royal caribbean ultimate world cruise dates

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Royal caribbean introduces ultimate world tour, the farthest-reaching cruise to all seven continents.

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2021* – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can now set off on a world tour of their own. Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents , more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world . This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today , with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travelers will sail to 57 destinations new to the cruise line and exclusive to the cruise itself. Highlights include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International “Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world. To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere.”

Guests ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:

Ultimate Americas Dec. 10, 2023 - Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard-perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier-studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, Christ the Redeemer , in Rio de Janeiro – where they’ll celebrate New Year’s Eve – and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu , awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.
Ultimate Asia-Pacific Feb. 11 - May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders, the Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal , and gems of the South Pacific – from Vietnam to Malaysia. Rounding out the expedition are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
Ultimate Middle East and Med May 9 - July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra , the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
Ultimate Europe and Beyond July 10 - Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell , and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters and galleries line the streets of St. Petersburg, Russia, while larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.

Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade , thanks to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning experiences and amenities. And adventurers can stay close to the action with the ship’s acres of glass, which offer panoramic views, as they cruise from one destination, continent and world wonder to the next. From start to finish, guests who book the full Ultimate World Cruise can expect a seamless, world-class travel experience that includes business class airfare, premium transportation as well as an evening of festivities and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail. Plus, Crown & Anchor Society Platinum status members and above will receive a bonus Seven New World Wonders shore excursion package in addition to other perks, including a Deluxe Beverage package, VOOM Wi-Fi, laundry service and more.

Bookings for the entire Ultimate World Cruise open today for Diamond and above Crown & Anchor Society members. Guests interested in booking can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated line for the Ultimate World Cruise at 800-423-2100 (US toll free) or their travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

*February 2022 update

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October 2021 – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can set off on Serenade of the Seas for a world tour on Royal Caribbean International’s first-ever Ultimate World Cruise. Sailing from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, the farthest-reaching cruise invites travelers to visit 11 wonders of the world and 150-plus destinations in 65 countries on all seven continents.

Royal Caribbean Unveils Epic 274-Night “Ultimate World Cruise” to all 7 Continents

Clear your schedule, because Royal Caribbean just announced the most jaw-dropping of bucket-list cruises.

The cruise line unveiled a brand-new 274-night “ Ultimate World Cruise ” departing December 2023 that is truly an around-the-world trip. Sailing aboard Serenade of the Seas, passengers will reach all seven continents, totaling more than 150 destinations and 65 different countries.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International’s CEO and president. “Now more than ever, people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world.”

Schedule & Pricing of the Ultimate World Cruise

The sailing departs December 10, 2023. Serenade of the Seas will leave from Miami, not returning until roughly nine months later on September 10, 2024.

If that’s too long for you, the 274-night trip is broken down into four different segments , which can be sailed individually:

Round the Horn (Americas & Antarctica): 64 nights with 36 destinations
Wonders of Asia & the Pacific: 87 nights with 40 destinations
Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Mediterranean: 63 nights with 44 destinations
Capitals of Culture: 63 nights with 40 destinations

So what all would you be able to see on the cruise? It might be easier to list things you wouldn’t see.

From as far south as Antarctica to as far north as Greenland, the trip is truly global, reaching every corner of the planet. Highlights include the ability to visit the Great Wall of China, Petra, Machu Picchu, the Pyramids, Chichen-Itza, the Taj Mahal and more.

Port of call are too many to list here, but just a (small) sample include:

Willemstad, Curacao
Devil’s Island, French Guiana
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Elephant Island, Antarctica
Maui, Hawaii
Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Auckland, New Zealand
Cairns, Australia
Manila, Philippines
Hong Kong, China
Seoul, South Korea
Tokyo, Japan
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Mumbai, India
Alexandria, Egypt
Athens, Greece
Venice, Italy
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Nice, France
Casablanca, Morocco
St. Petersburg, Russia
Stockholm, Sweden
Reykjavik, Iceland
New York City

So how much will it cost?

The list price for an interior cabin on the Ultimate World Cruise is $60,999 per person — about $220 per day. Rates climb from there with higher-tier rooms. Balcony staterooms start at $78,999 per person.

Want a suite? While Royal Caribbean requires interested parties to call for pricing on many suites, the Junior Suite has a list price of $111,999 per person.

If you want to save a little money, there is a 10% discount if paid in full by January 2023.

What’s Included in Your Fare & How to Book

Of course, with that sizeable fare you’re getting a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip. However, there are some other perks included. Royal Caribbean is offering passengers business-class airfare to the port, along with transportation from the airport to the hotel before the trip and then to the ship. The cruise line also includes a five-star hotel before the cruise and an exclusive gala to attend.

On the ship you’ll receive the Deluxe Beverage Package during the cruise. Wi-Fi, gratuities, and laundry are also included in the fare.

And if you have Platinum Crown & Anchor Society status, then you also receive shore excursions to the “7 New World Wonders” of Chichen-Itza, Christ the Redeemer, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Petra, and the Colosseum.

