlife habitats.

After leaving Oceania, the voyage heads west across the Indian Ocean, stopping at remote islands such as Mauritius and Réunion Island. These destinations are known for volcanic landscapes, tropical forests, and multicultural heritage shaped by centuries of maritime trade. The cruise then reaches the African continent, arriving in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most famous coastal cities. Guests will enjoy an overnight stay, giving them additional time to experience the city’s renowned scenery and attractions such as Table Mountain. The itinerary also includes a maiden call to Mossel Bay, a historic coastal town along South Africa’s Garden Route. The region is home to coastal caves containing some of the earliest archaeological evidence of modern human behavior, believed to date back more than 160,000 years.

One of the highlights of the Africa segment is the opportunity for travelers to participate in safari excursions at several renowned wildlife reserves. Among the locations included in optional excursions are Aquila Private Game Reserve and Pumba Private Game Reserve, both recognized for their conservation efforts and opportunities to observe iconic African wildlife. Visitors may encounter African elephants, white rhinos, and other native species, while specialized programs at certain reserves focus on the protection of rare animals such as the White Lions of Pumba.

After departing southern Africa, the cruise continues north along the continent’s western coastline before entering the Mediterranean region. Key European destinations on the itinerary include Barcelona, Sicily, and the historic Adriatic city of Dubrovnik, famous for its medieval walls and coastal architecture. The voyage also includes a stop in Casablanca in Morocco, offering travelers an opportunity to explore North African culture, markets, and architecture before the ship begins its final Atlantic crossing back to North America.

The cruise line has designed the itinerary with a focus on extended time in port, allowing guests to explore destinations more deeply. Several ports feature late-night departures, giving passengers the chance to experience local dining, nightlife, and cultural events after sunset. Cities scheduled for these extended stays include Barcelona, Casablanca, Dubrovnik, Honolulu, Melbourne, and Sydney. Two ports Cape Town and Auckland will feature overnight calls, providing additional opportunities for land-based exploration and excursions.

Beyond the destinations themselves, the voyage will also feature extensive onboard programming designed to reflect the cultures of the regions visited. Passengers will be able to participate in educational lectures, language sessions, and demonstrations highlighting regional traditions and history. Cultural activities may include music workshops featuring indigenous instruments, cooking demonstrations, and destination-focused presentations. Entertainment throughout the cruise is expected to include themed deck celebrations, folkloric performances, and theatrical productions, offering a variety of options for passengers during the long journey.

Food plays an important role in the overall cruise experience. Menus on board will evolve throughout the voyage, reflecting the culinary traditions of the destinations visited. The ship’s chefs prepare dishes from scratch using regional ingredients whenever possible, creating menus that draw inspiration from Mediterranean, Pacific, African, and Australasian cuisines. Guests will therefore experience a rotating variety of international flavors, complementing the cultural themes of each region visited during the journey.

Passengers who are part of the cruise line’s Captain’s Circle loyalty program will receive additional perks for booking the world cruise. Eligible travelers may receive bonus onboard credits of up to $3,000 per stateroom, which can be used toward excursions, specialty dining, spa treatments, or onboard experiences. To build excitement before departure, the company has also created an official online community for the 2028 world cruise, allowing booked guests to connect with fellow travelers, exchange travel ideas, and plan excursions ahead of the journey.

The 2028 itinerary reflects a growing trend within the cruise industry toward longer voyages focused on immersive travel experiences. Instead of brief visits to many destinations, these journeys emphasize longer port stays, deeper cultural engagement, and curated exploration opportunities. By combining iconic global cities, remote island destinations, wildlife encounters, and extended cultural programming, the upcoming sailing aims to offer travelers a comprehensive view of several regions of the world within a single voyage. For many passengers, such journeys represent a rare opportunity to experience multiple continents, diverse cultures, and natural wonders while traveling aboard one ship for several months.