Royal Caribbean International is introducing a one-of-a-kind Ultimate World Cruise aboard the Serenade of the Seas. This Radiance Class ship will undergo revitalization before this voyage of a lifetime sets sail to all seven continents in a total of 274 nights. Traveling through some of the most uniquely beautiful landscapes across the world in over 150 ports of call, cruisers can experience a multitude of cultures in 65 countries and marvel at the natural beauty of 11 World Wonders. The world cruise is presented in four parts, each of which is called an ‘expedition’. For travelers hesitant to commit to the full length of the journey, the four expeditions are available separately pending availability.
Round The Horn: Americas & Antarctica
The first expedition begins on December 10, 2023, traveling to 36 destinations in the Americas and Antarctica in a total of 64 nights. Departing from Miami, Florida, the ship cruises through The Bahamas with a day stop at Coco Cay. A day at sea follows before the second stop takes place in Mexico for exploration of the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzā. The cruise continues on to Aruba, Curaçao, Bonaire, Barbados, Grenada, French Guiana, and Brazil, where travelers debark and visit Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Other ports of call in South America include major cities in Uruguay and Argentina with a shore excursion to explore the Igazú Falls in Buenos Aires. The Falkland Islands and the glaciers of Antarctica are next on the list before the ship pivots and travels northward again along the west coast of South America. This includes stops in Chile and Peru, with another land excursion to the ruins of Machu Picchu. Cruise port visits in Ecuador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua are up next, followed by another visit to Mexico – this time on the west coast with stops in Cabos San Lucas and Ensenada. The cruise ends its first expedition in Los Angeles, California on February 11, 2024.
Wonders of Asia & The Pacific
Continuing the journey later that same day, the cruise begins the second expedition as it sails from LA and tackles 40 destinations in a span of 87 nights, with 3 world wonders to explore. The first stop is Hawaii, followed by French Polynesia, New Zealand, and several cities in Australia, plus the Great Barrier Reef. Additional stops are made in Indonesia, the Philippines, and Hong Kong, before moving on to several major cities in Japan. Circling around, the ship returns to China with a stop in Beijing and the chance to explore the Great Wall of China. Subsequent ports of call include major cities in Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and India where guests can visit one of Asia’s most iconic man-made marvels, the Taj Mahal. The final stop takes place in Dubai on May 9, 2024.
Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Mediterranean
The third leg of the voyage, Expedition #3, takes place between May 9th and July 10, 2024, with travelers visiting 44 destinations in 63 nights. Picking up right where it left off in Dubai, the ship sails to Oman, Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece. It makes a stop in Turkey for a chance for guests to explore the Temple of Artemis before continuing through to Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. Landmarks included on this part of the journey include Jordan’s Lost City of Petra and The Pyramids of Giza. Travelers see several ports of call in Greece before moving on to Croatia, Montenegro, and Malta, as well as the western side of Italy with stops in Sicily, Naples, and Rome for exploration of the Colosseum. Visits to Florence and Portofino follow suit. To conclude this section of the world, the cruise spends four days in various parts of France and ends in Barcelona, Spain.
Capitals of Culture
The final expedition begins July 10, 2024, and is 63 nights long as it makes its way to 40 destinations. This begins with several more stops in Spain, followed by Morocco and Portugal, before heading towards Ireland. Travelers are afforded more time in France, plus England, Belgium, Denmark, and Germany. The itinerary for the second month of this cruise includes traveling to Estonia, Russia for 2 days, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Denmark, and Norway. The ship then sails to Amsterdam in The Netherlands, Iceland, Greenland, and south to Newfoundland, Canada. The final 10 days are spent with stops in New York, Bermuda, and The Bahamas, before the Ultimate World Cruise reaches its final destination in Miami, Florida on September 10, 2024.
The world cruise offers business class airfare, quality transportation services, and a pre-cruise hotel stay with gala festivities before the cruise departs. Added amenities include a deluxe beverage package; premium airport, hotel, and ship transfers; unlimited VOOM Wi-Fi, and wash-and-fold laundry service. Crown & Anchor Society Platinum status members are eligible to receive a bonus Seven New World Wonders shore excursion package along with added amenities.
Pricing is categorized by the type of stateroom travelers choose for the voyage. The base rate for an Interior Stateroom is $59,999 per person. Although these rooms do not have exterior windows or balconies, innovative Virtual Balconies are offered which feature an 80-inch in-room screen that displays live footage of the outdoors, shown from cameras installed on the ship’s exterior.
The Ocean View room rate starts at $64,999. As the name suggests, they provide ocean views from the exterior windows plus interior-facing windows for viewing all the festivities onboard, including parades, celebrations, and dance classes. The ship also includes an open-air walkway called Central Park, festooned with plants and sitting areas.
Fares for Balcony Staterooms start at $78,999. Balconies overlook the ocean as well as the open areas on deck where guests can enjoy the Boardwalk neighborhood and the high-diving shows of the AquaTheater.
Junior Suites start at $117,599. The most spacious and luxurious accommodations on this ship provide for larger groups and families with children. Complimentary services include dining at the suites-only Coastal Kitchen, unlimited VOOM Wi-FI, and many special privileges.
Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, several outlets, spacious drawers and closets, and a vanity. Depending on the suite category, rooms may also include bathrobes, complimentary specialty dining, spacious sitting areas, a whirlpool tub on the balcony, and a Royal Genie which is like having a personal concierge.
Inquiries regarding additional suite categories can be made by calling the cruise line. A 10% discount is applicable on fares paid in full by January 6, 2023. Taxes, additional fees, and port expenses are subject to change at any time.
Photo Credit:
Serenade of the Seas – via Wikipedia by Matt H. Wade – License Share-Alike 3.0 Unported