Bookings open today for guests who are Diamond level and above in the Crown & Anchor Society. Royal Caribbean says these members have an “exclusive one-week window” through October 26 to book by calling 800-423-2100.

Reservations will be available to other passengers later on, including the ability to book individual portions of the Ultimate World Cruise on their own.

You can see Royal Caribbean’s website for all the details about this one-of-a-kind cruise, including the full itinerary, pricing, and more.

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The Ultimate World Cruise – A Look at Royal Caribbean’s Round the World Cruise 2023

World Cruises are an incredible way to get a taste of the world, see incredible architecture, historical wonders, experience different cultures, and be awestruck by breathtaking natural beauty all while on a cruise. Each year 13 or so cruise lines offer World Cruises. And, starting in winter 2023-2024 we can count one more. The draw of World Cruises have been so great that a cruise line that is known for ice rinks, robot bartenders, and aqua theaters is joining the many cruise lines offering them. That’s right, Royal Caribbean has announced a World Cruise . And, in true Royal Caribbean fashion, this world cruise is unlike any other. Just as they have pushed the envelope in cruise ship design, with this World Cruise itinerary they are pushing the boundaries of a World Cruise. “The Ultimate World Cruise” as they are calling it is a 274 night, 7-continent adventure. Let’s take a look at Royal Caribbean’s first Round the World Cruise 2023.

The Basics:

The Ultimate World Cruise by Royal Caribbean is sailing roundtrip from Miami in December of 2023.

Ship: Serenade of the Seas Departure: Miami, Florida (also offered in segments, see itinerary section below for more details) Dates: December 10, 2023 – September 10th, 2024 Cost: Starting at $60,999 per person (+port fees and taxes). 10% discount if paid in full by January 6, 2023.

What Makes Royal Caribbean’s World Cruise 2023 Different?

At nearly 9 months long, this is the longest world cruise out there.

It’s really the length of the itinerary that stands out – at 274 nights it’s 94 nights longer than the next longest World Cruise currently on the market. Oceania Cruises annually offers a World Cruise typically about 180 nights – however, adjusting departure dates can make a voyage with Oceania up to 196 nights. Anyway you design it though, 274 nights is by far the longest voyage offered as one continuous voyage.

It Visits All Seven Continents*

World Cruises rarely (if ever) repeat the same itinerary two years in a row. Really it’s rare that they would ever sail the same itinerary…ever. These itineraries have to stay interesting and engaging for World Cruise guests that are often repeat cruisers. Many have done the World Cruise year after year after year. This means that the guests want variety in their itineraries and may figure that if one year they explore Asia the next they may explore Antarctica. It is not a necessity to see everything as another World Cruise will (someday) happen.

Royal Caribbean’s round the world cruise is different. This cruise is like taking your bucket list and pouring it out over the map. It’s basically the itinerary of all the other World Cruises combined – *with the exception that while it technically visits Africa it only very lightly touches on the African continent.

There Are Some Good Perks

World Cruises are notorious for offering perks and amenities to the passengers (especially the ones that are completing the full voyage) that you wouldn’t find on an average cruise. On this particular voyage they are offering the “Seven Wonders” package for some of their most loyal cruisers in their Crown & Anchor loyalty program. The other inclusions are pretty good as well. Royal Caribbean is considered a main stream or contemporary cruise line and these inclusions are more along the lines of what is being included and offered by the luxury brands for their world cruises. Will this make other mainstream cruise lines increase what is included on future voyages? Only time will tell.

Other amenities for guests sailing on the complete Ultimate World Cruise 2023 are:

Round-trip business class airfare
pre-cruise hotel stay and welcome gala
transfers between airport, hotel, and ship
Deluxe beverage package for the entire voyage
“VOOM” Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage
Gratuities (this is a big one, think about the $15 or so usually per person/per day x 274, this is a huge savings!)
Laundry Service!! (Another big one, as how else would you pack for 9 months?)
Platinum Status and above loyalty members will have excursions to the Seven New World Wonders included.

If you are only sailing part of the voyage, there are still amenities:

Laundry Service!! (Another big one, as how else would you pack for 9 months?

*As an Amazon Affiliate I may earn a commission on eligible purchases

Can You Sail Just part of the Round the World Cruise?

Not if you don’t want to! This voyage is being offered either as an entire voyage but is also being broken up into four different and unique segments. While some guests will be on for the entire voyage it’s not necessary to be onboard for the entire voyage if you either don’t want to or simply aren’t able to.

This is a great opportunity for guests to try out Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Round the World Cruise 2023 experience for a shorter time, or maybe it’s just the time that would fit in their schedule. It can also be great for someone that has been wanting to explore a certain region for a bit longer and that segment of this itinerary happens to fit that bill. Some guests might be on for just one segment whereas others will be on for several segments and then some guests will be on for the entire cruise. Offering this voyage as segments as well as the entire voyage offers so many more opportunities for guests to experience this Ultimate World Cruise.

