The nine-month cruise that has sent TikTok into a frenzy
The Ultimate World Cruise has departed and people have many questions. Photo: Royal Caribbean
Exploring more than 60 countries on a cruise ship over nine months could either be a dream come true or your worst nightmare.
Earlier this month, that’s exactly what hundreds of people planned to do when they boarded Royal Caribbean’s
Over the next 247 days, passengers will be making their way around the world on the ship.
Not everyone is doing the full nine months, as the cruise is broken into four parts and people will be coming and going, picking and choosing what they want to explore.
If you’re sitting at home, green with envy, or feeling a little nosey and curious to see what drama might pop up, fret not – some people on deck are primed to take the internet with them.
Since people checked into their suites on December 10 in Miami, people have been documenting their experience on TikTok … and now users are obsessed.
One person has made note of all the people doing the whole 247 nights and sharing their trips to TikTok and there’s even a bingo going around that is predicting what could happen – the good, bad and ugly.
Tweet from @_shanicex0
What is the Ultimate World Cruise?
The name really says it all.
This cruise ship is going to every part of the world, taking in 11 world wonders across seven continents.
The cruise kicked off in Miami, and was the start of the Ultimate Americas Cruise, which is expected to last 64 nights and stop at 36 destinations.
Next on the itinerary is the Asia-Pacific leg, which features 40 destinations including Australia, then it’s up to the Middle East and the Mediterranean before the final leg, Europe.
@brooklyntravelstheworld Sea day in my life!!!🌎🚢 #ultimateworldcruise #royalcaribbean #serenadeoftheseas #royalcaribbeancruise #royalcaribbeaninternationalcruise #worldcruise2023 #cruisetok #worldcruise #royalcaribbeanworldcruise #uwc #seaday #dayinmylife
Naturally, a stateroom for the nine months is very expensive, with the least expensive option starting at $59,999 ($89,333) per person.
You have to book for two people per room.
However, the cost comes with some perks like round trips, business-class airfares, a deluxe beverage package for the entirety of the trip, gratuities, wi-fi and laundry services.
@amikeoosthuizen Spend a cruising day with me 🛳️🤍🏝️ (gym, laundry & some work!) #SAMA28 #worldcruise #travel #travelvlog #cruise #royalcaribbean #foryou #fyp
Why is TikTok obsessed with the nine-month cruise?
When you put 700 people on a cruise ship for months on end, there is almost certainly going to be drama.
Apart from people being baffled by the cost of the cruise, people are interested to see the drama.
Think about it, nine months stuck in a room on a boat, with a family member, a friend or partner.
Affairs seem likely, divorces might be on the cards, conflict is almost guaranteed.
@whimsysoul Ultimate World Cruise Bingo Card!!! who’s playing with me? 🛥️ 🌊 🌍 🍿 #ultimateworldcruise #royalcaribbean #worldcruise #cruise #bingo #travel #whimsysoul
On the bingo card, there are obvious things like mass illness, COVID-19 outbreaks, sunburn and cliques forming.
Other things that feature on the bingo card include people testing positive for STDs, someone getting married, a minor mystery that needs to be solved, and someone getting pregnant and giving birth.
People also had a lot of questions – are mental health professionals onboard? Why would anyone want to be on a cruise for nine whole months?
One person who is documenting their time on the ship did answer the one question many people had.
What if someone actually does get pregnant on board? Apparently, at 24 weeks, a pregnant person will have to get off the ship.
