The World’s Longest Cruise Begins a 371-Day Journey Across 62 Countries

The world's longest cruise, operated by Explorations by Norwegian, has commenced a 371-day voyage starting from Rome. This journey will traverse 62 countries, calling at 220 ports across five continents. The voyage, which surpasses the previous record of 274 nights held by Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise, presents an unprecedented scale in the tourism industry.

The 348-cabin ship, meticulously prepared for passengers who may embark for a year or more, offers an itinerary rich with cultural and geographical diversity.

Passengers will explore major cities, islands, coastlines, and natural regions. In Europe, destinations include Santorini, Naples, Copenhagen, and Helsinki, blending the Mediterranean with northern parts of the continent. The journey then sails to Africa, with stops in Cape Verde, Cape Town, and Zanzibar. The voyage ventures into Asia with stops at Hiroshima, Jeju Island, Colombo, and Malé. The Americas segment includes Alaska and the Amazon region, providing a unique mix of northern and tropical experiences.

The logistical complexity of maintaining such an extensive itinerary, with hundreds of port calls over a year, is substantial. It involves coordinating port services, supplies, maintenance, and passenger assistance across numerous countries. For those wishing to experience part of the route without committing to the full year, Explorations by Norwegian offers individual segments.

One such segment is a 19-night voyage through Turkey, the Greek islands, and Malta. The company is also preparing a 367-day itinerary departing from Australia in 2027, following a similar around-the-world cruise concept.