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Arcadia’s 2027 World Cruise can be summed up in one word: epic. From nautical miles to nights on board, the globe-spanning odyssey racks up some impressive stats. While you can’t quantify the experiences you’ll have and the memories you’ll make, the following facts and figures add up to an extraordinary adventure.

106 nights

The beauty of a World Cruise is in seeing as many far-flung destinations as possible in one holiday. That’s why our 2027 World Cruise is a full week longer than usual – a glorious 106 nights. So, while the rest of the UK is engulfed in winter’s darkest months, you could be sunning yourself in Samoa, surfing in Honolulu and hiking a volcano in Cape Verde.

 

Each month, we’ll report back on the exciting places Arcadia has visited on her World Cruise. Find out what it’s like to visit some of the planet’s unmissable destinations and discover incredible ones you didn’t know existed. Learn what it’s like for our guests as they tick off their travel wish list and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Join us as we take you around the world with Arcadia… 

Surfing Honolulu
Surfing Honolulu
Surfing Honolulu
Surfing Honolulu

29 ports of call 

On Arcadia’s World Cruise, you can see the world without taking a single flight – and you’ll only unpack once. You’ll visit 29 unique destinations across the Caribbean, Atlantic islands, Americas, South Pacific, Asia and Africa. Check out the full itinerary and explore each port in detail here.

34,500 nautical miles

Arcadia will travel west around the globe, departing Southampton on 6 January 2027 and returning 23 April 2027. Your first stop will be the lush island of Madeira. From here it’s on to the Caribbean, through to Panama where you’ll do a full transit of the canal – a true bucket-list travel experience. You’ll then travel north up the west coast of North America with stops in Mexico and San Francisco before sailing across the Pacific. After two stops in Hawaii, Kona and Honolulu, you’ll cross the International Date Line and visit palm-fringed islands in the South Pacific. In Australia you’ll hit four different ports, then head north via Papua New Guinea to destinations in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong, then across the Indian Ocean to South Africa, stopping in Mauritius and Réunion along the way. From there, you’ll sail and stop in Walvis Bay, along Africa’s West Coast before setting a course for home via Tenerife.

5 new or lapsed ports of call

With the whole world at your fingertips, our World Cruises often stop in maiden or ‘lapsed’ ports of call (places we haven’t visited in a few years). Arcadia’s 2027 World Cruise is no exception – it will visit four ports where we haven’t stopped for at least five years, and one maiden port for P&O Cruises.

 

Newcastle, Australia 

Newcastle is less than 200km north of Sydney, but this east coast city is decidedly different – with a population of about half a million and a cool coastal vibe, it’s a magnet for laid-back locals and tourists in relaxed mode. Check out the world-class street art and craft beer scenes or take a dip in the warm waters of the ocean baths.

 

Port Vila, Vanuatu

The Melanesian archipelago of Vanuatu is one of the least visited countries on the planet, so a visit here truly is off the beaten path – in fact, it’s a fleet maiden call for P&O Cruises. Its capital and cruise port, Port Vila, on the island of Efate, is a vibrant city that gives way to a dreamy, screensaver-worthy landscape – the white sands, turquoise waters and lush jungles of your dreams.

Efate, Vanuatu
Efate, Vanuatu
Efate, Vanuatu
Efate, Vanuatu

Alotau, Papua New Guinea

At the southeastern tip of Papua New Guinea’s main island is the cruise port of Alotau. A stop here allows you to learn about the culture and history of the Milne Bay province by visiting the cultural village of Ahioma or discovering the significance of the Second World War Battle of Milne Bay.

 

Kona, USA

Sitting pretty on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island, Kona – a maiden call for Arcadia – is pure paradise. The beach will beckon – this is Hawaii, after all. But beyond it you’ll find brilliant snorkelling, hikes through lava fields and plenty of opportunities to learn about the local culture. Don’t leave without trying the locally grown coffee – Kona coffee is considered some of the best in the world.

 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong, one of the world’s biggest, brightest and most beautiful cities is back on our radar. The skyline alone is iconic, and it’ll wow you whether you see it from sea or sky. The food is out-of-this world – from markets to Michelin-starred, you’re spoilt for choice. And what’s more, you can revel in an overnight stay here (see below).

The Graham Street market in Hong Kong.
The Graham Street market in Hong Kong.
The Graham Street market in Hong Kong.
The Graham Street market in Hong Kong.

6 overnight stays

Arcadia will stop overnight in six cities on her 2027 World Cruise, giving you the chance to dine, dance or discover to your heart’s content before coming home to the comfort of your ship for a good night’s sleep.

 

Singapore

After a cheap and cheerful dinner at one of the famous hawker centres, why not wander through Singapore's famous Gardens by the Bay after sunset and gaze up at the illuminated tree sculptures, or soak up the skyline with a boat ride along the Singapore River?

 

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Hop along Port Elizabeth’s very own beer route, which takes you to three different microbreweries over three hours. There’s also a vibrant live music scene in this friendly Eastern Cape city, with locals loving everything from jazz to juju.

 

Cape Town, South Africa

Cosmopolitan Cape Town shines just as brightly when the sun goes down. For a truly iconic sunset experience, take the cable car up Table Mountain. Afterwards, you’ll find an endless array of places to go ‘out out’ on Long, Kloof and Bree Streets, from lush cocktail bars to cosy pubs. 

Sydney, Australia

You can go small and discover cosy bars, boutique breweries and laid-back wine bars, or go big and see the city’s glittering sights on an evening climb up the Harbour Bridge. A night docked in Sydney gives you time to go a bit further afield, too – why not hop aboard the ferry to Manly for beachside dinner and drinks?

 

Hong Kong

Hong Kong really is a city that never sleeps. Be sure to check out the Symphony of Lights, a multimedia light show that’s been held at 8pm nightly in Victoria Harbour since 2004. From there, you could grab a late-night snack at the food markets, sip cocktails at a rooftop bar or brave the karaoke mic… the night is yours.

 

San Francisco, USA

The spiritual home of folk and rock music in the 1960s, San Fran is still a great place to see live tunes at iconic venues such as The Fillmore and the Great American Music Hall. For a different kind of atmosphere, a visit to Alcatraz is made ever eerier in the evening with programmes and presentations that are only offered at night.

Alcatraz island in San Francisco at night.
Alcatraz island in San Francisco at night.
Alcatraz island in San Francisco at night.
Alcatraz island in San Francisco at night.

2,094 guests

Arcadia is a mid-sized ship that can accommodate up to 2,094 guests and 866 crew. She’s elegant, intimate and dedicated to relaxation and exploration – the perfect home base for globe-trotting. And with 15 restaurants and bars, five entertainment venues and nine places to socialise at your doorstep each day, you’ll make just as many memories on board as you will on shore.

 

Your time on board is yours to spend however you’d like. Days bring endless opportunities for lounging by the pool, friendly matches on the sports court and entire afternoons spent blissing out in the spa, while nights will be filled with heart-stopping theatre performances, toe-tapping live music and eye-popping sunsets on deck. And then, of course, there’s the food – five restaurants including Sindhu, with its beautifully balanced Indian cuisine, and Ocean Grill – exclusive to Arcadia – with a menu by legendary chef and P&O Cruises Food Hero Marco Pierre White.

 

In December 2024, Arcadia is enjoying a makeover – a multimillion-pound refit from which she’ll emerge even more stylish and elegant than ever before. Keep an eye on our blog for updates.

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