What is the Itinerary Like on Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise 2023?

The itinerary on this Round the World adventure is pretty good. If you’d like a complete look at the itinerary and an awesome video about this voyage, please check out this video where I review the cruise and itinerary with my friend (and incredible wealth of knowledge/travel professional) Joanne:

This itinerary does go around the world and visits some incredible places. There are a few things to note when reviewing the itinerary though:

Port times aren’t listed on the itinerary – yet. This means that some days could be shorter or longer in different ports than expected.
The large cities are listed versus where the ship is actually docked. While the ship will dock in one place that is near the big famous and large city, in those ports you will need to get transportation (or a tour) into the city itself. Examples of this are Rome (which is really Civitavecchia), Athens (Piraeus), Beijing (Tianjing), etc.
There aren’t a lot of overnights. Often on World Cruises of this length the ship would have overnights in many cities. This doesn’t seem to be the case on this itinerary. That’s not a bad thing and it will still give you a taste of the places, but it might not be as in depth as you would have gotten if the ship had overnighted there.
It doesn’t list which ports require tenders (yet). However, if you have any mobility challenges where using a tender or water taxi might pose challenging, please check out Royal Caribbean’s Accessible Cruise page for more information.

The Itinerary, in Four Parts:

If you were to sail on the entire voyage you would sail roundtrip from Miami on December 10th, 2023 and return September 10th, 2024. During that time you would visit 60+ countries, have the opportunity to visit 11 world wonders, and spend 274 nights onboard.

Segment 1: December 10th – February 11th Round the Horn: Americas and Antartica Expedition:

This segment begins in Miami on December 10th, 2023 and ends in Los Angeles on February 11th, 2024.

This ‘Round the Horn’ experience will visit 36 destinations in 64 nights around the Americas (mostly Central and South American). Highlights of this segment include Barbados, Devil’s Island, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Falkland Islands, Antartica, Ushuaia, Lima (with the potential to see Machu Picchu), Ecuador, and Mexico.

Segment 2: February 11th – May 9th Wonders of Asia and the Pacific, Expedition 02:

This segment starts in Los Angeles on February 11th and ends in Dubai on May 9th, 2024.

This Wonders of Asia and the Pacific expedition includes 40 destinations and is nearly 3 months long at 87 nights. This also includes the Pacific crossing which is the longest stretch of sea days on this itinerary (don’t worry, there will be plenty to do onboard and sea days are a great way to recharge!)

Highlights of this segment include Hawaii, French Polynesia, New Zealand (North Island only), Australia (including options for the Great Barrier Reef), Indonesia, Philippines, Hong Kong, China (including options for the Great Wall of China), Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India (including options to see the Taj Mahal – will likely require a flight), United Arab Emirates.

Segment 3: May 9th – July 4th Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med, Expedition 03

This segment starts in Dubai on May 9th and ends in Barcelona on July 4th.

During this expedition you will experience 44 destinations across 63 nights. Highlights include Oman, Jordan (with options for Petra and Wadi Rum), Egypt (with options to see the pyramids), Suez Canal transit, Israel, Cyprus, extensive Greece (lots of islands!), Turkey (options for Ephesus), Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Italy (including options for Pompeii, Rome), Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Malta, France, Spain.

Segment 4: July 4th – September 10th Capitals of Culture, Expedition 04:

This expedition starts in Barcelona on July 4th and ends in Miami on September 10th.

Highlights of this segment include Spain, Morocco (including Casablanca), Portugal, Ireland, France, England, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Denmark, Norway, The Netherlands, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, New York City, Bermuda, Perfect Day at Coco Cay Bahamas.

Logistics and Things to Think About:

When thinking about booking a World Cruise it is easy to get caught up in the glamour of sailing the seven seas. The less glamorous side though is everything you need to do to get ready to sail. Being gone for 9 months is a long time. From who will water your plants to how you will get your prescriptions (or whether you can bring enough onboard), there’s a lot to think about to get ready to be away from home for 9 months. Here’s a few things to think about:

What visas do you need? Most cruise lines will supply you with a basic list. At the end of the day though it’s your responsibility to get the required visas.
Weatherizing your home – or finding a house sitter
Getting any important documents notarized and/or having a power of attorney – I never would have thought of this one until a situation recently happened in my life where we needed something notarized while at sea. Who knew it could be such an adventure?!
Mail forwarding/stopping your mail/having a trustworthy neighbor pick it up?
Prescriptions/medical needs – and, importantly – travel insurance!
Cell phone plans – I love my plan through Google Fi which has allowed me to use my phone (without roaming fees) around the world (referral link)
Credit Cards without international fees! I use Chase Sapphire Preferred and have enjoyed it’s point system, both for travel rewards, the ability to transfer it to travel partners, but also for other cash back options as well. Plus, there’s a huge sign on points bonus that would easily pay for an international flight.

Will There Be the Same Crew for the Entire Voyage?

