Explora Journeys to debut world cruise from Dubai in 2029

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of MSC Group, has revealed plans for its first-ever World Cruise, a 128-night voyage departing Dubai on 6 January 2029. Reservations are set to open in early 2026.

 

Among the few world cruises to begin in Dubai, the sailing underscores the line’s growing commitment to the Middle East ahead of its inaugural Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula season launching in December 2026.

 

Titled Endless Worlds, the east-to-west journey aboard Explora I will follow ancient trade routes that once bridged cultures and continents. The itinerary spans four continents, crosses the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic oceans, and visits 63 destinations across 29 countries and territories before concluding in Barcelona on 14 May 2029.

 

After departing Dubai, the voyage calls in Oman before sailing east to India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, then through Southeast Asia with stops in Bali and Komodo. It continues into Oceania with first-time calls in Australia and New Zealand, visiting Sydney, Cairns, Brisbane, Melbourne, Tasmania and the fjords of New Zealand.

 

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Crossing the Pacific, guests will explore Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands and French Polynesia, as well as Easter Island, before continuing to South America for calls in Chile and Peru, followed by a Panama Canal transit. The final leg includes visits to Bermuda and the Azores islands of Faial and São Miguel, culminating in Barcelona.

 

Designed with a yacht-inspired aesthetic, Explora I accommodates around 900 guests across 11 decks, offering all-suite, ocean-facing accommodation with private terraces and residential-style interiors. Onboard facilities include nine dining venues, multiple pools, a wellness complex, observation lounge, casino and theatre.

 

Explora Journeys President Anna Nash said the World Cruise “enables our guests to experience the world as an uninterrupted story, told gradually and gracefully, with the time and space to absorb its beauty in full.”

 

The voyage builds on the brand’s growing focus on the Middle East, following the rollout of its Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula itineraries. Operating from December 2026 to March 2027 aboard Explora II, the season will showcase the region’s diverse landscapes — from Oman’s fjords to Dubai’s skyline — with ports of call in Jeddah, Dubai, and the Omani cities of Salalah, Khasab and Sur.

 

For more information, visit explorajourneys.com