Arcadia Sets Sail on Its Epic 2026 World Cruise

P&O Cruises’ Arcadia has officially embarked on its highly anticipated 2026 World Cruise, departing from Southampton on January 6, 2026. The adults-only vessel is leading the cruise line’s global voyage this year with an ambitious 100-night journey spanning nearly 30 destinations across multiple continents.

A Journey Around the World

Branded as the “Epic World Explorer” itinerary, the cruise offers passengers an immersive experience that combines iconic cities, remote islands, and extended stays in some of the world’s most celebrated ports. A key highlight of the voyage is a series of overnight calls, allowing guests more time to explore destinations such as Cape Town, Sydney, and Honolulu.

Early Stops: Europe to Africa

After leaving the UK, Arcadia made its first calls in Lisbon and Funchal, before continuing to Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands. The ship then reached the Cape Verde archipelago, with stops in Mindelo and Praia.

From there, the itinerary expanded along the African coastline, including visits to Dakar (Senegal) and Walvis Bay (Namibia), followed by extended stays in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth in South Africa.

Indian Ocean, Australia, and New Zealand

Sailing eastward, Arcadia cruised through the Indian Ocean and the Vanilla Islands, calling at destinations such as Réunion and Mauritius. The ship then arrived in Australia and New Zealand, with scheduled stops in:

• Fremantle
• Adelaide
• Melbourne
• Sydney
• Dunedin
• Wellington
• Napier
• Auckland
• Tauranga

Pacific Islands, North America, and the Panama Canal

The world cruise continues through the South Pacific, visiting Suva and Lautoka, before heading north to Hawaii and the U.S. West Coast. Ports of call include Honolulu, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Manzanillo.

One of the voyage’s standout moments follows, as the ship transits the Panama Canal, a bucket-list experience for many cruisers.

Caribbean, Atlantic, and Return to Southampton

On its return journey to Europe, Arcadia visits several Caribbean and Atlantic destinations, including Willemstad (Curaçao), Bridgetown (Barbados), and Ponta Delgada in the Azores. The three-month voyage is set to conclude back in Southampton on April 15, 2026.

A Modern Classic at Sea

Built by Fincantieri in 2005, the 83,000-ton Arcadia accommodates nearly 2,000 passengers. The ship underwent a major refurbishment in late 2024, enhancing onboard amenities and modernizing public spaces—part of a broader update program that also included a refit of Aurora.

With its carefully curated itinerary and refreshed onboard experience, Arcadia’s 2026 World Cruise promises an unforgettable global adventure for seasoned travelers seeking a truly immersive journey at sea.

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