RCI-Royal Caribbean International announced the debut of the inaugural 274-night “Ultimate World Cruise” 2023-2024 that visits the 7 continents, 150+ ports/islands in 65 different countries, and 11 of the world's great wonders.
The immersive experience onboard Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world voyage, sailing roundtrip from PortMiami Florida from December 10, 2023, through September 10, 2024.
Cruisers will sail to a total of 57 new for RCI destinations. Highlights include Casablanca (Morocco), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Shimizu (Japan). Passengers can delve deep into many of the world’s wonders, from Machu Picchu (Peru) to the Taj Mahal (India).
Guests can choose from any of the 4 expeditions that will offer a range of destinations including the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean, Northern Europe:
(December 10, 2023 - February 11, 2024) Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition: 3 continents, 36 destinations, 4 wonders. The journey begins in PortMiami Florida and sets course for Caribbean destinations like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) prior to heading to Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Vacationers can take in 4 of the world’s wonders along the way in Central and South America, such as Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the world's biggest art deco sculpture, Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro (to celebrate New Year’s Eve), and the largest waterfall system, Iguazu Falls close to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Machu Picchu, awaits in Peru, followed by the glamour of Los Angeles.
Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition (February 11 – May 9, 2024) 3 continents, 40 destinations, 3 wonders. Guests will venture miles from Oceania, Asia, and beyond on the next leg of the voyage. They can discover the Hawaiian Islands’ mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches prior to sailing south to Moorea Island and Tahiti, French Polynesia. New Zealand and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are next in line along with Bali, Indonesia, followed by 2 of the most world wonders, the Great Wall of China and Taj Mahal in India, and gems of the South Pacific (Vietnam to Malaysia). The expedition is rounding out in Japan, with Tokyo, Kobe-Osaka, and Okinawa.
Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition (May 9 - July 10, 2024) 3 continents, 44 destinations, 4 wonders. The expedition starts in Dubai UAE and uncovers ancient sites and world wonders like Jordan’s lost city of Petra (Aqaba), Egypt's Pyramids of Giza, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus (Kusadasi, Turkey), the Colosseum (Rome/from Civitavecchia). Less-traveled places to explore include Greece’s Olympia, the sanctuary site to honour Zeus, and the location of the first Olympic games. The trip continues to more destinations popular for their storied history including Split (Croatia), Cannes and Provence (France).
Capitals of Culture (July 10 - September 10, 2024) 3 continents, 40 destinations. The final leg of Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise is a cultural experience that starts in the Mediterranean and heads north. Travelers can discover Barcelona’s architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and Park Guell, as well as savor new flavors like an indulgent lunch in a Parisian bistro and a dinner of tagine and mint tea in Morocco. Museums and theaters line the streets of Saint Petersburg, Russia, while fjords await in Norway. Passengers can reflect on their voyage in the geothermal waters of Iceland's Blue Lagoon before visiting NYC New York on the way back to Florida/PortMiami.