I spent 22 Days on the Ultimate World Cruise: A Travel Experience
Intro
Everything started in March 2023. I heard the news of the Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, and I immediately started wondering if I could pull that off. It started in December of 2023 and would finish in September of 2024, basically 9 months inside of a cruise ship exploring the world. Sounded like a dream come true.
A few days later, I called Royal Caribbean and got a budget of how much would it cost, the cheapest cabin. It was expensive, very expensive. Probably not as expensive as living in land in New York city, but I could not afford being gone for 9 months, almost soonish (like a few months of preparation), and with multiple important events happening in those months that I could not miss. Also, important to have in mind a couple of things:
- I was about to go on an Alaska cruise at the very end of May 2023.
- I still had to finish planning the Round the World trip 2023, happening in the next October.
A full 274 days of cruising was not possible, but the unexpected happened. Royal Caribbean launched the segments for purchase. Apparently they could not fill up the Serenade of the Seas (the ship they would be using for the Ultimate World Cruise), and now the legs were open for sale. I immediately called Royal Caribbean and got the price for each segment and each mini segment. I create an Excel spreadsheet with each mini segment, with all the pros and cons, like countries I needed a visa, or if I was available, or price per night, or how interesting or new the ports were.
The Ultimate World Cruise
Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise was an extraordinary 274-night journey on the Serenade of the Seas, spanning seven continents, 65 countries, and over 150 ports of call. This voyage, from December 10, 2023, to September 10, 2024, included visits to iconic destinations like the Great Wall of China, the Pyramids of Giza, and the Taj Mahal, as well as scenic stops in places like Bora Bora and Iceland. The itinerary also covered all seven modern wonders of the world, with unique opportunities for cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation.
Travelers can book the full cruise or select one of four segments:
- Ultimate Americas Cruise (64 nights)
- Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise (87 nights)
- Ultimate Africa & Southern Europe Cruise (63 nights)
- Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise (63 nights).
Prices for the full journey started at approximately $60,000 per person for an interior cabin and went up to $117,599 for luxury suites. The package included dining, onboard entertainment, Wi-Fi, curated shore excursions, and access to specialty events. Travelers enjoyed the comforts of Serenade of the Seas, a Radiance-class ship known for its luxurious amenities and panoramic views.
The chosen mini segment
Out of all the 17 mini segments, I was very drawn to the last one: Ultimate Iceland, Greenland & Caribbean Cruise (22 nights). Many reasons helped make my decision, including:
- The price per night was one of the cheapest ones of any mini segment. Yes, there were a lot of sea days, but that meant I also would have time to relax.
- The ports were new and interesting: I had never been to Iceland, Bermuda or Greenland, and adding these 3 countries/territories to my list sounded like a great idea.
- Boarding was going to be from Amsterdam, city that I always like to visit, and with the Olympics around, I knew it would be very convenient.
- Probably the most important reason was that this segment was a Trans-Atlantic one, which was one of the things I had been wanting to do for a long time. Also, the Round the World Trip 2024, had started to take shape, with this being the last leg of it.
This is the full list of ports for this mini segment:
- Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Qaqortoq, Greenland
- Nuuk, Greenland
- St. John’s, Newfoundland
- New York, New York
- Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda
- Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas
- Miami, Florida
All this was to be determined, and could change even a day before arrival to any of these ports, but yes, I was stopping in my home town of New York during the cruise. I think, I liked the idea of visiting the city where I live, and would give me some time to take care of businesses after a long Round the World Trip that I was planning for 2024.
Planning the boarding of the Ultimate World Cruise
A lot happened between the day I booked this mini segment, and the day I boarded the ship. This is the summary:
November 2023:
- Check RCL, Viator and GetYourGuide excursions for the ports.
- Check onboard activities.
- Check Black Friday 2023 discounts on WiFi, Drink Packages, Dining, etc.
- Check Things to do in every port and map them.
- Create an Excel schedule and start mapping the Round the World Trip and how to get to Amsterdam.
- Call RCL for My Dining Time reservations.
- Buy flights from Miami back to NYC.
December 2023:
- Ultimate World Cruise starts. My leg would not start until August 2024, but I started following a few related channels and seeing the news about this cruise. Some YouTube channels I followed:
- Buy flight to Amsterdam after figuring out Olympics.
January 2024:
- Add every single event in Google Calendar.
February 2024:
- Book hotel in Amsterdam.
April 2024:
- List anything I would need for 22 days at sea, like medicines, clothing, etc.
May 2024:
- Double check and buy remaining excursions.
June 2024:
- Double check gratuities and other payments onboard and after.
July 2024:
- Check in for the cruise.
- Europe segment starts in Barcelona.
- Check destination videos on YouTube.
- Download Google Maps of the ports.
- Download languages on Google Translator.
- Pack for RTW and UWC.
- Print documents before heading to China.
- Check temperatures of destinations like Greenland or Iceland to determine clothing.
- Take pictures of passport, visas, documents, and upload them to a cloud.
August 2024:
- Buy additional items in Amsterdam.
- Cruise departure: August 19, 2024, from Amsterdam.
Day 01/22 – Boarding the Ultimate World Cruise
As shown on my last post, I was already in Amsterdam, and August 19 was here. I was so excited to board the Serenade of the Seas, and share the last 22 days of the Ultimate World Cruise.
We took the tram to the port and walk to get checked in at the terminal.
We learned that the cruise had had some trouble getting into Amsterdam, due to protestors, but they managed to get into the port, and now we were about to board. At the terminal everything was well signalized, and after a short wait, we got all the documents checked, and we were on the way into the cruise.
