• The 2029 World Cruise marks Crystal’s first full circumnavigation of the Australian continent.
• The 127-night journey departs from Melbourne, highlighting a strategic focus on Australian travelers.
• The itinerary includes 72 destinations across 22 countries, including the Amazon River and Chilean fjords.
• Bookings for this global voyage officially open on March 16, 2026, with prices starting at $99,000

Luxury cruise operator Crystal has announced a significant new itinerary for its 2029 World Cruise, featuring the brand’s first-ever complete circumnavigation of Australia. The 127-night voyage will take place aboard the Crystal Symphony and is scheduled to depart from Melbourne on January 7, 2029. This departure point is a notable shift for the cruise line, signaling a deepened commitment to the Australian luxury travel market by allowing regional guests to embark on a global journey directly from their home shores.

The voyage is designed to reimagine traditional global routes, spanning 72 destinations across 22 different countries. The itinerary begins with an extensive exploration of the Australian coastline, traveling along the southern shores before heading west and north. Key domestic stops include Kangaroo Island, Fremantle, the Ningaloo Reef in Exmouth, and Broome. After visiting Indonesia, the ship will return to trace the eastern seaboard of Australia, stopping in Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane, and Sydney. This comprehensive coastal tour aims to showcase the geographic diversity of the continent before the vessel transitions to international waters.

Following the Australian leg, the Crystal Symphony will navigate through New Zealand and various South Pacific islands. After crossing the International Date Line, the journey continues toward South America, where passengers will experience the Chilean fjords and Ushuaia. The final stages of the cruise involve sailing up the eastern coast of South America, entering the Amazon River, traversing the Caribbean, and ultimately concluding in New York City on May 13, 2029.

The 2029 World Cruise will be accompanied by Crystal Chairman and Brand Ambassador Fernando Barroso de Oliveira. According to company officials, the route was specifically planned to unlock rarer ports and offer extended stays, providing a deeper sense of place than standard itineraries. Fares for this landmark expedition are set to begin at $99,000 per person. Reservations for the voyage are scheduled to open to the public on March 16, 2026. This announcement follows the brand’s relaunch under the ownership of the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, which continues to focus on high-end, thoughtfully paced travel experiences.