There needs to be some crew change at some point. And, that includes some of the higher ranking crew, too. 274 nights is 9 months. That is a long time! Can you imagine working every single day for 9 months? (Now, some of you surely can, but the majority of the work force expects to have a day off at some point.)

While some crew members will work for 9 or 10 month contracts and some will work the full Ultimate World Cruise, most will not. More than likely they will stagger departures and arrivals of key crew members so that it disrupts the cruise as little as possible.

In perspective though, many officer positions work for 3 months on and 3 months off (or some variation there of). Many positions in entertainment work 4-6 months at a time and then have a couple months off, and many other shipboard positions are for six month contracts. And, while keeping consistency throughout a voyage is important, a healthy work/life balance and avoiding burn out for crew is also incredibly important. However, as it is a World Cruise and there is value in consistency, my guess is the vacation between contracts for some crew in key passenger facing roles will be shortened to disrupt the cruise as little as possible and those crew changes will happen at the start/end of the different segments.

Is Royal Caribbean’s Round the World Cruise Really the “Ultimate World Cruise”?

That remains to be seen, and much like anything, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. In this case whether it is “ultimate” is up to the guests to decide. What might be the perfect World Cruise for some might not be for others.

However, this voyage has a lot going for it – from an interesting itinerary offered as a full voyage or in well thought out segments, lovely included amenities, a beautiful ship – it sounds like a great experience to me.

Would you ever consider going on a World Cruise?

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Caitlin Morton is a freelance writer based in Kansas City. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, and many other publications.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean

After the past couple of years stuck at home, most people are more than ready to jump back into travel—ideally visiting as many places as possible, as soon as possible. Enter Royal Caribbean International. The company just unveiled its Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night sailing that visits all seven continents, including over 150 destinations in 65 countries. It sounds like the perfect way to cross off half your bucket list in one fell swoop.

The cruise will depart from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023, and last until Sept. 10, 2024. That should give you plenty of time to start pinching those pennies—tickets start at $61,000 for an interior stateroom and go up to $112,000 for a junior suite. The price covers business class airfare and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail.

You also have the option to tag along for just one of the journey's four legs, each of which explores a different part of the world: Antarctica and the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, the Middle East and the Mediterranean, and Europe's Capitals of Culture. As for the ports of call, you can plan on visiting pretty much every famous tourist attraction on the planet. We're talking the Great Barrier Reef, Pyramids of Giza, Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, and Iceland's Blue Lagoon—and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Oh yeah, you'll visit some icebergs, too.

"This is the world cruise of world cruises," said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. "To travelers asking themselves where they should go next, we say everywhere."

The all-encompassing itinerary is the main draw here, but guests should expect to have a pretty great time on the actual ship itself, Serenade of the Seas. According to the ship's website , onboard amenities include a mini-golf course, rock climbing wall, full-service spa, pool with a retractable glass roof, and a theater hosting everything from Broadway shows to stand-up comics. Guests can choose from nearly 20 restaurants and bars, then enjoy the scenery from the ship's panoramic, multi-story windows.

Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone now. The only thing left to do is pray you win the lottery in the next 26 months.

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See what life is like aboard Royal Caribbean's wild $60,000 nine-month around-the-world cruise sailing to 65 countries

Royal Caribbean's 274-night Ultimate World Cruise set sail on December 10, 2023.
The ongoing around-the-world sailing has attracted plenty of internet attention.
Take a look at the ship these travelers will be living on for the next nine months, the Serenade of the Seas.

Imagine living on a cruise ship for nine months as it sails around the world. For travelers aboard Royal Caribbean's ongoing 274-night "Ultimate World Cruise," that's reality.

If you're even somewhat on TravelTok , you've probably heard about this wild cruise itinerary. The global voyage set sail from Miami on December 10, 2023. From then through September 10, the Serenade of the Seas will visit more than 150 destinations across 65 countries, making it one of the longest world cruises on the market, its operator touts.

If you’re curious about what life will be like for these seafaring globetrotters, let’s take a closer look at the vessel they’ll be staying on for most of the 2024.

Just don't expect a sparkly new ship like the upcoming Icon of the Seas.

The 965-foot-long Serenade of the Seas joined Royal Caribbean’s fleet in 2003.

The cruise giant refreshed the 20-year-old ship in 2022 after a previous $29 million three-week refurbishment in 2012.

Despite its operator's reputation, the Serenade of the Seas isn't massive.

The ship's 1,073 staterooms can accommodate up to 2,476 guests. The least expensive interior cabins started at $60,000.

The people calling this 13-deck ship their home for the next few months will inevitably face several sea days with no land in sight.

To help pass the time, these guests can head to leisure facilities like the pool under a retractable glass ceiling.

Active travelers might enjoy the onboard mini-golf course, sports court, or 40-foot-tall rock climbing wall.

For those who prefer the classic cruise amenities, the ship also has the obligatory spa, pool deck with hot tubs, casino, and theater.

Younger guests can spend their free time in the water play area, arcade, or teen and children clubs.

