Silversea has unveiled its World Cruise 2029, A Pacific Awakening, a 125-day journey aboard the Silver Whisper sailing from San Diego on 5 January 2029.
The cruise takes guests through the world’s largest ocean, exploring more than 60 destinations in 19 countries – with six signature events and one included overland experience. Guided by themes of wonder, wayfinding, and cultural awakening, the voyage spans Polynesia, Micronesia, Melanesia, Australia, Asia, and New Zealand – inviting guests to experience the richness of the Pacific.
“The depth and variety of experiences around which we have designed our World Cruise 2029, A Pacific Awakening, is what makes it such a special journey,” Silversea president Bert Hernandez said.
“With 17 overnights, new ports of call, and dozens of immersive experiences across the Pacific, our guests will enjoy iconic destinations alongside smaller, rarely visited ports. From a private evening at the ʻIolani Palace in Honolulu to an exclusive island celebration in the Philippines – these experiences deliver true access and a deep connection to the destination that is unique to Silversea.”
Unmatched access
The brand’s World Cruise 2029 unfolds in eight thoughtfully designed chapters, each crafted to reveal a different dimension of the Pacific’s vast cultural, historical, and natural landscape. From ancestral homelands and wayfinding routes to regions shaped by imperial legacies, these segments provide a thoughtfully layered narrative of exploration for even the most well-travelled guests:
- The Ancestral Isles – San Diego, California to Papeete, Tahiti (5 to 23 January): Sailing from San Diego after an exclusive Bon Voyage celebration, the first leg of the voyage takes guests to Papeete, Tahiti, honouring Hawaii as the ancestral homeland of the Polynesian people. Guests can explore volcanic archipelagos, pristine reefs, and ancient navigation traditions.
- Papeete, Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand (23 January to 11 February): Rooted in the legacy of celestial navigation, this segment from Tahiti to Auckland, New Zealand, traces the path of the great wayfinders across French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji, and beyond. Extended stays throughout the region gives guests time to engage with local communities, from ceremonial sites such as Taputapuātea in Raiatea to vibrant markets and village traditions.
- The Wild & the worldly – Auckland, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia (11 to 27 February): A journey into the duality of the Pacific, this chapter from Auckland to Melbourne captures how the region blends its glacier‑carved wilderness with the cultural energy of cosmopolitan cities. Guests can encounter dramatic fjords, remote coastal landscapes, and heritage‑rich port towns before transitioning into vibrant urban centres.
- Currents of contrast – Melbourne, Australia to Benoa, Bali (27 February 27 to 13 March): From tranquil moments in nature to dynamic city life and wildlife encounters, this segment from Melbourne to Benoa, Bali, highlights the striking contrasts that define Australia’s southern coast and beyond. Alongside visits to celebrated wine regions such as Barossa Valley, guests explore destinations where local gastronomy reflects a deep connection to place. Encounters with marine life and untouched coastlines continue as the voyage moves northward, reinforcing the Pacific’s rich biodiversity and ever‑changing natural rhythms.
- Emerald lands & golden coasts – Benoa, Bali, to Manila, the Philippines (3 to 25 March): Lush rainforests, golden mosques, endemic wildlife, and rich island traditions mark this portion of the voyage, as guests sail across Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines. Calls in smaller ports and emerging destinations offers insight into daily life and regional cultures. Guests also wander deep into Malaysia’s sanctuary forests to witness orangutans and proboscis monkeys move along the treetops.
- Cerulean shores & sakura skies – Manila, Philippines to Tokyo, Japan (25 March to 6 April): From tropical blue horizons to a breathtaking canvas of soft pink and white, this segment from the Philippines to Tokyo is perfectly timed for guests to witness Japan’s Sakura in peak bloom, as the country becomes awash in delicate cherry blossoms, symbolising renewal and beauty. Culinary tradition also takes centre stage through immersive S.A.L.T. experiences that reveal the ancient art of fermentation at a serene Zen retreat on Awaji Island, where time-honoured techniques and seasonal ingredients reflect the deep cultural and spiritual significance of food in Japan.
