Cruise enthusiasts, mark your calendars! Royal Caribbean International announced Thursday the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise, an epic 274-night round-the-world sailing that will visit all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries, and 11 great wonders of the world. It begins in Miami on December 10, 2023, and continues through September 10, 2024.
The journey on the Serenade of the Seas is Royal Caribbean’s first foray into the arena of world cruises and will be the longest and most comprehensive world cruise ever undertaken, according to the company’s press release.
“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, when describing the itinerary. “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.”
The cost for the entire cruise starts at $60,999 per person, plus taxes and other fees. Passengers who book the sail and pay in full by January 6, 2023, will receive a 10 percent discount. The price also includes business class air and other perks, plus accommodations at the InterContinental Miami hotel prior to departure, a Royal spokeswoman said.
Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above can book the full cruise exclusively now by phone through October 26. Members who book will also receive a bonus Seven New World Wonders shore excursion package. They’ll also receive other perks, including a Deluxe Beverage package, VOOM Wi-Fi, laundry service, and more. Bookings will open to all others one week later on October 27 and for the individual segments in December. The segments, or “expeditions” as the cruise line calls them, are divided into four distinct itineraries:
Round The Horn: Americas And Antarctica Expedition
Dec. 10, 2023–Feb. 11, 2024
Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders. It includes Caribbean destinations like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) — before heading to Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Some of the world’s stunning wonders along the way are Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, where guests celebrate New Year’s Eve; and the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lastly, Machu Picchu awaits in Peru.
Wonders of Asia And The Pacific Expedition
Feb. 11–May 9, 2024
Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders. Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia, and discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand before traveling to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 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 is Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa.
Middle East Treasures And Marvels Of The Med Expedition
May 9–July 10, 2024
Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders. This expedition begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Adventurers 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. The journey continues to more destinations known for their storied histories — Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
Capitals Of Culture
July 10–Sept. 10, 2024
Three continents, 40 destinations. The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise begins in the Mediterranean and heads north to discover Barcelona and savor new flavors across continents — such as lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums, theaters, and galleries in St. Petersburg, Russia, give way to fjords 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.
Guests interested in booking the trip can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated line for the Ultimate World Cruise at (800) 423-2100 (U.S. toll free) or contact their travel advisor.
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