Travelers on this global expedition include a two-year-old and several teenagers who will be attending remote schools, a Royal Caribbean representative told Business Insider in 2021.

But those looking to stay far away from these youngsters can instead relax in the adults-only Solarium, a staple on many Royal Caribbean ships.

Like the Solarium, several of the Serenade's specialty dining venues may look familiar to the brand's fans.

The ship’s Italian Giovanni’s Table, steakhouse Chops Grille, and Japanese Izumi are also available across the cruise giant’s fleet.

So is Chef's Table, a more luxurious 16-guest dining room. Like any Royal Caribbean cruise , be prepared to pay extra to dine at these floating restaurants.

At least the main dining room, classic American Windjammer, and casual sandwich and salad hot spot Park Cafe are complimentary.

The cruise line says its menus will include regional dishes that reflect the itinerary's destinations.

It wouldn’t be a cruise without booze: The ship has 10 bars and lounges.

Alcohol is included in the fare.

But not everyone is sailing around the world for the full nine months.

Instead, the Ultimate World Cruise could've been booked in four segments — or shorter voyages within these segments — for those who can't stomach 274 nights at sea.

The most expensive cabins, the suites, have already been called for on the second and third segments, a representative told Business Insider.

Only interior cabins — and one ocean view — are still available in the final leg, a sign that travelers are still spending big on their vacations at sea .

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Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Taps Meghan Trainor as Godmother for New Mega Ship

Andrea Santillan

July 8, 2024

Royal Caribbean’s new Utopia of the Seas will soon join sister ship Wonder at Port Canaveral. American singer and songwriter Meghan Trainor has been tapped as the ship’s godmother.

The Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France delivered it on June 13, and it is scheduled to arrive at the Florida port on July 11. Upon reaching its destination, it will undergo a Coast Guard inspection, a naming ceremony, and a plaque exchange before embarking on a shakedown cruise.

The three-night naming party starts on July 15 and features a visit to Royal Caribbean’s private destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay. Trainor, recently known for controversial remarks against school teachers in 2023 and her hit singles “All That Bass” and “Made You Look,” is scheduled to host and perform at the ship’s Aqua Theater.

“It’s an incredible honor to join the Royal Caribbean family as godmother of Utopia of the Seas and set the tone for the parties to come,” Trainor said.

Utopia: The “ Ultimate Weekend”

Marketed as “the world’s biggest weekend,” Utopia of the Seas is the cruise line’s second-biggest ship class. It was designed to offer short 3-—and 4-night itineraries that leave on Fridays and Mondays. On July 19, it will begin cruising to the Bahamas, visiting Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Aerial view of the Utopia of the Seas embarking from a port, surrounded by tugboats, with a cityscape and bridge in the background.

The vessel’s immense size allows it to host 22 restaurants, 13 lounges and bars, eight themed neighborhoods, six areas for small children, and five pools. The 236,860-ton ship is also home to a 10-story zipline, a 259-foot dry slide, two casinos, two theaters, and the surfing simulator FlowRider.

The Oasis-class cruise ship has 18 decks and can accommodate up to 5,668 passengers in its 2,834 staterooms.

With so many amenities, Port Canaveral’s CEO, John Murray, referred to Utopia as a destination in itself.

Utopia will give Port Canaveral Passenger Numbers a Lift

According to Murray, the world’s busiest port couldn’t surpass last year’s passenger volumes in April and May 2024, but that may change with the Utopia’s arrival.

In addition to Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line sail from Port Canaveral. Management is supporting the facility’s growth by building a seventh cruise terminal, which is expected to be completed by 2026.

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True cost of world’s longest cruise that lasts for nine months straight and what it gets you

It's not cheap, and then some.

Tom Earnshaw

Cruise ship holidays aren't cheap. But a two week excursion around the Mediterranean might feel like a bargain compared to what we've found.

Enter the cruise ship final boss. We're talking a nine month long cruise ship holiday taking you across the entire planet. And the price of such a holiday is going to leave you wide eyed.

Alright, we know that cruises aren't for everybody. Some love nothing more than lying on the beach or a city break.

But millions head to the open waters every year, so there's clearly a demand for it. And for many, it'll allow them to do the likes of a city break and beach trip through day trip excursions, meaning all boxes are left ticked.

There's also very particular kinds of cruise holidays , including those of the spicy variety where couples share sexual partners .

That's not officially on the cards with this one, though.

Enter Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise on board the 22-year-old Serenade of the Seas.

Officially the world's longest cruise, it'll take passengers around the world and to more than 60 countries for a grand total of 274 days.

The Serenade of the Seas (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Where does it take you?

There's a whole lot of options when it comes to the cruise, with it ranging from spending just nine days on board right up to the entire nine months, which includes travelling to see all eight wonders of the world .

We're talking The Great Pyramid of Giza and Rome's Colosseum all the way over to Machu Picchu in Peru.

But how much is it going to cost you to take the nine month trip?

