There are world cruises, and then there are journeys that make you want to pull up a map and start tracing the route. AIDA's latest itinerary is definitely one of the latter. In November 2028, AIDAmar is setting off on a 142-day voyage that begins on Germany's Baltic coast and ends more than four months later in Hamburg.
The departure on 3 November 2028 will be AIDA's first world cruise to start in Warnemünde. According to the cruise line, the ship will visit 51 ports in 19 countries across five continents, crossing the equator twice and the International Date Line once. It is due back in Hamburg on 25 March 2029.
A route built around the southern hemisphere
Instead of rushing between the usual headline cities, this itinerary spends a lot of time exploring the southern half of the world. In South America, the plans include Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, the landscapes of Patagonia and a passage around Cape Horn. Those are the sorts of destinations that could easily fill a holiday on their own.
Then comes the Pacific, with calls in places including Tahiti and Fiji. Christmas is planned for French Polynesia, while New Year's Eve is scheduled for Suva in Fiji. I love that idea. Imagine seeing in a new year surrounded by the islands of the South Pacific rather than standing in the same place you celebrated the last one.
Australia gets a substantial part of the schedule too. AIDA says AIDAmar will call at 11 Australian ports, with overnight stays planned in places including Sydney, Darwin, Broome and Fremantle. From there, the voyage continues across the Indian Ocean towards Mauritius, La Réunion, South Africa and Namibia before returning towards Europe.
What would a trip like this cost?
AIDA has advertised fares starting at €20,995 per person. That is a specified introductory rate for an inside cabin with two people sharing and includes a limited early-booking reduction, so it should not be treated as the price everyone will pay. The itinerary became available to book on 22 October 2026.
The fare is only one part of a journey this long. I'd also want to check visas, insurance for an extended trip, spending money, excursions and the practical side of being away from home for nearly five months. And because AIDA serves a primarily German-speaking market, international travellers should check the onboard language and experience before booking.
Why this one stands out
For me, the appeal is the variety. Cape Horn, Tahiti, Sydney and the coast of southern Africa feel like very different holidays, yet this route puts them together without having to pack and unpack in a different hotel every few days.
It is a huge commitment of time and money, of course. But even if a 142-day sailing is more daydream than realistic booking, AIDA has put together a route worth exploring. I'd start by looking closely at how much time the ship actually spends in each port, especially the overnight calls.
Itinerary, dates and headline fare checked against AIDA Cruises' official announcement of 22 October 2026. Prices and ports can change; check current terms directly with the cruise line.
