Oceania Cruises, represented in South Africa by Cruises International, first launched its unique 180-day Around the World cruise in 2015, and the success of this cruise has made it an annual Oceania tradition.
The fourth Oceania Around the World cruise will depart from Miami, Florida, on 10 January 2017, aboard the 684-passenger cruise ship Insignia.
Insignia's 2017 route will take guests from the southern Caribbean and Pacific Riviera on the coast of Mexico across the broad Pacific Ocean, visiting the Hawaiian Islands and French Polynesia on the way. The cruise continues to some of Australia and New Zealand's most renowned destinations including Auckland, Milford Sound, Sydney and Cairns.
Travelling north into Asia, the sweeping itinerary features several overnight stays, including Bali, Hong Kong, Ha Long Bay, Singapore and Mumbai, along with a two-night stay in Rangoon (Yangon). After overnight visits to Egypt and Israel, guests will visit several favourites in the Mediterranean including Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon and Bordeaux.
The Insignia then crosses the Atlantic back to the Americas, where the first port of call will be in Canada. Montreal and Quebec will be visited, along with a new port, Sept-Îles, before the ship heads south, stopping off at classic New England ports. Insignia eventually returns to Miami, completing the traveller's 180-day voyage of a lifetime.
All in all, the trip visits six continents, 36 countries and 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; there will be a total of 98 ports of call, of which 16 will involve overnight stays.
Guests reserving this journey will receive Bonus Savings of up to 43%. Fares start from R540 000, which incorporates Oceania's Exclusive Prestige Package, which includes gratuities valued up to R114 000, free onboard medical care, unlimited internet, laundry services and selected shoreside events. Other discounts and free transfers also apply.
George Argyropoulos, CEO of Cruises International, gave this cruise his highest personal recommendation, saying, "This worldwide cruise should be on every traveller's bucket list. It is the ultimate vacation experience, literally travelling right around the world for six months. The places visited, sights, scenery, cultures and history experienced along the way is unrivalled. And, given the duration and sheer scale of this voyage, I believe that the 2017 Oceania Around the World cruise represents excellent value for money."