Well, it's not cheap at all. But it does come with a lot of added extras included such as Wi-Fi , business class plane travel to get to the departure destination, and premium alcoholic drinks packages .

It's a very long time at sea (Ben McCanna/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images)

Laundry is also included which is a necessity when you're there for nine months, with it done for you by staff. Your tips to the staff are also included in the total price.

"Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value," Royal Caribbean states.

"No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more."

On board the Serenade of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)

There are four cabin options to pick from on the Ultimate World Cruise.

The cheapest is the Interior Stateroom, which starts at a whopping $59,999 (£47,176). And that's per person, not per cabin. You get a 10% discount ($6,000 discount) if you pay-in-full,

An Ocean View Stateroom that costs from £64,999 (£51,108) per person; a Balcony Stateroom is $82,949 (£65,221) a person; and the Junior Suites start from $117,599 (£92,466) a person.

There are also other premium suites on board but for those, you have to call the cruise line directly for pricing.

The costs don't stop there. Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 (£3,669) a person will be added on top of the cabin.

Royal Caribbean's cruise ship Serenade of the Seas (Feature China/Future Publishing via Getty Images)

The world cruise has gone viral on TikTok , with many giving their two cents over the holiday.

One said: "If money was no object, I absolutely would take this trip."

Another wrote: "This will become a boomer cruise."

And a third posted: "Think about how much money you would save from not buying gas and groceries, as well as other expenses."

A fourth echoed this, saying: "That's not bad considering. Rent, food, gas, etc and you get to travel the world while you do it? If you work remote this might be worth it."

Topics: Cruise Ship , World News , Europe , US News , Travel , Holiday

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

@ TREarnshaw

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11 Around-The-World Cruises For An Epic Getaway

"Sailing around the world" sounds so romantic, doesn't it? You're sailing to remote islands with like-minded people while chasing sunsets on a distant horizon. Sure, you can just board a plane to, say, New Zealand, but there's something so pure and patient about maritime journeys. Cruises are like floating resorts, which ease their way over the waves. It's the definition of "slow travel."

Amazingly, in the modern world of jet-setting travel, round-the-world cruises do exist. Voyagers visit dozens of ports over the course of their odyssey, each with its own landscape, climate, and personality. There are lots of ways travelers can experience "the trip of a lifetime," but this kind of circumnavigation outmatches just about all of them -- and in style. However, there are a few things to consider before investigating such cruises. First, what does it actually mean to sail "around the world?"

Many companies use this phrase — and sail thousands of nautical miles — but only around a single ocean or hemisphere. Even when ships do sail a distance equivalent to the equator (or more), they rarely return to their precise port of origin. Also, these epic cruise vacations can be pricey ; the kind of dream that merits cashing in a 401K, and the time commitment is also substantial, meaning months on the water. But for diehard cruisers, crisscrossing the planet could easily be worth the time and money, and if this sounds like you, these 11 cruise lines are scheduled to sail around the world.

Read more: The Prettiest Waters Around The World

Viking: World Cruise

For 138 days, passengers frog-hop through the Caribbean, pass through the Panama Canal, make their way to the islands of Polynesia, and skirt Australia, Asia, and Europe before finally dropping their anchor in London. On Viking's World Cruise, you can step ashore in 28 different nations and pick from 57 guided tours. Viking has been a prolific, respected cruise line since its founding in 1997, and this three-quarter circumnavigation sets sail in December 2024, so there's still time to book.

Ships are equipped with spas, luxury dining options, and cabin beds that can be separated or combined, among many other touches. Long before stepping aboard, the Viking website has a virtual 360-degree tour, acquainting future travelers with the ship's staterooms. Viking has thoughtfully put together a reading list to help travelers get a deeper understanding of the countries they will visit, which is especially helpful in little-understood destinations like Moorea and Indonesia. The ship also has a sizable library onboard for further research. This, plus its sophisticated tours and dining options that reflect the culture of each port, may explain Viking's moniker, "the thinking person's cruise." Quality does come at a price, with full passage starting at $59,995.

Ambassador: Grand Round The World Cruise

The Ambiance sets off from London, crosses the Atlantic, passes through Panama, and hits Australia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America before pinging back to the United Kingdom. Not only do you cross all the major oceans, but you actually cross the Atlantic three times. Most of these destinations are warm-weather ports, including Sydney at the height of summer. Sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats are recommended on this largely equatorial route.

Ambassador is new to the cruise scene, having been established in the United Kingdom in 2021, and Ambiance is its flagship vessel. Passengers will spend their 120-night voyage in extreme comfort, traveling to 24 countries and 34 ports of call, with top-notch dining, live entertainment, and about 35,000 nautical miles in between. If you can live without a porthole, opting for an inside cabin on the cruise , then passage starts at the budget-friendly price of $8,500 per person, making this Ambassador cruise one of the most economical on this list. You can also add on drink packages and arrange tours in advance or onboard through an agent or the Ambassador app. You can also explore the ship before you travel, thanks to a 360-degree virtual tour. The 2024 voyage sets sail on June 6.

