Some itineraries make you stop scrolling and start imagining what life would be like with a few months at sea. Princess Cruises has just announced one of those: a 129-night world voyage in 2029, alongside a packed new season around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The 2029 Grand World Odyssey will sail aboard Grand Princess. Princess calls it its longest-ever world cruise offered roundtrip from Australia, covering about 37,300 nautical miles, 61 destinations and 31 countries across five continents. That's a serious amount of exploring without having to repack between hotels.
From the Panama Canal to the South Pacific
Among the headline stops are New York, Miami, Reykjavik, Lisbon, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Tahiti and Auckland. There are also two full transits of the Panama Canal's new locks, plus scenic cruising near Easter Island and Pitcairn Island.
Princess says the itinerary offers access to 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and includes eight late-night port stays and one overnight call. I particularly like the idea of having longer evenings ashore. A city feels completely different after the day-trippers have gone and the lights come on.
Embarkation options are listed for Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, plus Dover in England. The full voyage is marketed as roundtrip from Australia, so check the precise segment and embarkation details rather than assuming every departure option is the same 129-night sailing.
Three ships, more than 90 regional departures
The accompanying 2028-29 Australia and New Zealand season is substantial in its own right. Grand Princess, Emerald Princess and Royal Princess will offer more than 90 departures across over 70 itineraries, lasting from two to 46 nights.
Princess lists six departure ports: Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle (for Perth) and Sydney. The programme spans 42 destinations in six countries, including 17 voyages around Australia. Emerald Princess is returning to the region for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
For anyone who wants more than a quick city stop, the destination mix looks particularly appealing. Princess highlights the little penguins of Phillip Island, Kangaroo Island's wildlife, the dramatic Kimberley coast and New Zealand's Fiordland scenery. Naturally, the experience available on any individual cruise will depend on its exact itinerary.
When can you book?
Princess says all these voyages go on sale on 10 November 2026. Promotional booking offers are scheduled to run until 16 February 2027, subject to the operator's conditions. Fares and availability will vary by sailing and booking market.
If Australia or New Zealand has been sitting on your cruise wish list, it's worth comparing the regional sailings with the longer world-voyage options. Our Princess Cruises guide and ship finder are useful starting points.
Source: Princess Cruises' 27 October 2026 announcement. Details may change; confirm arrangements with the operator.
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