Royal Caribbean International unveiled its inaugural Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-odyssey set to visit all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 wonders of the world. The experience sails on Serenade of the Seas roundtrip from Miami on 10DEC 2023 through 10SEP 2024.
Bookings for the Ultimate World Cruise are open, with an exclusive one-week window through 26OCT for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.
Travellers 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. Guests can also experience some world wonders from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India.
“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 can opt for the full Ultimate World Cruise, or choose from any of the four regional segments: the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, as early as DEC 2021. Here are more details about each segment:
Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition
10DEC 2023 - 11FEB 2024: Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders
The journey begins in Miami, and sets course for Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travellers can take in four of the world’s wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; 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. An iconic symbol of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu, awaits in Peru, before guests travel to Los Angeles.
Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition
11FEB - 09MAY 2024: Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders
Guests will sail to Oceania, Asia and beyond. They can adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia. The journey continues with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two man-made 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 the culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the beaches of Okinawa.
Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition
09MAY - 10JUL 2024: Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders
This expedition begins in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Guests can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s city of Petra, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also other laces to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, the location of the first Olympic games. The journey continues to even more destinations — like Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
Capitals of Culture
10JUL - 10SEP 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations
The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is a cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. Travellers can discover Barcelona’s architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, and savor flavors across continents, such as 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 fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.
Benefits to Booking the Full "Ultimate World Cruise"
Guests who book the full Ultimate World Cruise can enjoy business class airfare, premium transportation as well as an evening of festivities and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail. 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.
For more information, pleaes visit Royal Caribbean's web site.
