royal caribbean world cruise

• Cruise Destinations
• World Cruises
• Serenade of the Seas

Cruise Search

What's included.

Full World Cruise Amenities

• Round-trip Business Class Airfare
• Pre-cruise Hotel and Gala
• Premium Transfers between airport, hotel and ship
• Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage
• VOOM Wi-Fi Internet for entire voyage
• Gratuities for entire voyage
• Wash and fold laundry service
• Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.
• World Cruise Segment Amenities

What You'll See

7 NEW World Wonders

• Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024
• Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024
• Petra: via Aqaba May 17, 2024
• The Colosseum, Rome
• Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023
• Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023
• Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

2 Natural World Wonders

• Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024
• Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

2 Ancient World Wonders

• Pyramids of Giza: via Alexandria May 21-22, 2024
• Temple of Artemis: vis Ephesus May 28

Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise

Serenade of the seas world cruise.

Get ready to explore the world on the ultimate 274 -night World Cruise. Visit all four corners of the world on one epic voyage. Discover eleven Wonders of the World including Chichen Itza, Christ the Redeemer, Iguazu Falls, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Petra, the Pyramids of Giza, the Temple of Artemis and Rome’s famed Colosseum. Full world cruise guests will receive exclusive amenities including free business class air, pre-cruise hotel and gala, transfers, deluxe beverage package free Voom Surf & Stream Internet, free laundry service and gratuities. Shorter segments are also offered including itineraries to South America & Antarctica, Asia & the South Pacific, the Middle East & the Mediterranean and Capitals of Culture which includes Spain, Morocco, Northern Europe, Greenland, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

View Ultimate World Cruise Itinerary

Best Royal Caribbean World Cruises

• INSTANT SAVINGS up to $600 Instant Savings: per stateroom on select sailings & categories
• BOGO60 Sale: 60% OFF 2nd Guest + 30% OFF 3rd/4th Guests
• EXCLUSIVE ONBOARD CREDIT OFFER
• World Cruise Rate Information
• PERFECT DAY AT COCO CAY
• MUST CALL TO BOOK

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Modal title

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

Cruise line canceled while guests were already onboard

• Published: Apr. 29, 2024, 4:53 p.m.

Royal Caribbean Cruise canceled while guests were already onboard. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File) AP

• EmilyAnn Jackman | [email protected]

So much for thinking they had crossed their final hurdle.

Guests onboard the Royal Caribbean cruise line were told their trip was canceled and were being sent home despite already being aboard the ship.

Royal Caribbean International notified guests onboard Radiance of the Seas that the ship would not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaskan cruise. The trip was canceled, and guests had to disembark, CruiseHive.com reported.

The ship was set to leave from Vancouver, British Columbia, on April 26, but an earlier adjustment due to technical difficulties allowed guests to board on embarkation day while the ship was to spend two days in port undergoing repairs.

The revised plan features a Sunday departure and an adjusted route, with calls to Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan and scenic cruising in the famed Inside Passage before returning on May 3, which was the original completion date.

But it was later announced that the trip was being canceled due to repairs for a technical issue. Guests had to leave the ship by 4 p.m. Sunday.

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26th sailing,” the letter given to passengers in their staterooms read, the unofficial cruise site RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com reported.

“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our April 26th, 2024, cruise,” the letter concluded.

Guests will receive a 100% refund of their cruise fare and a 100% future cruise credit that may be applied to any future Royal Caribbean sailing. Internet service aboard the ship was also open free of charge to allow for easier travel planning and offered a free open bar until debarkation.

The ship began to develop propulsion difficulties last week during a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, causing multiple stops to be scrapped due to a slower speed.

Stories by EmilyAnn Jackman

• Cicadas are coming out in droves and have been so loud, many are dialing 911
• Metal icon’s son recalls almost dying after stepping in rat urine, contracting life-threatening disease
• Reba McEntire wows fans with a major news announcement

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

Cruise from Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment..

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Press Releases

Royal caribbean introduces ultimate world tour, the farthest-reaching cruise to all seven continents.

