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
- Lima, Peru
- 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
- Dubai, UAE
- 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.
