World’s longest cruise sets sail from Rome for 371 days: Regatta to visit 220 ports across 62 countries – how much it costs, where it will go and what passengers can expect
The ultimate round-the-world cruise is officially underway. Explorations by Norwegian’s Regatta departed Rome on September 1, 2026, beginning a year-long voyage that will take passengers across 62 countries, six continents and more than 220 ports.The 371-day cruise is being billed as the world’s longest cruise, giving travelers the rare opportunity to spend more than a year aboard the same ship while exploring destinations across Europe, Africa, Asia, North America and South America.
World’s longest cruise: Where will the Regatta go?
Regatta will visit 220 ports across 62 countries during its epic voyage. (Photo: Explorations by Norwegian)
The itinerary is designed to cover a huge range of destinations rather than concentrate on one region.In Europe, passengers can expect stops including Santorini, Naples, Copenhagen and Helsinki. The journey then extends into Africa, with destinations such as Cape Verde, Cape Town and Zanzibar on the itinerary.The Asian leg includes destinations such as Hiroshima, Jeju Island, Colombo and Malé, while the Americas section stretches from Alaska to the Amazon.The voyage also offers passengers the chance to experience some of the world’s most sought-after travel phenomena, including the Northern Lights in Norway, Japan’s cherry blossom season and tropical destinations across Southeast Asia.
How much does the 371-day cruise cost?
A year at sea: Regatta takes passengers around the world. (Photo: Explorations by Norwegian)
A year-long cruise comes with a substantial price tag.According to travel reports, fares for the complete 371-day journey began at around A$99,000 (approximately US$71,450), while the most expensive accommodation options reached nearly A$250,000 (around US$180,410).The cruise is all-inclusive, with travelers able to choose from the 348 suites and staterooms aboard Regatta.For those who cannot commit to an entire year, Explorations by Norwegian also offers shorter segments, allowing travelers to experience selected portions of the itinerary instead.
What is life like aboard Regatta?
Inside the world’s longest cruise: Cost, destinations and onboard experience. (Photo: Explorations by Norwegian)
The ship is designed to make an extended stay feel more like living at sea than taking a conventional holiday.Regatta features a saltwater swimming pool, whirlpool spas, spa and salon facilities, fitness amenities and a library containing more than 2,000 books.Explorations by Norwegian also highlighted the ship’s pool deck, spa, salon and library as part of its social-media coverage marking the beginning of the inaugural voyage.The vessel was previously part of Oceania Cruises, another brand within Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and now serves as the centerpiece of the new long-duration exploration concept.
World’s longest cruise beats Royal Caribbean’s previous record
Before Regatta’s 371-day voyage began, Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise held the distinction of being one of the longest scheduled world cruises.The Serenade of the Seas voyage lasted 274 nights, departing in December 2023 and visiting 160 destinations, including several major world landmarks.The new Explorations by Norwegian itinerary therefore represents a significant increase in duration, keeping passengers at sea for more than a full year.
Another 367-day world cruise is already open for bookings
Missing the 2026 departure does not mean travelers have missed their chance at a year-long cruise.Explorations by Norwegian is already offering a 367-day world exploration cruise departing from Australia on February 17, 2027. Current listings show the voyage visiting more than 230 ports and being offered from A$119,990 per person, with some packages including flights, transfers and other benefits.Shorter journeys are also available, including multi-week itineraries covering destinations in Europe, Asia, the Americas and beyond.For travelers with the time and budget, the concept offers something few conventional vacations can match – a year of continuous global travel without repeatedly packing and unpacking between hotels, airports and destinations.With the Regatta now underway, passengers on the inaugural voyage are set to spend the next 371 days moving from one corner of the world to another, turning the idea of a world cruise into a year-long way of life.
