Royal Caribbean International is offering cruise enthusiasts the chance of embarking on a nine month-long cruise around the world. The company's Ultimate World Cruise will be an adventure of a lifetime and, over 274 nights, the longest trip ever offered by a major cruise company.
Passengers will travel on Serenade of the Seas, a luxury vessel capable of accommodating up to 2,490 guests and 891 crew. Launching in Miami, starting on December 10, 2023, it will travel the high seas - visiting some of the wonders of the world - until journey's end on September 10, the following year.
It will make 150 stops in 65 countries across all seven continents of the globe in an epic voyage. Highlights of the world cruise will include a visit to the The Great Pyramid of Giza, in Egypt, India's Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and Iceland's Blue Lagoon.
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The cruise will surpass the 245-night voyage offered by Viking Cruise. It launched in August 2019 but was forced to abandon when the coronavirus pandemic struck.
The latest Ultimate World Cruise, however, won't come cheap. It will cost passengers just under £50,000 ($61,000) to sail the entire, nine-month voyage.
But Royal Caribbean International has said the trip will be divided into four parts. That means passengers can join Serenade of the Seas at various points in its journey if they prefer.
The voyage is described as being "the most epic world cruise ever to set sail" on the cruise company's website. It teases: "Get ready to see the world in a whole new light. Onboard Serenade of the Seas, you can spend 274 nights bonding with like-minded explorers over global discoveries across all seven continents.
"Or pick a corner of the globe and explore every inch of it on one of four Ultimate World Cruise segments — each an immersive voyage of 60-plus nights. Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at world wonders that showcase mankind's boundless imagination."
In between ports, there is also plenty to enjoy aboard Serenade of the Seas. With exteriors made of glass, passengers are able to savour panoramic views of some of the world's most breathtaking locations.
There is also a pool deck with a retractable glass roof and restaurants offering some of the tastiest food from around the world. Activities onboard include a mini golf green, games arcade, a theatre and evening entertainment such as dancing and concerts.
The Ultimate World Cruise comes at a time when the cruise industry is looking to recover from the damage caused by Covid-19 and various travel bans that prevented most cruises from taking place for more than a year. And after months of lockdown and isolation, for travellers who can afford it, it would be the supreme way to not only blow away those cobwebs but stretch your wings. For more information, visit the Ultimate World Cruise website here.
