P&O Cruises launches longest ever world voyage for 2028

Exciting news for horizon chasers: P&O Cruises has unveiled its longest ever world cruise for 2028, and it’s sailing on P&O Arcadia. At a mammoth 124 nights, Arcadia’s “Epic World Explorer” stretches further and lingers longer, giving you serious time to see the world in one go. Here’s what’s been announced, where it’s going, and what Arcadia is like as your home at sea.

What’s been announced

P&O Cruises has confirmed a 124-night world voyage in 2028 on Arcadia, billed as the line’s longest of the century. Expect a wide sweep of regions, including North America, Asia, Australia & New Zealand, the South Pacific, and Africa/Indian Ocean islands, with returns to Japan on the Asia leg. Pre-registration opens mid-October 2025, with general sale late October 2025. 

You’ll be able to sail to and from Southampton on the full world cruise, or fly to join a sector if you’d prefer a shorter slice.

Check it out here: Epic World Explorer

What this world cruise could offer

More time, more places

With 124 nights, Arcadia’s route takes in headline cities and far-flung islands. Highlights flagged by P&O include overnights in the USA with time to explore San Francisco and Los Angeles, calls across Hawaii (Hilo, Kona), Mexico (Cabo San Lucas, Manzanillo), Australia & New Zealand (Sydney, Melbourne, Airlie Beach, Wellington), South Pacific (Suva, Apia) and Asia (Hong Kong, Nha Trang). Africa and the Atlantic add Madeira, Namibia and Cape Town into the mix. 

East Asia focus

P&O has also trailed an East Asia leg featuring Japan, with Tokyo and Nagasaki among the calls slated for 2028. 

Ship deployment & fleet balance

Running a voyage of this length means careful planning around maintenance, crew rotation and repositioning before and after the world cruise. P&O’s approach typically mixes the full round-trip from Southampton with shorter sectors that you can join by air, which helps spread demand and choice. 

Appeal to seasoned cruisers

Ultra-long cruises tend to draw guests who’ve ticked off shorter itineraries and want a slower, deeper adventure with more sea days and longer port calls. If that’s you, Arcadia’s grown-up vibe will likely suit.

Arcadia: the ship doing it

Arcadia is an adults-only ship with an elegant, classic feel. She offers 11 guest decks, 2 pools, 15 bars and restaurants, and 5 entertainment venues, including a theatre and a generous spa. Capacity is around 2,100 guests, so you get a mid-sized ship atmosphere rather than a floating city. 

Arcadia is a favourite for long voyages thanks to her relaxed pace, generous outdoor space and proper promenade. If you don’t fancy the full 124 nights, watch for sector options that let you join key legs such as the Pacific crossing, Australia & New Zealand, or Japan. 

What to consider before booking

• Cost & commitment

  124 nights is a serious investment of time and money. Plan early and set a realistic budget for onboard spending and excursions.

• Health & flexibility

  Longer itineraries increase exposure to weather changes and operational tweaks. Build in flexibility and take out robust insurance.

• Cabin choice

  Popular grades go fast on world cruises. Shortlist your preferred cabin types ahead of on-sale to improve your chances.

• Onboard rhythm

  Expect a gentler pace with more sea days. Arcadia’s adult-only setup suits reading, lectures, spa time and unhurried dining.

Final thoughts

Arcadia’s 2028 world cruise is a big, ambitious statement from P&O Cruises. If you love long sea days, classic ship style and the idea of circling the globe in comfort, this is one to watch - or to book if you’re ready. Keep an eye on the mid-October pre-registration and late-October general sale dates, and decide whether you’re in for the full epic or a carefully chosen sector. 

FAQ

How long will the 2028 world cruise be?

124 nights, P&O’s longest of the century. 

Which ship will it use?

P&O Arcadia. 

When does it depart?

January 2028, with pre-registration mid-October 2025 and general sale late October 2025. 

Is Arcadia adults-only?

Yes. Arcadia sails exclusively for adults. 

Where does it sail from?

P&O’s world cruises sail to and from Southampton, with the option to join sectors by air. 

What sort of ports are included?

A broad mix across North America, Asia (including Japan), Australia & New Zealand, South Pacific and Africa/Indian Ocean. Expect marquee cities and island hops, with some overnight stays.