2029 Grand World Odyssey Melbourne to Sydney 132-nights

Your world adventure begins in Melbourne, Australia’s creative capital, where laneways of street art, tiny espresso bars and grand Victorian architecture make the perfect farewell to the south. Before you sail, wander the Queen Victoria Market, stroll the elegant boulevards or stay a night or two to enjoy the city’s famous food and coffee culture. Then step aboard Grand Princess, slip out across Port Phillip Bay, and set off on a 132-night journey that will take you across oceans, through the Panama Canal twice and around the globe, with the whole world ahead of you.

Tucked into the sparkling curve of Twofold Bay on the Sapphire Coast, Eden is one of those places that rewards the curious traveller. This quiet fishing town has a remarkable story to tell. Step into the Killer Whale Museum to hear the legend of Old Tom and the orcas that once hunted alongside local whalers, a tale found nowhere else in the world.

Few departures in the world compare. Glide out beneath the Harbour Bridge and past the sails of the Opera House as the city sparkles around you, with the Pacific and four months of adventure ahead. Whether it's your hometown or a long-planned start line, this is the sendoff that sets the tone for the whole journey.

Queensland's Capital city Brisbane, winds along its river with leafy parks, cafes and a lively South Bank. Meet a koala at a nearby sanctuary or simply stroll the riverside in the Queensland warmth.

Bonjour, South Pacific. Nouméa blends French style with island ease, from freshly baked baguettes and sidewalk cafés to a bustling market of tropical fruit and flowers. Beaches fringe a vast turquoise lagoon, so after a morning of shopping and strolling you can be snorkelling in clear water by lunchtime.

Picture a deserted tropical island with soft white sand, palm trees and water so clear you can see the coral from the shore. That's Mystery Island, an uninhabited speck off Vanuatu's southern coast. Snorkel the reef, swim in warm shallows, or simply sink your toes into the sand and let the world slip away.

Fiji's capital greets you with the warmest welcome in the Pacific, and a hearty “bula!” from everyone you meet. Browse the colourful municipal market, admire the grand colonial buildings along the waterfront, or head inland to rainforest trails and cool waterfalls. It's a real Fijian city, full of life and friendliness.

Rarotonga looks like a South Pacific dream, with jagged green peaks rising behind a ring of white sand and shimmering lagoon. You can drive all the way around the island in about an hour, stopping to swim, snorkel and enjoy the friendly Cook Islands welcome. Island time at its most inviting.

After Rarotonga, Grand Princess settles into the longest open-ocean stretch of the outbound journey, around ten relaxed days at sea on the way to Costa Rica, and this is when life on board really comes into its own. Mornings can start with a fitness class, a stroll around the wraparound promenade or a swim, followed by an unhurried afternoon at the Lotus Spa, the adults-only Sanctuary or a deck chair with a good book from the library. Talks, art programmes, trivia and games fill the day for the curious, and as the sun sets over the Pacific, the Princess Theatre comes alive with Broadway-style shows, the lounges fill with live music, cabaret and dancing, and Movies Under the Stars screens a feature beneath the open sky with complimentary popcorn. Between the dining rooms, casual grills and a toast in one of the bars, these are the days many guests remember most, a slow, social stretch of the voyage before the rainforests of Puntarenas and the Panama Canal.

Panama City is where past and future meet. Stroll the cobbled lanes and pastel balconies of the UNESCO-listed Casco Viejo, then look across the bay to a gleaming modern skyline. Watch ships pass through the Miraflores Locks and see the canal's engineering up close, before you cross it yourself.

This is one of the unforgettable days of any world cruise. Rise early and watch the ship climb through the canal's giant Cocolí and Agua Clara locks, across the jungle-fringed waters of Gatun Lake and down into the Caribbean. From the open decks, you'll feel the scale of one of the greatest feats of engineering ever built.

One of the most romantic cities in the Americas, Cartagena wraps its UNESCO-listed old town inside centuries-old walls. Colourful balconies spill over with bougainvillea, horse-drawn carriages clip through the plazas, and the fortress of San Felipe watches over the bay. Sip a Colombian coffee and enjoy the Caribbean rhythm.

