After nearly nine months on the high seas, the weary travelers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise have finally set foot on solid ground once again.
Reflecting on their extensive voyage, these adventurers are taking a moment to digest their extraordinary experience.
An Adventurous Beginning
The Serenade of the Seas embarked from Miami on December 10, 2023, kicking off a journey packed with wild stories.
From navigating through a hurricane to being rerouted because of political unrest in the Red Sea, and even experiencing the loss of a passenger, the cruise was anything but ordinary.
Exhausted but Grateful
Fast forward 274 days, and passengers are feeling a mix of exhaustion and gratitude.
They’ve traveled across four continents and over 60 countries, and while the journey was taxing, it was also incredibly rewarding.
“It’s a blur,” admitted Adita Larson, reflecting on the whirlwind experience.
A Tireless European Adventure
Adita, who was accompanied by her husband Lee, made waves on TikTok with their pineapple-themed décor, leading to some humorous rumors about their lifestyle.
She mentioned that the European leg of the trip, with its constant country-hopping, was particularly draining.
“We don’t know where we were yesterday or where we’re going tomorrow,” she told USA Today.
Changing Perspectives on Sea Days
As the journey progressed, passengers’ perspectives on time spent at sea evolved.
Initially eager to explore new ports, many began to appreciate the tranquility of days at sea towards the end of the voyage, relishing the opportunity to unwind.
Building New Friendships
Among the 650 passengers who completed the full nine-month voyage, many formed lasting friendships, despite the constant influx of new faces with each leg of the trip.
Fellow traveler Brandee Lake noted that, much like any community, there were close friends, acquaintances, and those who didn’t quite fit in, but everyone had their own group.
Packing Tips for Future Cruises
Brandee offered a practical piece of advice for future multi-month cruisers: “Pack light.”
She confessed to overpacking with three large suitcases, a rolling carry-on, and a backpack.
“Even after downsizing, it was still too much. You really only wear about 10 to 20 percent of what you bring,” she shared.
The Long Road Home
Joe and Audrey Martucci, a couple in their 60s, enjoyed the trip but admitted that being away from home for nine months was challenging.
They missed their children and struggled with the distance during significant events back home.
“It’s just way too long away from family. We started to feel burned out,” Joe said.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Adita expressed enthusiasm about future cruises, responding to a TikTok comment with a resounding “in a flash!”
The Ultimate World Cruise, which cost between $50,000 to $100,000 per person, was a major social media hit but didn’t quite live up to the dramatic expectations some had hoped for.
Nonetheless, the cruise faced its share of drama, including severe weather-related flooding and a tragic death onboard.