P&O Cruises 52-night world cruise sets sail from Southampton
There’s something deeply appealing about stepping onto a ship in Southampton and not stepping off again until you’re on the other side of the world. That’s exactly what P&O Cruises is offering in 2027 – a 52-night journey aboard the Arcadia, heading for Brisbane via a route that doesn’t skimp on tropical warmth, Pacific horizons, or classic seafaring comfort.
The cruise departs on 6th January, a time when many of us are staring out the window at sideways rain and flicking through flight sales. However, unlike a week in the Canaries or a frantic multi-city dash, this voyage invites you to slow things right down.
No need for layovers, missed connections, or airport sandwiches. You unpack once, settle in, and let the scenery come to you.
The ship itself, called Arcadia, is one of P&O’s adults-only vessels, more relaxed than glitzy, with a loyal following among those who favour wine tastings and decent theatre over water slides and poolside foam parties. There’s an onboard spa with thermal suites, a West End-style theatre, and restaurants including Ocean Grill and Sindhu. Cabins start at £7,179, with upgrades to balconies and suites available.
But of course, what really makes this cruise stand out is the itinerary. Over the course of nearly two months, the Arcadia will trace a path across continents and time zones, dropping anchor at the kind of places that make even the most seasoned traveller check their passport’s expiry date.
Stops include:
- Funchal, Madeira – cobbled lanes, mountain air, and a glass of poncha if you’re lucky
- Bridgetown, Barbados – where every street seems to hum with music and sea breeze
- Willemstad, Curaçao – full of pastel-painted buildings and Caribbean colour
- Panama Canal transit – one of the great feats of engineering, still impressive on Day 15
- San Francisco – overnight in the city by the bay, with time for sourdough and sea lions
- Honolulu & Kona, Hawaii – from volcanic landscapes to surf-lapped shores
- Sydney, Newcastle & Brisbane – finishing the trip in laid-back Aussie style
The cruise ends in Brisbane, with flights home included – or the option to extend your stay Down Under if you’re not quite ready to head back to the drizzle.
P&O Cruises has also been making noises about its sustainability practices, with efforts to reduce waste and improve energy efficiency. It’s not carbon-neutral cruising, but it’s a step towards more mindful sea travel, and something to consider when you’re weighing up long-haul options.
Flexible booking options, bundled excursions, and hotel stays at key points along the route all add to the appeal, especially for those after a trip that feels planned, polished, and worth the wait.
Is it a luxury? Certainly. However, for travellers who want to exchange the post-Christmas slump for sunset decks, new ports and a real sense of journey, the P&O Cruises 52-night world cruise might just be the one to beat.
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