Aruba is sunshine on demand, with year-round warm, dry weather and a steady trade-wind breeze. Stroll the pastel Dutch-style streets of Oranjestad, relax on the soft white sand of Eagle Beach, or explore desert landscapes of cacti and rugged coast. The island's cheerful motto, “one happy island”, suits it perfectly.

Barbados mixes British charm with Caribbean spirit. Wander the UNESCO-listed historic centre and garrison, tour a rum distillery in the birthplace of the spirit, and swim from golden beaches washed by gentle turquoise water. Don't miss the national dish of flying fish and cou-cou.

Possibly the oldest city in Western Europe, Cádiz sits on a sliver of land surrounded by the sea, with golden light, white plazas and a beloved tapas culture. Or take the day to Seville, with its Moorish Alcázar, soaring cathedral and orange-scented streets. Andalusia at its most romantic.

The mighty Rock of Gibraltar rises straight from the sea, a British outpost at the gateway of the Mediterranean. Ride up for sweeping views across to Morocco, meet the cheeky Barbary macaques, the only wild monkeys in Europe, and browse the shops on Main Street. It's small, quirky and completely unforgettable.

Corsica is known as the Isle of Beauty, and Ajaccio is a sunlit gateway to it. Napoleon was born here, and you can visit the house where his story began. Stroll the pastel harbour, sample island cheeses, charcuterie and wine at the market, and look to the wild mountains rising behind the bay.

This is your door to Tuscany. Choose Florence, where the cathedral dome, the Uffizi and Michelangelo's David await, or Pisa and its Leaning Tower, framed by emerald lawns. Wherever you go, the trattorias of Tuscany will reward you with exquisite food and wine.

Elba is a small island with a big story. Napoleon lived here in exile, and you can visit his elegant villa high above the harbour. Between the ochre-coloured fortress walls and the glittering Tuscan sea, you'll find quiet coves for a swim and long, lazy lunches in the sun.

All roads lead to Rome. Step inside the Colosseum, wander the Roman Forum, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain and gaze up at St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Three thousand years of history in a single day, followed by a plate of pasta in a piazza.

A hidden treasure on Spain's southeast coast, Cartagena has more than 2,000 years of history layered into one walkable harbour city. Explore a beautifully restored Roman theatre, climb to hilltop castle views and enjoy fresh seafood in the sun. Far from the crowds, it feels like a genuine discovery.

Spread across seven hills above the Tagus, Lisbon is a city of tiled facades, vintage yellow trams and breathtaking viewpoints. With a late night in port, wander the Alfama's lanes, taste warm custard tarts, and let the soulful sound of fado drift out of a candlelit restaurant. Lisbon is a place you'll want to linger.

Galway is where Ireland sings. Musicians play on cobbled streets, pubs hum with traditional music and the Latin Quarter bursts with colour. Beyond the city, Connemara's mountains and lakes and the dramatic Cliffs of Moher showcase the wild Atlantic coast at its finest.

In County Donegal, one of Ireland's wildest corners, Killybegs is a proper working harbour with a warm welcome. Nearby, the Slieve League cliffs plunge into the Atlantic from heights among the greatest in Europe. It's raw, beautiful, uncrowded Ireland.

The Firth of Clyde opens the door to Scotland's best. Explore Glasgow's grand Victorian streets, world-class museums and legendary music scene, or head to Loch Lomond, where mist rolls over the hills and the water shimmers like glass. Scottish hospitality is a given.

Your seaside gateway to Dublin, a city of storytellers. See the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College, walk beneath the Georgian doorways and raise a pint of the black stuff in a traditional pub. Or stay by the water, where the Victorian harbour and its long pier are perfect for a sea-breeze stroll.

Rows of bright houses climb the hill above Cork Harbour, crowned by the spires of St Colman's Cathedral. This was the Titanic's final port of call, and its story is told in a moving local exhibition. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone, then enjoy lively Cork's markets and food.

The White Cliffs of Dover are one of Britain's most iconic sights, and arriving beneath them is pure magic. Climb to the medieval castle, visit Canterbury's great cathedral, or take the day to London for Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and a show in the West End.

