Sail along with Arcadia’s 2026 World Cruise

Arcadia, our intrepid explorer, is currently sailing the seven seas on an epic 100-night World Cruise. Follow along as we chart her route, month by month, and discover the glittering cities, bucket-list beaches and off-the-beaten-path wonders on this most epic of adventures.

5 min 16 Feb 2026

Editorial Team

Author

The grand departure and African horizons: 6 - 31 January

Day 1 – Depart Southampton

Our home port of Southampton was the starting point for Arcadia’s incredible adventure, and on a chilly January day, guests set sail knowing that when they next see UK shores, spring will have sprung. But warm weather and stunning landscapes were on the horizon long before then. As Arcadia sailed south, the chill of winter melted away, and a world of lush landscapes, sunny cities and dramatic scenery bloomed in its place.

Day 4 – Lisbon, Portugal

Sailing into Lisbon is an experience in itself – the city’s coastal charms come into focus alongside your ship as you sail down the River Tagus and pass under the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, sailing so close it almost feels like you could reach up and touch it. Centuries of history can be seen and felt in this city. You’ll find it in the Gothic drama of the 15^th-century Jerónimos Monastery; in the narrow, twisting streets of the Alfama district; in the retro charm of the iconic yellow streetcars. Foodies should set their sights on Pastéis de Belém, a place of pilgrimage for lovers of that crispy, creamy, custardy morsel: the pastel de nata.

Day 6 – Madeira, Portugal

From one Portuguese stunner to another. Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is picture-perfect with lots to discover, from the charming Old Town to the exotic botanical gardens and, of course, the eponymous fortified wine. But if you do only one thing, take the cable car up to the village of Monte, then descend via the iconic wicker toboggans. It’s sightseeing at its finest (and most fun). If it’s the famously mind-blowing scenery you’ve come to Madeira for, you’ll find it virtually everywhere you roam. We’re particularly fond of Porta da Cruz on the northeast coast with its wild Atlantic rollers, plunging cliffs and laid-back surf town vibe, or the lush, otherworldly beauty of the Laurisilva Forest.

‘Lush’ might be the first word that comes to mind when you think of Bali, courtesy of its canopies of dense jungles, verdant rice paddies and volcanic soils. ‘Tropical’ might be another, if you’re imagining its swaying palms, soft-sand beaches and turquoise waters. And ‘peaceful’ might be yet another – the island is renowned for its spiritual side, after all. But no words can do Bali justice – only by immersing yourself in this lush, tropical spirituality can you truly appreciate its beauty. Get to the heart of the island by exploring sumptuous gardens, clifftop temples, charming villages, tranquil rice fields and beachfront resorts.

Day 7 – Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife is the only Canary Island on Arcadia’s World Cruise, but within its 2,036 square kilometres – about the size of greater London – you’ll get a taste of the incredible variety these islands offer. Tenerife’s landscapes vary from lush valleys to volcanic craters to Spain’s highest peak, Mount Teide, in Teide National Park – a surreal kingdom of geological wonders and unique flora and fauna. There are, of course, a bevy of beautiful beaches, from the golden sands and palm trees of Las Terasitas to the cliff-flanked Los Gigantes. And urban adventurers will find loads to explore in the buzzy capital of Santa Cruz, the UNESCO-listed Old Town of La Laguna and the charming carved balconies and elegant squares of La Orotava.

Day 10 – São Vicente, Cape Verde

Sailing south along the West African coast, Arcadia’s next stop was the remote island of São Vicente in the Cape Verde Islands. You can’t get much more off the beaten path than this, but despite its secluded location, the island offers a bounty of culture shaped by African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences and natural beauty that’ll leave you breathless. The lively city of Mindelo, where Arcadia docks, is filled with colourful murals and colonial architecture, traditional music and bustling bars and restaurants. For adventure with a side of epic views, hop into a 4x4, head to Calhau and ascend the volcano. And for beachy vibes, Laginha beckons with its soft white sands and turquoise waters.

Day 11 – Praia, Cape Verde

An entirely different Cape Verde experience awaits in Praia, the archipelago’s capital and largest city. Praia means ‘beach’ in Portuguese, so if it’s a day of relaxation you’re after, you won’t struggle to find it along the coastlines that hug this island. Start at Quebra Canela Beach, where golden sands meet gently lapping waves with a buzzy city backdrop. A five-minute taxi ride away is the Plateau District, the city’s historic centre and oldest settlement. Here, you’ll find classic old-town charm with cobbled streets and charming restaurants, cafés and museums. Hit up the Sucupira Market for a labyrinth of local produce and unique souvenirs.

Day 13 – Dakar, Senegal

Arcadia’s first stop on mainland Africa was Dakar, the capital and largest city of Senegal. A bustling metropolis with a population of four million, it was a jolt of energy for Arcadia’s guests after several days of sea and island life. Dakar is known for its warm and hospitable people, its thriving arts and music scene and its rich history. You can’t miss the African Resistance Monument, a 52m-high bronze status that you can ascend for panoramic views. A 30-minute ferry ride from the city takes you to the island of Gorée, which was once the largest slave-trading centre on Africa’s coast and today is a poignant reminder of a dark time in history, but also and a place for atonement and reconciliation. And just over an hour’s drive from Dakar is the Bandia Wildlife Reserve, where you’ll spot zebras, giraffes, elephants and more.

The island of Goree was a traditional slaving and trading port, by the colonial powers of Europe. It is a small town of historic houses, with a fort and a protected harbour for trading.

Day 20 – Walvis Bay, Namibia

The fishing village of Walvis Bay, midway down Namibia’s coast, is a fantastic base from which to discover some of western Africa’s most impressive coastal and marine wildlife. Spot seals, dolphins, pelicans and cormorants at Walvis Bay Lagoon, or head to Sandwich Harbour to scout for shorebirds and flamingos. Trade sea for sand in the Namib Desert, where an off-road expedition puts you amongst brightly coloured dunes and the bizarre-looking welwitschia plant, unique to the Namib. Unsurprisingly for a destination so focused on sea life, Walvis Bay is also famed for its seafood – particular its oysters, which are considered some of the best in the world. Sample some at one of the charming eateries that dot the seafront.

Day 23-24 – Cape Town, South Africa

It’s no wonder Cape Town is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It could earn the honour for its setting alone, perched at the northern end of the Cape Peninsula with the waves of the Atlantic crashing onto its shores. Then there’s the mountains, the lush valleys and the rolling vineyards. And we can’t forget Table Mountain – whether you’re gazing up at it or out from atop it, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful symbol of the city. With an overnight in port, Arcadia’s guests had ample time to discover the city’s charms, be it savouring local cuisine at the Time Out Market, sipping South African Chenin along the V&A Waterfront, revelling in a night out on Kloof Street, or watching the sunset from Signal Hill.

Day 26 – Gqeberha, South Africa

Travelling east along the southern coast of South Africa, Arcadia reached Gqeberha (‘keh-bear-ha’ for non-native speakers), also known as Port Elizabeth, or PE to locals. There’s plenty to explore in this coastal town, from the Campanile Monument, built in 1923 to commemorate the arrival of the first British settlers in 1820, to Shark Rock Pier, jutting 140m out into the sea and offering fabulous views in all directions. Or you could meander along Route 67, where 67 public art works celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela. But while the city is full of delights, it’s hard to resist the call of the wild. Addo Elephant National Park is considered one of the best places in Africa to see elephants up close, while at Sibuya Game Reserve, you can spot Africa’s iconic ‘big five’ – lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and buffalo.