MSC Cruises has opened bookings for its 2029 World Cruise, a 119-night voyage aboard MSC Magnifica that will call at 45 destinations in 21 countries. The sailing departs in January 2029 and includes an extensive circumnavigation of Australia along with extended stops in Indonesia, giving passengers plenty of time to plan ahead for one of the longest trips on the cruise calendar.
Free: download our 2027 Luxury Cruise Calendar →
For travelers who have dreamed of combining a world cruise with months away from home, this itinerary offers a mix of familiar long-haul favorites and some genuinely new ports that MSC says it hasn’t called at before.
A Global Route With New Stops
The 119-night journey spans the Mediterranean, South America, the Pacific and Asia, according to both Cruise Industry News and Porthole. Passengers can embark in early January 2029 from one of four European ports: Civitavecchia (Rome), Genoa, Marseille or Barcelona, with the Rome departure set for January 4.
The headline feature is a rare full circumnavigation of Australia, taking in major cities as well as new-to-MSC calls at Kangaroo Island, Broome and Darwin, plus a new overnight stay in Fremantle/Perth. From there, the ship heads to Indonesia for extended time in Bali, Lombok and Java, including a first-time call at Celukan Bawang in north Bali. Other additions to the route include Lautoka in Fiji and Timaru in New Zealand, while Milford Sound returns to the schedule. The voyage also includes overnight stays in Rio de Janeiro, Ushuaia, Sydney and Singapore, along with nine overnight calls and 15 included shore excursions in total.
What’s Included in the Fare
MSC says the cruise fare covers the 15 shore excursions along with its Dine & Drink beverage package, which covers select drinks during lunch and dinner. Guests will also receive a 30 percent discount on laundry services for the duration of the voyage, a helpful perk on a trip lasting nearly four months.
Loyalty members stand to gain extra value. MSC Voyagers Club members at Classic level and above receive a 5 percent discount on the booking price, and those who book by November 19 will earn triple loyalty points on their World Cruise reservation, credited before departure as part of a sales-opening offer.
Onboard Experience on MSC Magnifica
According to Porthole, MSC Magnifica has been refurbished and now includes the MSC Yacht Club, the line’s ship-within-a-ship concept offering private facilities, 24-hour butler and concierge service, dedicated suites, a private restaurant and lounge, and an exclusive sundeck area with its own bar and grill.
Throughout the voyage, passengers can expect a program built around the destinations being visited, including themed dining nights, local food pairings, port-inspired cocktails, live music and stage shows, along with language and dance classes tied to the regions the ship is sailing through.
What This Means for Cruisers
World cruises of this length require significant planning, both in terms of budget and time away, but they remain popular with repeat cruisers who want to see multiple continents without changing ships. The early opening of bookings, more than three years ahead of departure, gives prospective guests a long runway to save, plan connecting travel, and take advantage of the current loyalty incentives before they expire later this year.
Travelers interested in the 2029 World Cruise can get details and pricing through a travel advisor or directly via MSC Cruises, as specific fares were not disclosed in the initial announcement.
Sources
- Cruise Industry News: MSC Opens Sales for 119-Night 2029 World Cruise
- Porthole: MSC Cruises Announces 119-Night World Cruise for 2029
- Seatrade Cruise News: MSC opens 2029 world cruise bookings with extended Oz/Asia
- Drift Travel Magazine: MSC Cruises Unveils 119-Night World Cruise for 2029
- Seatrade Cruise News: MSC opens 2029 world cruise bookings with nine overnights
Choosing a cabin on a big MSC ship? Our guide to MSC Virtuosa cabins to avoid explains which locations and fare experiences to watch.

