Australian travellers with a taste for high-seas adventure and early travel planning are in for a treat, as two leading luxury cruise lines unveil a stunning array of new itineraries for 2027 and 2028. With earlybird deals now available, these announcements provide ample inspiration for those looking to secure a spot on some of the world's most sought-after voyages.
Ponant's Pioneering Antarctic Expeditions for 2027-28
French luxury expedition line Ponant Explorations has officially opened the books on an extensive Antarctic season for the 2027-28 period. The company will deploy a fleet of four ships on its flagship routes, featuring three expedition vessels alongside the world's sole luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot.
This powerful icebreaker enables two unique exploration voyages into latitudes of the Southern Hemisphere that are otherwise inaccessible. The first is the 'Beyond the Antarctic Circle — In the Wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot' journey. This 16-day, 14-night expedition departs from and returns to Ushuaia, tracing the path of historic polar explorations all the way to the Bellingshausen Sea. Fares start from $34,900 per person, with scheduled departures on December 2 and 28, 2027.
The second flagship itinerary is 'The Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea'. This 14-day, 12-night Ushuaia return voyage offers four departure dates: October 27, November 8, November 20, and December 16, 2027. Prices also begin at $34,900 per person. This fare includes all activities and an onboard lecture series hosted by a member of Ponant's partner, The Explorers Club.
Ponant's luxury Sisterships will also operate a series of expedition voyages connecting the Antarctic Peninsula with Patagonia. These include:
- Emblematic Antarctica (12 days/10 nights, Ushuaia return).
- The Great Austral Loop (19 days/18 nights, Ushuaia return).
- The Best of Chilean Fjords (15 days/14 nights, Valparaiso to Ushuaia).
- Falklands, South Georgia and Valdes Peninsula: in the Heart of the Wilderness (20 days/18 nights, Ushuaia to Buenos Aires).
All Ponant packages are inclusive, covering Zodiac excursions, daily landings, hiking, gourmet dining, and unlimited internet. Guests aboard Le Commandant Charcot also have access to cross-country skis, snowshoes, and sea kayaking.
Regent Seven Seas Announces 'Navigate the Seasons' Collection
Meanwhile, ultra-luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises has launched a new collection of 32 voyages aboard the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator. These sailings are scheduled between November 1, 2026, and November 20, 2027.
A highlight of the 'Navigate the Seasons' collection is the brand's first full winter season in the Mediterranean. A company spokesperson noted this offers a fresh perspective on the beloved region, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The collection features cruises ranging from nine to 27 nights, including overnight stays in select ports.
Key itineraries that will appeal to Australian travellers include:
- Rome to Barcelona (10 nights): Departs November 1, 2026, visiting Malta, Tunisia, Sicily, Naples, Tuscany, the French Riviera, and Spain.
- Lisbon to Cape Town (25 nights): Departs February 12, 2027, tracing Africa's Atlantic coast with calls in Madeira, the Canary Islands, and an overnight in Walvis Bay, Namibia.
- Sydney to Benoa, Bali (14 nights): A significant local offering, departing September 20, 2027. This voyage calls at Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Thursday Island, and Darwin before crossing to Indonesia's Komodo Island.
Other notable sailings include Istanbul to Athens (14 nights in January 2027), a 12-night round-trip from Tokyo in April 2027, and a 10-night Fijian voyage from Lautoka in August 2027.
The Seven Seas Navigator carries a maximum of 496 guests serviced by 365 crew, ensuring a highly personalised experience. Advertised fares start from $6,720 per person. The luxury-inclusive fare covers unlimited shore excursions in every port, specialty dining, fine wines and spirits, and wi-fi.
Securing Your Spot on a Future Adventure
For Australian cruise enthusiasts, these announcements signal the perfect time to start planning a major adventure well in advance. Early booking often provides the best choice of suites and departure dates, along with potential earlybird incentives.
Full details, specific dates, and bookings for Ponant's Antarctic program are available at au.ponant.com or through travel agents. Information on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Navigate the Seasons collection can be found at RSSC.com/navigate-the-seasons or by consulting a cruise specialist. As with all travel offers, terms and conditions apply.
