Explorations by Norwegian: The Countdown Begins

Two years ago, the journey began to plan the world’s longest cruise. Now, Explorations by Norwegian is preparing to set sail on 1 September, marking the beginning of a new era of cruising. This inaugural sailing is more than a departure date. It’s the moment an ambitious idea becomes reality, bringing together the best of ocean, river and expedition-style travel in one seamless voyage. From Rome to Norway, Japan, Alaska, the Panama Canal and beyond, this around-the-world cruise is designed for travellers who want to see more, stay longer and discover more destinations along the way.

As the countdown begins, here’s why Explorations by Norwegian is set to become one of the most extraordinary world cruise experiences ever planned.

What is Explorations by Norwegian?

Explorations by Norwegian is a first-of-its-kind cruise experience that blends the best elements of ocean, river and expedition travel into one effortless journey. Designed for those who want more than a traditional cruise itinerary, it brings together immersive destinations, premium inclusions and bucket list moments across carefully planned voyages.

With itineraries ranging from shorter escapes to epic world voyages, Explorations by Norwegian makes it easier to experience the world in a more meaningful way. Guests can explore deeper ashore with included onshore explorations credits and return onboard to the ease of an all-inclusive experience, with premium drinks, specialty dining, wifi and more all taken care of.

It’s a cruise holiday package with a difference, created for those who want the comfort of life at sea paired with the excitement of genuine exploration.

Woman with blonde hair and white sunglasses holding a yellow drink, standing on the stairs of a cruise ship.

Why this inaugural sailing is a milestone

The 1 September sailing marks the beginning of something truly significant. After two years of planning, Explorations by Norwegian is moving from vision to voyage, setting out on the world’s longest continuous cruise.

The idea was bold from the beginning: create a journey that could span more than a year, visit all six inhabited continents and offer the chance to experience the globe in a single adventure. The result is a 360+ day itinerary exploring over 230 ports, bringing together iconic cities, remote coastlines, cultural landmarks and natural wonders across one extraordinary voyage.

A cruise ship sails under a large steel bridge in an urban area. The cityscape background has dense buildings and a slightly overcast sky, evoking calmness.

Ready to awaken your inner explorer?

A closer look at the Explorations by Norwegian itinerary

The Explorations by Norwegian itinerary begins in Rome before sailing across the globe in search of some of the world’s most unforgettable travel moments. From the Northern Lights in Norway to cherry blossom season in Japan, the Panama Canal and the Amazon Rainforest, this inaugural sailing is designed to inspire at every turn.

Chasing the Northern Lights in Norway

Arriving in Norway in October, Regatta ventures beyond the Arctic Circle at a time of year well-suited to spotting the Northern Lights. With calls to destinations such as Tromsø and an overnight stay in Alta, guests have more time in the far north to look skyward as the aurora begins to dance. It’s a powerful early highlight of the itinerary, pairing Norway’s dramatic coastal landscapes with one of the natural world’s most mesmerising displays.

Vivid green and blue aurora borealis lights up a starry night sky over a snowy landscape with silhouetted pine trees, creating a serene and magical atmosphere.

Celebrating the festive season in Southeast Asia

Few festive seasons feel quite as memorable as one spent sailing through Southeast Asia. After exploring vibrant ports across Singapore and Malaysia, Regatta spends Christmas Day in Phuket, New Year’s Eve in Koh Samui and New Year’s Day with an overnight stay in Bangkok. It’s a colourful and sun-soaked way to welcome the new year, surrounded by tropical coastlines, buzzing cities, fragrant food markets and rich local culture.

A panoramic view of numerous green, jungle-covered islands with steep rocky cliffs rising from turquoise waters under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.

Sailing Japan during cherry blossom season

Arriving in Japan in late March, Regatta is perfectly timed for cherry blossom season, one of the country’s most beautiful and fleeting natural spectacles. From Kobe, guests are well-placed to explore Osaka and Kyoto, while Shimizu offers the possibility of Mount Fuji views. An overnight stay in Tokyo adds even more time to experience Japan in bloom, making this one of the most atmospheric moments of the Explorations by Norwegian world cruise.

Snow-capped Mount Fuji against a clear blue sky, with blooming pink cherry blossoms in the foreground.

Transiting the Panama Canal

Later in the journey, Regatta crosses the Pacific to the Americas, heading south towards the Panama Canal. For many travellers, transiting the Panama Canal is a bucket list experience in its own right. One of the world’s great engineering marvels, this iconic passage carries Regatta through a series of locks, lakes and waterways that connect the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. It brings together history, scale and a sense of theatre before the voyage continues into the Caribbean.

A large white cruise ship named

Venturing into the Amazon Rainforest 

In South America, Regatta ventures into the Brazilian Amazon, adding an unmistakable expedition-style moment to this around-the-world cruise. Thanks to Regatta’s smaller size, the ship can access this rare and extraordinary region in a way larger vessels simply cannot match. With an overnight stay onboard in Manaus, guests can experience the rainforest in greater depth, with opportunities for immersive discoveries such as indigenous community visits and nighttime jungle excursions.

Aerial view of a winding river flowing through a lush, dense mangrove forest, with vibrant green foliage covering the landscape.

What makes it the world’s longest cruise?

The Explorations by Norwegian world cruise spans more than a year, visiting over 230 ports across six continents. That scale alone is extraordinary, but what makes the journey so compelling is the way it combines global reach with immersive destination experiences.

Rather than simply moving from port to port, this voyage is designed to give you a deeper sense of each region. Late departures, rare overnight stays and carefully timed highlights help create a more meaningful way to experience the world.

There’s also flexibility built into the journey. Choose to sail the full voyage or join for a segment, allowing them to experience the part of the itinerary that speaks to them most. For some, that might be Japan in bloom. For others, it might be Alaska, Norway or the Panama Canal.

That flexibility makes the world’s longest cruise feel both aspirational and accessible, whether you’re dreaming of the full year-long adventure or a shorter chapter within the journey.

Blonde woman in a striped shirt reads a brochure while sitting in a plush chair in a hotel room with a bed in the background.

A new era of world exploration begins

With its inaugural sailing beginning on 1 September, Explorations by Norwegian marks the start of a bold new chapter for modern cruising. Be part of this historic journey and discover Explorations by Norwegian sailings with My Cruises, all perfectly packaged with return flights, bucket list hotel stays and exclusive Bonus Onboard Value.

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Categories : Cruise, Travel