Bruges looks like a fairy tale, with its UNESCO-listed medieval centre, quiet canals and gabled houses. Glide by boat, climb the belfry and treat yourself to Belgian chocolate and waffles. Or head to Brussels, where the gilded Grand Place is one of Europe's most spectacular squares.

Amsterdam is a city made for wandering. Drift along lamplit canals, cycle beside the locals, and spend an hour with the masters at the Rijksmuseum or Van Gogh Museum. A cosy brown café and a plate of stroopwafels round off the perfect Dutch day.

At Denmark's northernmost tip, Skagen is famed for its luminous light, which inspired a famous colony of painters. Stand at Grenen, where the Baltic and North Seas meet in a swirl of waves, wander among golden dunes and savour fresh fish in the sunshine. Peaceful, beautiful and wonderfully off the beaten track.

Cheerful, stylish Copenhagen is hard not to love. Take in the rainbow-coloured houses of Nyhavn, visit fairy-tale palaces and enjoy the twinkling Tivoli Gardens. Cycle the harbourfront like a local, taste a warm Danish pastry, and discover why Danes are considered some of the happiest people on Earth.

Norway's sunny south coast is a summer favourite, full of white wooden houses, island-speckled waters and polished rock. Browse the fish quay for fresh shrimp, walk the old quarter's cobbled streets and take in the charming coastline from the water. This is Norwegian life at its relaxed best.

Cobbled lanes lined with gleaming white wooden houses make Old Stavanger one of Norway's prettiest corners. It is also the gateway to the spectacular Lysefjord, where cliffs plunge into dark water. Adventurous hikers can head for Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped cliff with a view that stops you in your tracks.

Few visitors ever see this peaceful fjord-side village, which is why it feels so special. Steep mountains soar above shimmering water, waterfalls streak the cliffs and the air is sweet and clean. It is also the home of the sturdy Norwegian fjord horse, a gentle symbol of the region.

Sail deep into the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, until you reach the quiet village of Skjolden at its head. Waterfalls tumble down sheer rock walls and the peaks of Jotunheimen mountain country rise beyond. Nearby, the ancient Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure of medieval Norway.

Mist, cliffs and sheep, this is the Faroe Islands, one of the most dramatic and least visited places in Europe. Tiny villages with grass-roofed houses cling to emerald slopes above the sea, and waterfalls pour straight into the ocean. It's a true wilderness at the edge of the world, and you'll have it nearly to yourself.

Iceland is a land of fire and ice, and Reykjavík is the colourful base for exploring it. Soak in the steaming waters of a geothermal lagoon, chase waterfalls and erupting geysers along the Golden Circle, and wander the compact, creative capital. Nature here is on a grand scale.

Deep in Iceland's remote Westfjords, a small, friendly town nestles beneath steep, snow-streaked mountains beside a glassy fjord. The landscape is dramatic, wild and unspoiled, with sea air, soaring peaks and a sense of true isolation. It's the Iceland most travellers never see.

Newfoundlanders are famous for their warmth, and you'll feel it the moment you step ashore. Corner Brook sits in a forested valley beside a sparkling fjord, with Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of towering cliffs and ancient rock, within reach. Wild, beautiful and wonderfully welcoming.

It was here in 1534 that Jacques Cartier first stepped ashore and claimed the land for France. Today the Gaspé Peninsula offers rugged coast, colourful fishing villages and fresh seafood. Forillon National Park and the dramatic Percé Rock are among the finest sights on Canada's east coast.

Few travellers ever make it to these remote islands in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and that's their beauty. Red sandstone cliffs, endless sand dunes and brightly painted houses meet the sea. The distinct Acadian culture, local seafood and cheeses make this a delightful surprise.

The gateway to Cape Breton Island, where Scottish, Gaelic and Acadian traditions fill the air with fiddle music. Drive the scenic Cabot Trail, one of the world's great coastal roads, or step back in time at the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg. Highlands meet the sea in a landscape that stays with you.

Halifax is a lively harbour city with a long maritime story. Climb to the star-shaped citadel for views over the water, walk the busy waterfront boardwalk and then drive to Peggy's Cove, where a lighthouse stands on rounded granite rocks above the crashing Atlantic. It's the Canadian coast at its most picturesque.

The Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world, and Saint John lets you see them at work. Watch the Reversing Falls change direction as the tide turns, a natural spectacle unlike any other. Browse the historic City Market and savour local seafood before you sail on.

There's no arrival like sailing past the Statue of Liberty with the Manhattan skyline rising ahead. With a late night in port, you have time to stroll Central Park, catch a Broadway show or watch the city lights glitter from a rooftop. The city that never sleeps is ready for you.

Miami is bold, bright and full of rhythm. Admire the pastel Art Deco buildings of South Beach, sip Cuban coffee in Little Havana and soak up the Florida sunshine on powdery sand. After the cool north, it's a tropical welcome back.

Seven Mile Beach is one of the most celebrated stretches of sand in the Caribbean, with calm, clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, wade into the shallows at Stingray City, where gentle rays glide right up beside you. Pure Caribbean bliss.

Now it's time to experience the canal in reverse, from the Caribbean back to the Pacific. Watch the great lock gates swing open and the water rise and fall around the ship, and look out for tropical birds and the green walls of the jungle. A second crossing means a second chance to savour one of the world's great journeys.

A lively Pacific port and one of Ecuador's great fishing towns, Manta serves up beach life and seriously fresh seafood. Nearby Montecristi is the real home of the “Panama hat”, still woven by hand by local artisans. A genuine taste of coastal Ecuador.

An overnight stay gives you time to truly discover Lima, the culinary capital of South America. Explore the UNESCO-listed historic centre, stroll the clifftop parks of Miraflores above the Pacific, and dine on world-famous ceviche and Peruvian fusion cuisine. Dinner here is an event in itself.

Pisco is your doorstep to the wildlife-rich Paracas coast. Cruise out to the Ballestas Islands, sometimes called the poor man's Galapagos, to see sea lions, penguins and thousands of seabirds. And of course, toast the day with a pisco sour, the signature cocktail named for the town.

Rapa Nui rises from the Pacific thousands of kilometres from the nearest major land, one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth. Cruise past the island that holds the mysterious moai statues, carved centuries ago and still gazing across the grassy slopes. Viewing depends on weather and sea conditions.

A tiny, rugged island in the middle of the South Pacific, Pitcairn was settled by the mutineers of HMS Bounty in 1790, and their descendants still live here. Very few travellers will ever glimpse it, and you'll do it from the deck of your ship. Viewing depends on weather and sea conditions.

Tahiti is the South Seas of your imagination, with jagged green peaks, black-sand beaches and thundering waterfalls. Browse the colourful market in Papeete for tropical flowers and glossy black pearls, and enjoy the island's warm Polynesian music and dance. It's a place that has inspired artists for centuries.

Moorea is Tahiti's dazzling neighbour, with razor-sharp mountains rising above emerald bays and lagoons of impossible blue. Snorkel among rays and tropical fish, drive to a viewpoint above the twin bays or simply drift in the warm shallows. This is paradise, exactly as you pictured it.

The City of Sails is a feast of harbours, volcanic hills and big blue skies. Ride the Sky Tower for views over the water, hop a ferry to Waiheke Island's vineyards and beaches, and enjoy the easygoing Kiwi welcome. The long Pacific crossing ends in style.

Sunny Tauranga is a gateway to some of New Zealand's most memorable adventures. Climb Mount Maunganui for sweeping bay views, soak in the steaming geothermal landscape and Māori culture of Rotorua, or wander the green hills of the Hobbiton movie set. Something for everyone, all within a day.

A world away from anywhere, Norfolk Island is a place of tall pines, rolling green pastures and a rich, unusual history. Wander the UNESCO-listed Georgian buildings of Kingston, once a convict settlement, and meet the descendants of the Bounty mutineers, who speak their own unique language. A fascinating final stop in the Pacific.

Your grand circle of the globe closes where it began. Sail back beneath the Harbour Bridge with the Opera House gleaming in the sun and a lifetime of memories in your suitcase. You've seen the world, and you've come home to one of its loveliest harbours.