Cruise industry expands world and boutique travel itineraries

The cruise industry is seeing a rise in world cruises, which allow travelers to traverse multiple continents and oceans in a single continuous journey. These itineraries function as a mobile hotel and transport base, connecting dozens of destinations over several months.

Silversea has announced an itinerary for 2028 titled ‘An Ode to the Moment’. Departing from Miami on January 5, 2028, and concluding in Nice on May 16, the 132-day voyage aboard the Silver Shadow will visit 58 ports across 29 countries and five continents. The route includes stops in the Caribbean, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.

Windstar Cruises is also expanding its offerings with its 2027 programming, featuring all-inclusive packages for select departures to destinations such as the Aegean, Canary Islands, Tahiti, and Japan. The company utilizes a boutique fleet of sailing ships and small yachts, including the new Star Explorer, designed to access smaller ports and remote locations that larger vessels cannot reach.