Royal Caribbean introduces 274-night Ultimate World Cruise

Jules Verne’s adventure novel challenged travelers to race around the world in 80 days, but in 2023, Royal Caribbean International is raising the bar with the debut of the line’s inaugural 274-night Ultimate World Cruise.

Photos courtesy of Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s epic first-of-its-kind adventure from Dec. 10, 2023 – Sept. 10, 2024 sails roundtrip from Miami aboard Serenade of the Seas and visits all seven continents, more than 150 destinations in 65 countries (57 that are both new to the cruise line and exclusive to this itinerary), and 11 great wonders of the world, making it the longest and most comprehensive world cruise there is.

“This is the world cruise of world cruises,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO of 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.”

Ultimate World Cruise Itinarary

Highlights of the Ultimate World Cruise include Casablanca, Morocco; Qaqortoq, Greenland; and Shimizu, Japan (the gateway to Mount Fuji). Guests will also visit many of the world’s wonders, from Peru’s Machu Picchu to the Taj Mahal in India.

Guests can book the full Ultimate World Cruise or choose any of the four expedition legs – the Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe (available to book in December 2021).

Ultimate World Cruise – Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition

Dec. 10, 2023 – Feb. 11, 2024 – The once-in-a-lifetime 64-night journey to three continents, 36 destinations, and four wonders begins in Miami and sets course for Caribbean destinations like the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao) before heading to Antarctica and around Cape Horn.

Travelers can take in four of the world’s 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. Plus, travelers will visit the iconic symbol of ancient Inca civilization (and UNESCO World Heritage Site), Machu Picchu in Peru, before ending their adventure in Los Angeles.

Ultimate World Cruise – Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition

Feb. 11 – May 9, 2024 – This 87-night expedition takes travelers to three continents, 40 destinations, and three wonders as they discover the Hawaiian Islands’ world-renowned landscapes before sailing south to Moorea and Tahiti, French Polynesia.

The exploration continues to New Zealand before a “deep-dive” into Australia’s Great Barrier Reef – the only living thing on the planet that’s visible from space.

Next, the natural beauty in Bali, Indonesia, is followed by two of the most iconic manmade world wonders – The Great Wall of China and India’s Taj Mahal – as well as gems of the South Pacific, from Vietnam to Malaysia.

Finally, as they round out the expedition in Japan, travelers will experience unparalleled culture in Tokyo, street food in Osaka, and the tropical beaches of Okinawa.

Ultimate World Cruise – Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition

May 9 – July 10, 2024 – Beginning in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this 63-night expedition explores three continents, 44 destinations, and four wonders while bringing many of history’s greatest mysteries, myths, and legends to life. Adventurers can discover ancient sites 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, the Acropolis in Athens, and the Colosseum in Rome.

They will also visit less-traveled places, such as Greece’s Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honor Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games. The journey also includes other destinations known for their storied history, including Split, Croatia, and Cannes and Provence in France.

Ultimate World Cruise – Capitals of Culture Expedition

July 10 – Sept. 10, 2024 – The final 63-night leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is an immersive, cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north, visiting three continents and 40 destinations.

Travelers will have the opportunity to discover Barcelona’s unique 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.

They’ll also visit the museums, theaters, and galleries of St. Petersburg, Russia, marvel at the larger-than-life fjords in Norway, and relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before visiting New York on their way back to Miami.

From start to finish, the full Ultimate World Cruise will provide a seamless, world-class travel experience that includes business class airfare, premium transportation, and pre-cruise accommodations and gala at a five-star hotel.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise?

All fares include complimentary experiences and amenities like a deluxe beverage package, VOOM Wi-Fi, laundry service, and more. 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.

Ultimate World Cruise pricing

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy, and are subject to change at any time. Travelers who pay in full by Jan. 6, 2023, receive a savings of 10% on starting Lead Rate. Pricing for the four expedition legs will be announced once those sailings are available to book in December 2021.

An exclusive booking window for the entire Ultimate World Cruise is open through Oct. 26, 2021, for Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society Diamond status members and above. All travelers interested in booking the entire cruise or any of the expedition legs can call Royal Caribbean’s dedicated toll-free line for the Ultimate World Cruise at 800-423-2100 or contact their travel agent.

Click here for more information.

10/31/21 Update:

The 274-day adventure is already 70% sold after going on sale recently exclusively for loyalty members.

“The fact that within a week we were 70 percent booked on a ship that carries around 2,100 guests and is on a nine-month world cruise was just remarkable,” said Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. “We were taken aback by the unbelievable response of our loyalty customers.”

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