MIAMI, Oct. 20, 2021* – Adventurers seeking to travel far and wide can now set off on a world tour of their own. Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar for world cruises with the debut of the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise , an epic 274-night adventure that visits all seven continents , more than 150 destinations in 65 countries and 11 great wonders of the world . This rich, immersive experience on Serenade of the Seas is the longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there, sailing roundtrip from Miami on Dec. 10, 2023 and through Sept. 10, 2024. Bookings for the full Ultimate World Cruise can be made by phone starting today , with an exclusive one-week window through Oct. 26 for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above.

Travelers 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 – the gateway to Mount Fuji. Guests can delve deep into many of the world’s breathtaking wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India, and experience distinct cultures and picturesque shores at every corner of the world all in one spectacular adventure – only on Royal Caribbean.

“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 ready to traverse the world can book the full Ultimate World Cruise today or choose from any of the four expeditions that will offer a wide range of destinations as soon as December 2021 – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe:

• Ultimate Americas Dec. 10, 2023 - Feb. 11, 2024 – Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders The once-in-a-lifetime journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for postcard-perfect Caribbean destinations – like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao) – before heading to glacier-studded Antarctica and around Cape Horn. Travelers can take in four of the world’s stunning wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza in Cozumel, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, 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. One of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu , awaits in Peru, while sunshine and glamour will welcome guests in Los Angeles.
• Ultimate Asia-Pacific Feb. 11 - May 9, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders Guests will venture miles from the ordinary in Oceania, Asia and beyond on the cruise’s next showstopping leg. They can discover the beauty and adventure throughout the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned mountainous landscapes and black sand beaches before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia, for sapphire blue skies and crystal-clear waters. The thrills continue with an exploration of New Zealand, before a deep-dive into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space. Pristine natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is soon followed by two of the most iconic manmade 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 are endless possibilities in Japan, with unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.
• Ultimate Middle East and Med May 9 - July 10, 2024 – Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders This expedition begins in glamorous Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and brings many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life. Adventurers can uncover ancient sites and more world wonders from the times of emperors and pharaohs, like Jordan’s lost city of Petra , the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome. There are also less-traveled places to explore, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey only continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.
• Ultimate Europe and Beyond July 10 - Sept. 10, 2024 – Three continents, 40 destinations The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. At travelers’ fingertips is the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s brilliant architecture, including Antoni Gaudi’s famed Sagrada Familia and whimsical Park Guell , and savor new flavors across continents — such as an indulgent 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 larger-than-life fjords await in Norway. Guests can reflect on their epic voyage in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.

Globetrotters will explore the world in style on board Serenade , thanks to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning experiences and amenities. And adventurers can stay close to the action with the ship’s acres of glass, which offer panoramic views, as they cruise from one destination, continent and world wonder to the next. From start to finish, guests who book the full Ultimate World Cruise can expect a seamless, world-class travel experience that includes business class airfare, premium transportation as well as an evening of festivities and accommodations at a five-star hotel before setting sail. Plus, 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.

Bookings for the entire Ultimate World Cruise open today for Diamond and above Crown & Anchor Society members. Guests interested in booking can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated line for the Ultimate World Cruise at 800-423-2100 (US toll free) or their travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas,  Perfect Day at CocoCay,  the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the  Travel Weekly  Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its  Healthy Sail Panel  of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit  www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates  or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

*February 2022 update

Related Videos

Related Images

Related Stories

10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Mediterranean

Australia and New Zealand: 10 Bucket List Stops on Your Cruise

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise news
• Cruise Industry
• Royal Caribbean's first World Cruise (2023-2024) with Serenade...

Royal Caribbean's first World Cruise (2023-2024) with Serenade OTS ship

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.

I went on 2 of Royal Caribbean's largest and newest cruise ships. I enjoyed them, but they're not for everyone.

• I've sailed on Royal Caribbean's largest cruise ships , Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas.
• Both megaships are jam-packed with people, amenities, and dining options.
• But if you want a quiet cruise to unique destinations, they might not be for you.

Before booking a vacation at sea, travelers should always research the best cruise line and ship for their needs.

If you're looking for a cheap and fast trip, try Margaritaville at Sea . Craving something more upscale? Consider Oceania Cruises.

