After nine months at sea, passengers of Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise have finally returned to land and are reflecting on their journey.
The Serenade of the Seas departed Miami on December 10, 2023, and was initially marked by dramatic events, including a hurricane, political unrest in the Red Sea, and even a passenger’s death.
Now, 274 days later, passengers report feeling exhausted but grateful.
The voyage took them to over 60 countries across four continents.
Adita Larson, who traveled with her husband Lee, noted the European leg was particularly tiring due to frequent country changes. The couple had previously attracted attention on TikTok for their pineapple-themed room decor, which led to rumors about their lifestyle.
Initially, passengers enjoyed exploring new destinations but later came to value the relaxing days at sea. Many formed close bonds with fellow travelers, though the experience also included some challenges, such as the ship sustaining flooding from severe weather and having to reroute due to attacks in the Red Sea.
Brandee Lake, another passenger, advised future cruisers to pack light, sharing her regret over bringing excessive luggage.
Despite the ups and downs, Joe and Audrey Martucci, another couple on the cruise, expressed their enjoyment but acknowledged that nine months away from family was too long.
The cruise, costing between $50,000 to $100,000 per person, garnered significant attention on social media, although it did not live up to the dramatic expectations some had.
Despite the challenges, Adita Larson said she’d be eager to embark on another cruise in the future.
