Princess Cruises just introduced its longest-ever world cruise roundtrip from Australia. The cruise line’s new 2028-29 season also brings a third ship back to Australian waters, along with dozens of new itineraries across the South Pacific. Travelers now have far more ways to leave home.
The 2028-29 season continues what Princess calls a long history of inspiring guests to explore the world, dating back to its early days as television’s original Love Boat. Jim Berra, the line’s chief commercial officer, said the new season pushes that tradition further. “Our 2028-29 season takes that spirit of discovery to extraordinary new heights,” he said, pointing to the variety of voyages now stretching from Australia and New Zealand into the wider South Pacific.
The centerpiece is the 2029 Grand World Odyssey, a 129-night voyage aboard Grand Princess that visits 61 destinations across 31 countries on five continents. Guests can start the trip from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne or Dover, England, which makes this Princess’ longest world cruise ever to sail roundtrip from Australian shores.
Inside the 2029 Grand World Odyssey
The voyage spans roughly 37,300 nautical miles, linking the cultural landmarks of Europe with the remote islands of the South Pacific and the busy ports of the Americas. Along the way, guests will find:
- 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the route
- Nine extended port stays, including one overnight call and eight late-night departures
- Two full transits through the Panama Canal’s new locks
- Scenic cruising near Easter Island and Pitcairn Island, home to descendants of the HMS Bounty mutineers
- Two full crossings of the Equator and the International Date Line
3 Ships Are Covering Australia and New Zealand Next Season
Beyond the world cruise, Princess is also expanding its regular Australia and New Zealand program across three ships: Grand Princess, Emerald Princess and Royal Princess. The season includes:
- More than 70 unique itineraries across over 90 departures, ranging from two to 46 nights
- 42 destinations across six countries in the South Pacific region, including Australia and New Zealand
- 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way
- 11 extended late-night and overnight port calls
- Six departure ports: Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth (Fremantle) and Sydney
- 17 round-Australia voyages
Emerald Princess returns to Australian waters for the first time since the 2016-17 season, and Melbourne returns as a homeport for the region. Wildlife is also a big part of the draw, from the Little Penguin Parade on Phillip Island to the red cliffs and waterfalls along the Kimberley Coast.
Bookings for both the Grand World Odyssey and the 2028-29 Australia and New Zealand season open Nov. 10, 2026, with early-booking perks running through Feb. 16, 2027. Princess says booking early also brings early access to dining reservations and arrival groups, plus a complimentary cabin location upgrade. Travelers can check availability with Princess or a travel advisor.