But if you're looking for high-end sailing to unique destinations, I'd suggest avoiding Royal Caribbean's megaships .

Royal Caribbean has become synonymous with giant, family-friendly cruise ships

By 2028, Royal Caribbean wants one-third of its fleet to be megaships.

The latest addition, the 1,196-foot-long and 248,663-gross-ton Icon of the Seas, entered service in January, unseating Wonder of the Seas as the world's largest cruise liner.

Together, the two vessels can fit over 19,000 people — about 4,500 crew and 14,500 guests. Each ship has eight neighborhoods and there are 29 bars and 48 eateries between them.

I've attended complimentary sailings on both Wonder and Icon, the longest of which was three nights on the latter. From their colorful pool decks to the inescapable crowds, as a solo-adult traveler, I was equal parts entertained, overwhelmed, and overstimulated.

Related stories

But admittedly, I had fun. I do love a good waterslide; Wonder has three of them and Icon has six.

If you want to go on a cruise with your children — and if they, like me, love activities like rock climbing and mini golf — Royal Caribbean's megaships could be your best option.

Wonder and Icon are jam-packed with activity spaces like ice-skating rinks and ziplines.

But don't expect a peaceful retreat. The rowdy, bar-hopping adults and screaming children at the water playground aren't conducive to a relaxing vacation.

Megavessels might not be for you if you want a quiet cruise

If you want a relaxing vacation — maybe one that doesn't involve crowds of children — you shouldn't stay on either Royal Caribbean yacht.

There are many ways to have a luxury vacation on Icon of the Seas . But unless you want to pay for upcharged amenities at every turn, you'd be better off spending more upfront to reserve a premium cruise line — especially if you're interested in cruising for the destinations, not the ships.

After all, like most of Royal Caribbean's largest vessels, Icon and Wonder exclusively sail in the Caribbean.

Some destinations, such as French Polynesia, have set restrictions on which cruises can travel there amid concerns about pollution and overcrowding.

If stopping at these ports — or, really, anywhere outside the Caribbean — is at the top of your vacation wish list, you'll have to travel on a smaller Royal Caribbean ship or go with a different cruise line like Oceania , Silversea, and Regent Seven Seas.

You might not get a waterpark, but you'll get a quieter vacation to locations no megaship will likely be allowed to visit.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

• Main content

Royal Caribbean lifts profit view again on cruise boom, higher prices

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru and Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Shounak Dasgupta

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Business Chevron

Oil edges higher as investors eye Mideast talks, rates meeting

Oil edged up on Tuesday a day after falling as Israel-Hamas talks offered hopes of a ceasefire even as Red Sea attacks continued, while investors awaited signals on U.S. interest rates ahead of a meeting on Wednesday.

It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision': What to know about world cruises

Brandee Lake’s home address changes nearly every day.

The 46-year-old boarded Royal Caribbean International’s Ultimate World Cruise in December and will live on the line’s Serenade of the Seas for the nine-month journey .

Lake, who previously lived in Los Angeles, gave up her apartment and left a job in advertising and marketing to travel full time, embarking on a 274-night sailing to more than 60 countries alongside her sister and parents.

“I always tease that I only worked to travel anyway, that I worked to support my travel habit,” she told USA TODAY. “So, to me, it was a no-brainer.”

Lake, who had already visited 77 countries and lived abroad, decided to set sail and see even more of the world, and her parents gifted the cruise to her and her sister.

Videos about the Ultimate World Cruise proliferated on TikTok following its departure from Miami, but it’s not the first cruise of its kind. World cruises offer passengers an easy way to travel the globe, delivering them to a range of far-flung destinations.

But there’s more to booking those trips than other kinds of cruises. Here’s what to know:

What are world cruises?

World cruises visit multiple continents, usually no less than three. The itineraries last between three and five months on average but can be longer, according to Joanna Kuther, a travel agent and owner of Port Side Travel Consultants.

“You're in your room, and that's where you're going to be the whole time, and you're not flying around and packing and unpacking,” she said. While at a resort, guests might meet one another in passing, world cruise passengers are on the same itinerary for an extended period, which Kuther said can be “such a bonding experience.”

