Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise 2023
Updated: Mar 25, 2022
Hold on to your Crown & Anchor badge, Royal Caribbean has launched an Ultimate World Cruise for 2023! Departing from Miami, Florida and stretching 274 glorious nights across all 7 continents, featuring more than 150 destinations among 60+ countries.
Departing Dec 10, 2023 on Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas and returning to Miami for Sep 10, 2024, the itinerary also features 11 World Wonders, such as Christ the Redeemer or Iguazu Falls, the Pyramids of Giza or the Great Barrier Reef.
The Ultimate World Cruise can be booked now as an entire 274-night itinerary or one or more of the four Expeditions. These portions of the larger voyage cross whole continents and break the itinerary up into well-planned legs of 63-87 nights and still spanning between 36 and 44 destinations, depending on which Expedition you might enjoy:
Expedition Portions of the World Cruise
There isn’t space in a single blog article to highlight all of the 150+ calls to port, it would just be a boring list of more than 60 countries! Here are some of what I feel are some of the most amazing destinations across the four Expedition segments of the Ultimate World Cruise:
Round the Horn: Americas & Antarctica Expedition
From Miami south along both coasts of South America, highlights of Mexico & the Caribbean, before calling to disembark in Los Angeles. You’ll have swung by Antarctica mid-January!
Wonders of Asia & the Pacific Expedition
Come aboard or carry on from LA on Feb 11, 2024, heading to Hawaii and then Moorea & Tahiti before New Zealand and Australia – then head to Eastern Asian highlights such as Japan & Korea and dotting Southeast Asia along the way to Dubai.
Middle East Treasures & Marvels of the Med Expedition
Come aboard or carry on from Dubai on May 9, 2024, you’ll explore wonders of Jordan, Oman, and of course, the Great Pyramids of Giza before settling in for relaxation among countless classic destinations such as Greece, Italy or Croatia, peppered with exciting off-the-beaten-path calls to port such as Malta or Montenegro, Slovenia, and more.
Capitals of Culture Expedition
Starting (or continuing) from Barcelona, Spain on Jul 10, 2024, a comprehensive circle of the Western Med including Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, then Classic Europe’s France, England, and Scandinavia. Heading back across the Atlantic via Iceland and exciting Greenland, finally disembarking in Miami on Sep 10, 2024!
What’s included in the cruise fare?
As you might expect, if you’re in for the full 274-night experience you’ll enjoy a few more bonuses and amenities, however even the Expedition portions come with a healthy dose of comfort upgrades.
World Cruise
For embarkation, you’ll enjoy round-trip business airfare, a pre-cruise gala and hotel stay, along with premium transfers between airport and hotel, hotel and ship.
Onboard and for the entire duration of the voyage you’ll get the Deluxe Beverage Package, VOOM Wi-Fi to stay in touch, Gratuities, and a wash and fold laundry service.
Added bonus if you’re a Crown & Anchor Society Platinum status holder, you’ll get included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders!
What if I only want to join one of the four Expeditions?
You’ll still enjoy the Deluxe Beverage Package, VOOM Wi-Fi, Gratuities, and wash and fold laundry services for the entire expedition.
Why the Serenade of the Seas?
The Serenade’s size makes her a good choice for this longer voyage to more exclusive destinations. Not as large as her fleetmates in the Oasis Class, smaller ships can get into smaller and more remote ports which wouldn't otherwise be accessible on a larger ship.
And with fewer than 2,500 guests on board, this makes for a more intimate experience among likeminded fellow passengers.
Food and entertainment on board
In addition to the Deluxe Beverage Package for all guests, specialty dining will feature both regional and seasonal menu items to add to the experience.
The entertainment for which Royal is famous will be further enhanced with local entertainers and unique performances yet to be announced!
What’s the availability like and can I upgrade staterooms for a portion of the trip?
To be perfectly honest, I’d never recommend an interior stateroom on any sailing but who would want to miss out on even a moment’s scenery during 274 nights across the globe?
At the time of writing, there was only one remaining interior cabin available anyhow.
Availability is quite low across the remaining staterooms, with a handful of ocean view balcony cabins at a 2D category. That’s decks 7, 8, 9, and 10, with 179 square feet of stateroom and a 141 square foot balcony.
There are a few Owner’s Suite category rooms with 1 or 2 bedrooms also remaining.
That means there’s very little opportunity to upgrade as the ship is close to being sold out for the entire duration of this grand voyage.
What’s the cost to join this cruise?
Based on double occupancy, the rates for those last few remaining balcony staterooms are $82,949 per person. Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 per person are in addition to this rate and are subject to change at any time. All rates in USD.
The remaining Owner’s Suites are very special opportunities and pricing is not publicly available, please do call if interested.
Royal is also offering passengers who pay in full by January 6, 2023 to save 10% off the lead rate, subject to Royal’s T&Cs.
All rates and availability are subject to change until payment has been processed with the cruise line.
Where can I find out more?
Around the World Cruising is unbelievably popular and it’s a surprise that there are even any remaining staterooms as it stands, don’t delay – even if you only have a few questions, ask away here in the comments or get on the phone and call!
We're available to you Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 5PM on local Miami number (305) 908-8588 or national toll-free 1-888-Lux-Trip (1-888-589-8747).