by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:15 PM ET, Mon September 9, 2024
Royal Caribbean International’s viral 9-month world cruise is coming to an end this week.
For the last nine months, Serenade of the Seas has been sailing around the globe on the line's Ultimate World Cruise itinerary. Passengers will disembark in Miami on September 10 after visiting 160 destinations.
The ship departed from Miami on December 20, 2023, and quickly took on “a life of its own," Vicki Freed, Royal Caribbean's vice president of sales, trade support and service, told Travel Weekly.
"The response has been amazing,” Freed added.
The sailing attracted quite a few fans on social media, as passengers shared their experiences onboard the ship.
Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea forced the vessel to make an unexpected detour in May, but passengers got to vote on the ship’s new route. Protesters also blocked the ship’s arrival in Amsterdam in August.
Michael Bayley, chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean International, has been onboard the ship for some of its final days. He’s been posting updates and photos on social media.
“274 days, 7 continents, the wonders of the world, 65 destinations and the Serenade of the Seas returns tomorrow to Miami where 9 months ago the great adventure began,” Bayley wrote in a Facebook post. “What an amazing voyage these brave travelers have made. Over the past days they have shared their stories, many telling of a true life-changing experience and sharing such joy and emotion over new relationships formed and bonds created with fellow travelers and crew.”
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