Regent: World Cruise

The 2026 Regent World Cruise starts in Miami and ends in Miami, which makes it convenient to coordinate, especially if you're already based in the United States. Regent Seven Seas Cruises was founded in 1992 and is a respected brand in the industry.

The ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, also lives up to its name with a formidable 154-night itinerary: the Panama Canal, points along Central America, a dozen Pacific islands, Australia, South Asia, East Africa, and two Atlantic islands before returning to Florida. The Mariner arrives in many well-trod ports like Cape Town and Acapulco, but the route also includes locations that most travelers would have trouble pinpointing on a map: Lautoka, Abidjan, and Male are all names cruisers will become familiar with. To really explore these places, Regent organizes a whopping 431 free shore excursions across six continents, 77 ports, and 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sailing nearly 40,000 nautical miles with world-class spas, dining, and entertainment aboard doesn't come cheap. While you'll need to contact Regent to request specific prices, passengers can expect to pay nearly $100,000 for passage. Regent's World Cruise is considered a luxury-level experience with first-class airfare, gratuities, and 24-hour room service included. If this is your tax bracket, just wait until you see the suites.

Royal Caribbean: Ultimate World Cruise

Royal Caribbean has been taking tourists to far-flung destinations since the late 1960s, and it's now one of the most recognizable cruise companies in the world, so naturally Royal Caribbean would host a round-the-world voyage. But even for seasoned travelers, the Ultimate World Cruise is pretty, well, ultimate. Royal Caribbean's world cruise lasts 274 nights and arrives in no fewer than 60 countries. In other words, you'll spend nine months at sea and personally visit more than a quarter of the sovereign nations on Earth. The saga starts and ends in Miami, where the Royal Caribbean is headquartered, which should make arrangements easy.

The biggest bragging right of all: This cruise touches on every single continent, including Elephant Island and Paradise Bay in Antarctica. You'll find yourself in both Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia, plus ports you've never even heard of. That said, unless your soul is fueled by pure wanderlust, this itinerary may sound like a lot of cruising, which may explain why Royal Caribbean has divided the journey into four segments. Cruisers don't have to commit to the entire itinerary; they can easily pick from the quarter that most interests them.

By the time you read this, a segment may be the only option left, as the next Ultimate World Cruise departs in December of 2023. The segments are significantly more affordable as well. An interior stateroom for the full cruise costs at least $60,000 per person, while a segment starts at $12,500.

Cunard: Full World Voyage

When the Queen Mary 2 departs from New York City on January 3, 2024, it won't return to this same harbor for 123 nights. The itinerary isn't exactly "around the world," but rather a crossing of the Eastern Hemisphere — twice. Passengers traverse the Atlantic to the United Kingdom, then ease their way down the eastern coast of Africa before beelining for Australia. The ship boomerangs back, with many stops in Asia, a shortcut through the Suez Canal, and a tour of the Mediterranean before heading back to the U.S.

The voyage comes at the heels of Cunard's 100th anniversary, making it the second-oldest company on the list. The Queen Mary 2 has been Cunard's flagship vessel since 2004, and the company has mastered hospitality over the past century, with exceptional dining, luxury suites, and Broadway-quality performances by the Royal Court Theatre. Cunard also takes pride in its children's facilities, encouraging families to travel together, as well as the great English tradition of afternoon tea. Most of the budget cabins on the Queen Mary 2 were already booked at the time of this writing, but cabins with balconies are still available, starting at the not-ludicrous price of $16,899 per person.

Oceania: Around The World In 180 Days

When Junes Verne wrote his novel "Around the World in Eighty Days," his Victorian goal was to travel as quickly as possible. Oceania is now advertising the opposite: This journey takes passengers the long way from Los Angeles to New York City, across the Pacific, around Australia, along the coasts of East Asia, and then up through the Middle East, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and even Greenland. The itinerary doesn't spend much time in the "global south," so you'll have to visit Africa and South America another time.

The Miami-based Oceania was founded in 2002 and specializes in long-haul cruises, so they know their system well. This cruise may be especially appealing to foodies. The company takes particular pride in its onboard meals as well as in-country Culinary Discovery Tours. Passengers can also take advantage of The Aquamar Spa & Vitality Center, which can orchestrate a special dietary regimen.

Oceania exudes "small-ship luxury" and caps its total number of passengers at 1,250. Everything about the ship is more intimate than found on its larger cousins, from the live entertainment to the duty-free boutiques. If you like a small-town feel, 180 days should be just enough time to meet all your shipmates. If you can't summon the time or (at least) $47,599 by January 2024, the next ship departs in January 2025.

Princess: 111-Day World Cruise

This Princess cruise is another true circumnavigation, starting in Los Angeles and bearing west until the ship arrives back at its original dock. The 111-day cruise starts on January 18, 2024, and includes all three major oceans, both the Suez and Panama Canals, plus 47 ports along the way. The itinerary is light on Asian and African ports and skips South America altogether, but you can still enjoy visits to Australia, the Middle East, and numerous destinations around Europe.