- Spring at the gates empire – Tokyo, Japan, to Hong Kong, China (6 o 25 April): This segment is set to honour imperial histories and timeless artistry across Japan, Korea, and China. As guests explore heritage landmarks and ceremonial sites, such as the Temple of Heaven, regional cuisine provides an additional layer of insight, connecting tradition, ritual, and identity through flavours refined over generations. Select overland journeys also provide rare access beyond the shoreline, including a complimentary experience to Xi’an with after‑hours entry to the Terracotta Warriors and an optional UNESCO‑focused exploration of Beijing, featuring the Great Wall and Forbidden City.
- Across temple kingdoms– Hong Kong, China, to Singapore (25 April to 11 May): Exploring regions once ruled by powerful Southeast Asian kingdoms, guests travel from China to Singapore in the final chapter of their immersive voyage. Ancient temples, layered histories, and vibrant cuisine define this segment, both along the coast and inland, including a S.A.L.T. culinary highlight in Thailand, where guests are invited into the home and garden of Michelin‑starred chef Vichit Mukura to explore the principles of plant‑based cuisine and wellness, through an intimate cooking demonstration and lunch experience.
Signature events
Silversea’s World Cruises offer rare access to extraordinary places and experiences, through thoughtfully curated events that are seamlessly integrated into the journey. Starting with an exclusive Bon Voyage event in San Diego, the World Cruise 2029 features the following events, inspired by the theme ‘From Kingdoms to Dynasties’:
- In Honolulu, A Night at the Palace offers guests a private evening at the ʻIolani Palace – the only official royal residence in the United States – providing an intimate introduction to the Hawaiian monarchy and living heritage.
- In Tasmania, guests step into the historic Theatre Royal for a private performance at Australia’s oldest continually operating theater. The one-night-only event features a performance by the 47-piece Tasmania Symphony Orchestra, in celebration of artistry and heritage.
- In the Philippines, a full‑ship private island experience on Kalanggaman Island transforms a pristine stretch of white sand into Silversea’s own open‑air setting for Filipino cultural performances, island‑inspired cocktails, and an authentic dinner prepared by a local chef beneath the open sky.
- The Mysteries of Japan in Tokyo immerse guests in an evening inspired by the country’s imperial heritage, blending refined regional cuisine with honored traditions and performances.
- The voyage concludes in extraordinary fashion with an elegant seaside dinner at Pattaya’s iconic Sanctuary of Truth, a hand‑carved wooden temple that provides a symbolic and memorable finale to the 125‑day World Cruise 2029.
Rarely visited gems
Throughout the World Cruise 2029, guests can experience some of the Pacific’s lesser‑known destinations that invite a more meaningful connection with place. Among the voyage’s hidden gems are Kalanggaman Island in the Philippines, and Motu Tapu in French Polynesia, a sacred islet deeply connected to ancestral tradition. Additional calls in the Philippines, including Bohol and Romblon Island, offer intimate encounters with endemic wildlife, dramatic landscapes, and island communities shaped by craftsmanship, culture, and daily life.
Complementing these off‑the‑beaten‑path discoveries, the itinerary also includes destinations of significant cultural importance, such as Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its remarkably preserved Spanish colonial architecture.
Quiet comfort aboard
On board Silver Whisper, refined elegance meets immersive exploration. As one of the smallest luxury ships ever to host a World Cruise, Silver Whisper accommodates just 392 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere. Onboard, guests can enjoy spacious ocean‑view suites, each paired with dedicated butler service, and a nearly one‑to‑one crew-to-guest ratio ensures that every moment onboard is met with care. Built to access hidden harbors and remote islands, Silver Whisper brings the most elusive edges of the Pacific into reach – carrying guests into the heart of cultures, coastlines, and communities few travellers ever experience.
An exclusive pre‑sale for A Pacific Awakening World Cruise 2029 opens to Venetian Society members on April 14, with general sales beginning April 21.