As soon as we got into the cruise we were given our SeaPasses, and our room was ready!
Wow! We were really here, we had made it. This people had been travelling for the last 8 months around the world, and we were joining them. The cruise looked really nice, it would be our home for the next 22 days. First time also in a Radiance class, and the atrium looked so nice.
Day 01/22 – Leaving Amsterdam
Around 3:30 pm, and after having some lunch at the Windjammer, and doing the Spa Raffle, we started moving, exiting the long Amsterdam canal into the Atlantic Ocean.
This exit offered great views of this beautiful city.
A lot of guests were saying bye to The Netherlands.
Another cruise was in this canal.
Day 01/22 – Main Dining Room
After a nice goodbye to Amsterdam, and finally being set free in the Atlantic Ocean, we had picked our time dining at around 7:00 PM for every single night of the cruise. But we had also booked 5 Specialty Dining that we were gonna have to sparse for the upcoming days.
We were not very hungry but picked some dessert. Food was one of the main variables in the next 22 days.
Day 02/22 – The North Sea
We were heading to Iceland and a few sea days ahead. For now, we would get coffee, go to the gym, get breakfast at Windjammer and relax. I always liked the option of the omelet in the morning.
The first night was tranquil, we were so exhausted that we slept great. It had been definitely a good idea to do the Royal Up right before the cruise, to get this Ocean View cabin, and for like $150 more total. We were so lucky, because we definitely enjoyed some sun light coming in the morning and during the day.
The stateroom hosts were great, and cleaned our room once a day, usually sometime in the afternoon when we were out and about.
From the cruise, we were able to the windmills on the North Sea, almost cruising next to the United Kingdom.
Day 02/22 – Giovanni’s Table
On this second day we relaxed, went to the gym, the sauna, and skipped the Main Dining Room in lieu of the first Specialty Dining option: Giovanni’s Table. We were offered the Menu, and chose the Cheese and cured meat board as a starter.
We were able to pick another starter, included in the price, and I went with the fried calamari. It was so good.
For the main dish, I picked the fillet mignon. I know, this is an Italian Restaurant, but I think this is the best dish of the menu, and I am not really the greatest fan of pasta. The meat was soooo good.
For dessert, also included in the price, I picked the chocolate-hazelnut cake.
Day 02/22 – The Northern Islands
While we were passing by the United Kingdom, the captain announced we were passing these cliffs and I was in awe.
They were so beautiful, and with the sunset happening soon, the light was just perfect.
Day 02/22 – Night entertainment
We tried to see every night entertainment show, and for today, the Headliner Showtime was Pete Firman, the first of many magicians we would have on board.
And later that night, just before bed we checked the SHUSH! Silent Party at the lobby.
Day 03/22 – Rough Seas
We were headed full speed to Iceland, and it seemed the sea was not happy about it. The tide was rough, and I was wondering I should take some Dramamine. I ended up taking some pills to help me sleep later this day because the bed was moving so much. Even the most experienced cruisers were saying these were the worst waters so far since the Drake Passage many months ago.
For now, we took breakfast in Windjammer, coffee at the Starbucks, and went to the gym and sauna.
The water was really rough.
Around 11 am, we had our first presentation of the destinations, which I liked to attend: Enrichment Today: Reykjavik: Iceland’s Historic Capital City at the Tropical Theatre. I learned a lot about the capital of Iceland, and all the things to do there.
Later, the room was made and I liked the little towel animal left on the bed.
Day 03/22 – Main Dining Room
There was no entertaining tonight, so we were free to go to the Main Dining Room at 7 pm. For starter I got the escargots, who I had eaten in Paris a few days before.
Always so delicious. And since today it was the formal day, lobster was FREE in the menu, so of course I had to get it. I love lobster so much.
The ship was moving so hard, but we would be in Iceland tomorrow. Do not miss this series, explaining everything regarding the Ultimate World Cruise!
Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: Your Guide
Cap d’Agde, Montpellier, and Amsterdam: A Travel Adventure
Disneyland Shanghai: First Time, Zootopia and Pirates of the Caribbean
About The Author
Pablo Palomares
Welcome to my colorful corner of the internet, fellow wanderers and adventure seekers! I'm Pablo Palomares, and I'm absolutely thrilled to have you join me on my globetrotting escapades through my JUMP travel blog. With a passport filled with stamps from 75 countries across 5 continents, I've made it my mission to explore, experience, and share the incredible diversity our world has to offer. Based in New York City and from the bustling markets of Johannesburg to the serene beaches of Bali, my journey has taken me far and wide, immersing me in unique cultures, landscapes, and cuisines. Whether it's savoring street food in Hong Kong or hiking through the rugged terrains of Patagonia, I believe that every destination has a story to tell, and I'm here to capture those stories one blog post at a time. But let's talk about my not-so-guilty pleasure – theme parks! There's something absolutely magical about the enchanting worlds created by Disney and Universal. As much as I adore exploring ancient ruins and bustling cities, I'm equally at home wandering through the whimsical streets of Diagon Alley or experiencing the thrill of a roller coaster at sunset. Join me as I indulge my inner child, sharing my tips and tales from these captivating parks that bring joy to hearts young and old. Through vivid storytelling, practical travel tips, and a sprinkle of my personal insights, I aim to inspire and guide you in your own globetrotting adventures. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone taking their first steps beyond their comfort zone, my blog is a space for everyone to find inspiration, learn, and connect. So, buckle up as we journey through the pages of my travelogue, experiencing the world's wonders, sharing laughter and awe, and discovering the hidden gems that make each destination truly special. Thank you for being a part of this incredible voyage – together, we'll traverse the globe, one country and one theme park ride at a time!