Crystal’s 2029 world cruise starts in Melbourne and sails round Australia

• Ultra luxury Crystal has announced its 2029 world cruise with a distinctive Australian twist
• The 127-night journey to New York starts in Melbourne, and includes a circumnavigation of Australia
• Guests can also add a five-day Abercrombie and Kent extension which includes the fabulous fireworks and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Ultra luxury Crystal has placed Australia at the very centre of its newly unveiled 2029 World Cruise — a 127-night, five-continent journey that will depart Melbourne on January 7, 2029, complete a full circumnavigation of Australia, and conclude in New York on May 13, 2029.

The cruise will be aboard Crystal Symphony.

Announced during a theatrical launch event aboard Crystal Serenity, herself on a world cruise along Australia’s East Coast, the sailing represents several firsts for the luxury line – including its first-ever full lap of Australia as part of a world cruise itinerary.

Spanning 72 destinations in 22 countries, the voyage crosses the International Date Line and features 13 overnights, extended stays and a collection of rare ports.

Bookings open to the public on March 16, 2026, with fares starting from AUD $99,000 (USD $69,000) per person, based on double occupancy.

“Our 2029 World Cruise is designed to connect remarkable regions of the world in one seamless journey,” said Mario Parodi, Crystal’s vice president of itinerary planning and port and fuel operations.

“From Australia and the South Pacific to the fjords of Chile to the Amazon River, this voyage reflects our commitment to crafting itineraries that are both far-reaching and thoughtfully paced.”

“We’re coming back to Australia”

For Crystal Chairman and Brand Ambassador Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, who will accompany the sailing, the 2029 itinerary marks a shift in routing philosophy.

“The 2029 World Cruise charts a course unlike any we’ve sailed before – reimagining not only the destinations we visit, but the very route that connects them,” he told an audience of guests on the Serenity’s world cruise.

“By venturing beyond our traditional world cruise pathways, we’re able to unlock rarer ports, extended stays, and a deeper sense of place, all paired with the exceptional onboard and shore experiences Crystal guests expect.”

At the launch, Barroso de Oliveira made it clear how meaningful the Australian departure is to him personally.

“We’re coming back to Australia,” he told guests, describing Melbourne as a city with “substance” and a place where “you automatically belong.”

Mary-Beth Meadowcroft, Crystal’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Reservations, described Barroso de Oliveira as “basically a walking encyclopedia,” promising that his insights would bring each destination vividly to life.

ITINERARY AT A GLANCE: FIVE CONTINENTS, 127 NIGHTS

January: Full Circumnavigation of Australia

Crystal Symphony departs Melbourne, calling at Portland, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide, before turning west to Albany, Fremantle (Perth), Geraldton and Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef) — one of the voyage’s new ports — and Broome.

From there, the ship sails to Indonesia, including Komodo and Bali, before returning to Australia’s north and east coasts with stops in Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane and Sydney.

February: New Zealand and the South Pacific

The voyage crosses the Tasman Sea to Wellington, Gisborne, Tauranga, Auckland and the Bay of Islands, before calling at Suva, Apia and Pago Pago.

After crossing the International Date Line, guests explore French Polynesia in depth, including Raiatea, Huahine, Moorea, Papeete, Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Fakarava.

March: Easter Island and the Chilean Fjords

Highlights include a scenic sail-by of Adamstown (Pitcairn Island) and an overnight in Hanga Roa (Easter Island). From there, the ship visits Robinson Crusoe Island — another new port — and continues along Chile’s coast to Valparaiso, Puerto Montt, Castro, Puerto Chacabuco and Laguna San Rafael, with scenic cruising through the Chilean Fjords.

An overnight in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, is followed by Port Stanley (Falklands), Puerto Madryn and Punta del Este, concluding the month with an overnight in Buenos Aires.

April: Brazil and the Amazon

April traces Brazil’s coastline, calling at Balneário Camboriú, Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro and Búzios — another new port — before continuing to Salvador de Bahia, Maceió and Recife.

The voyage then navigates deep into the Amazon River, visiting Santarém, Boca da Valéria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter do Chão, before crossing to Îles du Salut (Devil’s Island) and Bridgetown, Barbados.

May: Caribbean to New York

The final stretch includes Basseterre (St. Kitts), San Juan, Samaná and Grand Turk, followed by Fort Lauderdale and Bermuda, before Crystal Symphony arrives in New York City for a grand finale.

NEW PORTS OVERNIGHTS

First-Time Ports

• Exmouth (Ningaloo Reef), Australia
• Robinson Crusoe Island, Chile
• Búzios, Brazil

Notable Overnights (13 Total)

• Hanga Roa (Easter Island)
• Ushuaia
• Buenos Aires
• Additional extended stays across the itinerary

A&K Sydney New Year’s Eve Experience

The Australian focus extends beyond embarkation. Guests can opt for a five-night Sydney stay curated by Abercrombie & Kent, timed to include the city’s world-famous New Year’s Eve fireworks before travelling to Melbourne to board the ship.

Michelle Mickan, Vice President of Marketing for Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal APAC, described the partnership as “beautiful synergy.”

“You’ve got those two brands, Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal, which complement each other beautifully,” she said. “It’s using the networks and the resources from A&K to further enhance the Crystal experiences.”

She explained that these pre- and post-cruise extensions are designed to offer “unique experiences, insider access” and deeper immersion than a standard hotel stay.

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand in 2022, and spent $170 million refitting its two vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The ships now boast larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, and almost one member of crew per guest.

Dining includes Umi Uma, the only dining experience at sea by chef Nobu, and the only Beefbar on the ocean, a collaboration with visionary restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, and a specially curated Osteria d’Ovidio menu by three-time Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimiliano and celebrated restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo. 

The ships also feature the Aurōra Spa, and entertainment including Broadway-standard shows.

Mickan told Cruise Passenger would be very strong interest in a world cruise that begins at home and features a New Year’s Eve celebration in Sydney as a prelude to departure.

She added that up to 60% of guests on the current world cruise could well book the next before leaving the ship, giving the journey a massive boost and leaving prime suites in short supply.

World Cruise Benefits

Guests booking the full 127-night sailing receive a comprehensive package including:

• Business Class flights and transfers
• Two hotel nights in Melbourne
• $1,500 “As You Wish” onboard credit per person
• Crystal Society savings
• Complimentary laundry and pressing
• Luggage valet service
• Special themed onboard events
• One complimentary medical visit

Meadowcroft confirmed that priority booking access will be given first to existing World Cruise guests, followed by Crystal Society members, before opening to the public on March 16, 2026.

For more, go here.