“I mean, I guess it could go sideways if it was horrible people,” she said. “But I think people usually find their people.”

For travelers who can’t – or would rather not – spend so much time at sea, many cruise lines also sell segments of those itineraries separately. That allows guests to embark for days, weeks, or months at a time and adds new faces to the mix.

World cruises also often take place on older ships, particularly on mainstream lines. "I don't think they'd want one of their newest ships out of commission for months," Kuther added.

How do cruise lines plan world cruises?

Mapping out so many months at sea can take years. Luxury line Silversea Cruises , for example, plans its world cruises three to four years in advance, according to spokesperson Brad Ball.

“Silversea has a team of destination experts that select destinations that are unique and culturally diverse,” he said in an email. The line, also part of Royal Caribbean Group, sailed its first world cruise in 2007 and works to create destination themes and make segments distinct.

Silversea’s 140-day The Curious and the Sea voyage aboard Silver Dawn in 2026, for example, features a 28-day exploration of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, a semi-circumnavigation of Australia over 21 days and more.

“We try to provision food items locally and source goods from the different regions we travel to as much as possible,” Ball added.

Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said the cruise line took great pains to anticipate guests’ needs on the Ultimate World Cruise, even putting a dentist on board.

The line also threw a gala dinner for guests before they departed. “I said, ‘The only one thing that we've failed to do, and I apologize now, is we failed to put a marriage counselor on board,’ ” he said during a press briefing last month on the line’s newest ship, Icon of the Seas .

When should I book a world cruise?

Many cruise lines offer only one world cruise a year, and staterooms go fast. Michael Bray, owner of Braycation Travel, likened it to “a really cool house coming on the market.”

“The suites or larger cabins could go the fastest because folks want space,” he added. Bray said his clients have booked between 1 ½ to 2 ½ years out.

“People know they have to plan to be with their homes for six months,” Bray said. “They've got to shut down their homes. You've got to figure out medications, mail, family, so this is not a shoot-from-the-hip decision.”

Lake, the Ultimate World Cruise passenger, said she stored some of her belongings with a friend and packed the rest of what she needed.

Tips for taking a long cruise: What to know about sailing for 6 months or more

World cruises from lines like Cunard Line have long been popular, Kuther noted, but in recent years, more brands have leaned.

Royal Caribbean’s nine-month sailing is its first foray into the category, and Azamara is currently sailing its first world voyage since becoming an independent cruise line in 2021. Princess Cruises, which operated its first world cruise in 2008, also plans to sail its longest voyage ever (116 days) in 2025.

Kuther attributed that to a rise in remote-friendly jobs like content creation , particularly among younger people. “This ability to travel and work from wherever you are has opened up such a younger demographic and also more demand,” she said.

Ball at Silversea echoed that. “Over the past 15 years, we have seen increased demand for World Cruises, both from retired travelers as well as from working professionals and digital nomads,” he said. “Due to the advance of improved cellphone connectivity technology and onboard internet, more travelers are able to work remotely and better able to take longer voyages.”

How much do world cruises cost?

Starting prices for world cruises on mainstream lines can range from around $25,000 per person to $60,000 depending on the length, Kuther said. Luxury world cruises are likely to cost upward of $70,000.

Those prices will also likely include more than a typical cruise fare.

The fare for the entire Ultimate World Cruise – which started at around $54,000 for the full nine months – included gratuities, business class flights, Wi-Fi, wash-and-fold laundry service and more, according to Royal Caribbean’s website .

Luxury lines, which already bundle more costs with their base fares , may throw in extras too. Ball said travelers who book Silversea’s 2026 world cruise get $1,000 in onboard credit per person (up to $2,000 per suite), a spa treatment and other amenities.

For Lake, the trip is a chance to see new places – like Antarctica , which she “always wanted to do” but never thought she would – while spending quality time with family. No matter where they are in the world, she has a family dinner with her parents and sister every night.

“I think it's something that I'll look back on and never forget,” she said.

As for work after the cruise, she has no definitive plans, but has been posting about the trip on TikTok and is "enjoying the creator space."

"I am seeing where this adventure and the world takes me," Lake said.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].