Photo: Courtesy of biletskiy 

The Royal Caribbean's "Ultimate World Cruise"

As the cruise industry continues to bounce back from the restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic, world cruises are selling out at a fast pace (businessinsider.com). With the COVID-19 shutdowns relaxing, there is a palpable hunger for travel. Stepping up to help travel-starved cruisers "make up for lost time" (cnn.com), the Royal Caribbean has announced its new, nine-month, around the world cruise dubbed "The Ultimate World Cruise" (cnn.com). With the tagline "All four corners, one epic voyage" (royalcaribbean.com), the Royal Caribbean's global adventure features 150+ destinations and 11 World Wonders across 7 continents and 60+ countries (royalcaribbean.com).  

According to the Royal Caribbean, the 274-night epic voyage is the "longest and most comprehensive world cruise out there" (independent.co.uk). However, its duration is flexible. Broken into four segments, travelers can choose between committing to the whole trip or signing up for just part of the adventure.  

The first segment, titled "Round the Horn: Americas & Antarctica Expedition," embarks from Miami, Florida, on December 11, 2023. Beginning with a tour around the scenic Caribbean shores, the voyage includes 64 nights and 36 destinations. Guest will enjoy iconic sculptures and symbols across countries as well as the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazú Falls in Buenos Aires, and hidden coves and dramatic rock formations along Land's End in Cabo San Lucas. 

The second segment, titled "Wonders of Asia & the Pacific Expedition," goes from February 11-May 9, 2024, and encompasses 87 nights and 40 destinations. It includes extraordinary sights in Australia and Asia as well as gorgeous Hawaii and the crystal-clear waters of Mo'orea and Tahiti. 

The third segment, titled "Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med Expedition," spans from May 9-July 10, 2024, and covers 63 nights and 44 destinations. Passengers will enjoy glamorous Dubai, take in world wonders like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, and see countless renowned ruins across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. 

The fourth segment, titled "Capitals of Culture Expedition," sails for 63 nights and covers 40 destinations. It returns to Miami on September 10, 2024. Passengers will discover Barcelona's brilliant architecture, savor flavors from across continents, explore Saint Petersburg, bike through Copenhagen, experience the geothermal seawater at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, and make one last stop in New York before returning to Miami. 

Sources: 

businessinsider.com 

cnn.com 

independent.co.uk 

royalcaribbean.com