Princess is a hallowed name in the cruise industry. Not only have its ships been sailing the world since the 1960s, but Princess is still one of the most profitable cruise companies in the world. Passengers can expect onboard enrichment programs, award-winning live performances, and rejuvenating treatments at the Lotus Spa. Each port will also bring its own offerings of special excursions, from river rafting to art tours.

With its dependable quality of service and nearly four-month itinerary, it's remarkable that base bookings start at only $15,498. Better yet, if you want to circle the globe with the whole family, this Princess itinerary is a family-friendly cruise and offers youth programming, which is not always the case. If you miss this one, no worries. Three more, of varying lengths, are slated for January 2025.

Holland America Line: Grand World Voyage

Fort Lauderdale is the beginning and end point for the Zuiderdam, which spends 128 days making a complete circle around the globe. Holland America's Grand World Voyage is true to its name. Passengers travel across the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans, making port on five continents. Most of its destinations are clustered around Asia and the Mediterranean, and it skips over Australia. But the Voyage is a rare opportunity to sail up the Amazon River, with visits to inland Brazilian cities most travelers would never think to visit.

Holland America began as a shipping and passenger line in the mid-19th Century, and its history of cruising is nearly as old as the concept. The flagship Zuiderdam is a luxury vessel with a swimming pool and sizable theater. It also boasts several diverse dining areas, including the Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, the Italian-themed Canaletto, and the à la carte Lido Market. There's Billboard Onboard, a special room for trivia nights and karaoke, as well as World Stage, a presentation space with a wraparound LED screen. Bookings start at the more expensive rate of $22,499 for an inside cabin, and the 2024 voyage will set sail on January 3, 2024, but you can expect additional Grand World Voyages to be slated in the coming years.

Azamara: World Voyage

Formerly part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, Azamara is now an independent company taking its own journeys. The 2025 World Voyage begins in San Diego and sails westward, across the Pacific, to Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean, before passengers disembark in Barcelona. The World Voyage doesn't quite girdle the globe, stopping just short of the Atlantic Ocean, and the only stop in Africa is Giza. But this 155-night expedition should satisfy almost any traveler, especially with its 40 countries and 22 overnights.

Unlike many world cruises, Azamara has divided its full itinerary into segments with clear geographic themes, such as "South Pacific Jewels" and "Mediterranean Icons." These titles can help turn experiences into coherent narratives. For example, "Ancient Pathways" draws a historic and economic line between Mumbai and Athens, along with all ports in between. These themes are coupled with thoughtful excursions, which are often scheduled around local holidays and festivals. The World Voyage for 2024 appears to be sold out, but the 2025 edition sets sail on January 5. Passage starts at a princely $39,999.

Freighter Cruises

Some of us want to keep it simple. No need for late-night show-stoppers, cocktail parties with hundreds of strangers, or daring bets at the roulette wheel. "Freighter cruises" have gone by many names over the years, such as "banana boats" and "cargo cruises," but passengers have hitched rides on commercial ships since the dawn of seafaring. These accommodations come in many forms, and you do have to share your vessel with stacks of massive shipping containers; still, you can expect a comfortable cabin and regular meals, along with friendly and respectful crewmembers from around the world. For travelers with a Jack London streak, the freighter cruise feels raw and adventurous.

The Freighter Travel Club was founded in 1958, and companies like Maris Freighter Cruises and Voyage en Cargo have booked passengers on commercial vessels for years. Maris has arranged round-the-world itineraries in the past, and multi-week journeys are common, as enormous loads are floated from one nation to the next. The pandemic took its toll on this niche industry, and most of these journeys do not precisely travel around the world. But when they're in operation, freighter cruises usually cost a little over $100 per day, and savvy travelers have flexibility in their bookings.

Miray Cruises: Life At Sea

Sure, cruising is fun, but what if you want to turn your ship into a semi-permanent address? Life at Sea Cruises promises three years of luxury seafaring, with stops in 140 countries across all seven continents. By the time you're done with these 382 ports, you'll have more photos to sort through and stories to share than most people will amass in a lifetime.

That sounds life-changing, but we'll have to see whether it's too good to be true. Life at Sea is a brand-new enterprise from Miray Cruises, and the maiden voyage has been fraught with delays. However, at the time of this writing, Life at Sea should get underway by the end of 2023, and most full-voyage passengers should already be sailing by 2024. If all goes well, there are four scheduled embarkation options for travelers who want to hop aboard later on, and more will likely be scheduled.

One of the problems has been the ship itself. For a while, the purchase of the ship was in limbo, pushing back the original sail date. However, the MV Lara now seems ready to sail. The medium-sized vessel has space for 1,266 passengers, with a range of cozy cabins, a wellness center, and a pool deck, among many other amenities. Travelers committed to living at sea for three years should get a lot out of their floating home. Life at Sea is a dreamy concept, so let's hope for calm waters once it finally sets sail.

Read the original article on Explore .

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