If you’ve ever wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spend your days sailing around the world, then there’s one cruise that went viral this year for all the right reasons.
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Cruise is the longest of its kind in the world, lasting a whopping 274 days – that’s nine months – and travelling around an impressive 60 countries.
The ship embarked on its first journey back in December last year, eventually coming to an end in September.
Alongside the 60 countries, passengers also visit some pretty impressive sites around the globe on the ocean voyage.
At the time, Royal Caribbean said: “The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, over 150 ports of call and 11 World Wonders.”
However, this once-in-a-lifetime journey certainly doesn’t come cheap. Prices range from $53,999 (£42,531) per person for an interior stateroom all the way up to $105,839 (£83,365) per person for a junior suite.
One of the caveats of paying the massive price is that it is non-refundable.
Royal Caribbean explained: “Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement.
“To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.”
According to Cruise Insider News, the ship – the Serenade of the Seas – started Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise in Miami.
The first segment of the voyage sailed to South America and Antarctica before passing Cape Horn and sailing to destinations in Central America, the Mexican Riviera, the west coast of the US, Australia and the South Pacific.
The itinerary also included ports of call in Southeast Asia and the Far East before arriving in the Indian Ocean and Africa.
Marking Royal Caribbean’s debut in the region, the Serenade visited destinations in the Seychelles, Madagascar, South Africa, Namibia, Angola, Ghana and more.
But was it actually worth it? One couple, Joe Martucci and his wife Audrey, said they ‘loved’ the experience – but it was way too long.
Speaking to the Telegraph after the cruise came to an end, the couple revealed they had paid a staggering $200,000 on the trip.
And asked if they’d do it again, Joe said: “You can’t do a once-in-a-lifetime adventure twice – and nine months on a cruise ship is too long. Four to five months is enough.”
If you’re interested in embarking on this voyage, you can visit Royal Caribbean’s website to enquire about reservations.