The cost of a trip from 60 to 118 thousand dollars: a world cruise that went viral on the Internet

By TravelWiseFeb 4, 2024 07:25 AMNews
Share:
The cost of a trip from 60 to 118 thousand dollars: a world cruise that went viral on the Internet
Over the course of nine months, 27,000 passengers will visit more than 60 countries on all seven continents. Source: Michel Verdure/Royal Caribbean International, yahoo.com

Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise has become an internet obsession. Since the ship first left the port in November, videos about the trip have been viewed millions of times, and people are fascinated by this route.

The scale of the journey is impressive. Over the course of nine months, 27,000 passengers will visit more than 60 countries on all seven continents. The cruise consists of four main parts - America, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Europe, which are divided into 17 stages," Yahoo writes.

Passengers can join one of the sections, mix 17 stages or stay for the entire cruise. Those who sign up for the full cruise will part with $60,000 (£47,286) to $118,000 (£92,996).

The cost of a trip from 60 to 118 thousand dollars: a world cruise that went viral on the Internet
The cost of the cruise is from $60,000 to $118,000. Source: Michel Verdure/Royal Caribbean International, yahoo.com

The length and cost of the cruise made it an interesting phenomenon. Yes, round-the-world cruises are nothing new-the very first one set sail from New York in 1922-but this one rose to the top of social media algorithms like a benign iceberg and inevitably appeared in people's feeds, regardless of whether they had ever been interested in cruising before.

A kind of micro-industry of travel documentation has emerged. There are passengers who post daily updates on TikTok and Instagram, chronicling life at sea, but there are also commentators on land.

Amike Oosthuizen, a South African influencer, is not surprised by the interest online. She and her family have booked cruise tickets for 2021. "I've always wanted to travel the world," she says. "And a cruise is a great way to do that because you have your own cabin, your own space, and you don't have to fly between destinations. People want to see your daily routine, how you live for nine months."

Her favorite stop so far has been Antarctica, which she says was "magical" and she praises the conditions on board.

"I think some social media content creators exaggerate," says Amike Oosthuizen. - "Others, who are not even on the ship, use this opportunity to promote their accounts by creating fake dramas.

Social media users are watching the incredible nature. Only a few weeks ago, the cruise was passing through the Drake Passage, a waterway between Antarctica and Chile characterized by rough weather. Videos posted online showed the ship plowing through the choppy waters.

There was speculation that the "show" might end early. There were rumors on the Internet that due to the constant threat to navigation in the Red Sea, the full route would be impossible. Some ships, such as Viking Cruises, have changed their port calls, and Ultimate World Cruise hopes to continue its route.

Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise has become a real phenomenon, demonstrating the vacation at sea to a new audience. Typical cruise passengers are people aged 50-60. Most TikTok creators are between 18 and 34 years old. In addition, world cruises, with their high ticket prices and long time commitments, are usually not accessible to young people.

Also among those who post videos are the staff on board, as well as a couple who boasted about how they spend their children's inheritance. There are also people like Jenny Hunnicutt, who works remotely and travels full time.

"This cruise was the catalyst for changing our lives," says Hunnicutt, who booked tickets for the Royal Caribbean cruise with her husband two years ago. "We sold everything: our apartment, our cars, many things like furniture and clothes. And then we moved into a motorhome."

Although she still works remotely, Hunnicutt now also chronicles life on a cruise.

"Talking about a cruise like this can be like bragging," she says. - "I never want to pass it on. So the fact that we've received positive comments means a lot. People say they are grateful that we let them have this experience through us."

While interest in cruising may be starting to wane, Emma Le Tis believes that the attention it has received will ultimately prove beneficial to the industry. Although she does have a word of caution for newcomers. "Sailing around the world is a very long cruise. Most people have done a lot of cruises before they go around the world. I would recommend starting with a seven-day cruise."

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Emirates aircraft taking off from runway

Emirates Adjusts Gulf Travel with New Aircraft on Key Route

Jul 9, 2025 09:29 AM
Rail workers performing track maintenance at a train station during daytime

Planned Rail Works to Impact Night Trains Between Llandudno and Holyhead

Jul 9, 2025 07:36 AM

Manila Sapporo Air Route Restored This Winter Boosting Winter Travel Choices

Jul 8, 2025 20:42 PM

Ipswich Train Services Updated to Handle Large Crowds During Ed Sheeran Concerts

Jul 8, 2025 18:37 PM
WestJet airplane landing with extended flaps against blue sky

WestJet Expands Winter Flights, Unlocking New Warm-Weather Destinations for Travelers

Jul 8, 2025 16:24 PM
Transavia aircraft taking off under clear blue sky

Transavia opens early booking for popular summer 2026 routes

Jul 8, 2025 14:41 PM
Rail workers conducting maintenance inside a tunnel at night

Severn Estuary Rail Closure to Disrupt Summer Travel to Key Outdoor Spots

Jul 8, 2025 10:38 AM
Modern hotel room with neutral tones, large bed, and floor-to-ceiling curtains

Central Turin Gains New Accommodation Option in Historic Setting

Jul 7, 2025 23:29 PM
Airplane flying overhead on a clear day

New Nonstop Route Links UAE and Southern Germany

Jul 7, 2025 19:33 PM

Italy Faces Rail Disruptions Amid Nationwide Strike in July

Jul 7, 2025 17:44 PM

Nonstop Flights Between Hanoi and Xi’an Make Cultural Journeys Easier for Travelers

Jul 7, 2025 16:27 PM
Modern hotel room with neatly made bed and ambient lighting

New Hotel Project Near Berliner Tor Set to Expand Hamburg Accommodation

Jul 7, 2025 15:51 PM
A man shouting into a megaphone during a protest with a crowd in the background

Finnair Strike Cancels 100 Flights Disrupting Travel at Helsinki Airport

Jul 6, 2025 19:42 PM
Bridge and colorful buildings in central Copenhagen near the canal

Rotterdam, Copenhagen and Munich Offer Direct Access to Active Public Zones

Jul 6, 2025 17:35 PM
SunExpress aircraft in flight before landing

New Summer Route Links Liverpool with Türkiye’s Southern Coast

Jul 5, 2025 23:25 PM

Expect Train Delays as Shrewsbury–Crewe Route Closes for Repairs

Jul 5, 2025 21:41 PM

Six New Cities Added to KLM’s 2025 Network amid Growing Summer Traffic

Jul 5, 2025 19:38 PM
A steam train crossing a small stone bridge through a green countryside valley, releasing white smoke

Steam Train Journeys Return with New Routes for Exploring Britain’s Nature and History This Summer

Jul 5, 2025 17:56 PM
Two Greater Anglia trains at a station platform under electric lines

Greater Anglia Introduces Fare Offers Ahead of Summer Festivals in East Anglia

Jul 5, 2025 16:43 PM
AirAsia airplane wing with logo against clear sky

AirAsia’s New Fleet Set to Unlock More Direct Long-Haul Flights for Travelers

Jul 5, 2025 15:39 PM
Rail maintenance machinery working on train tracks near passenger trains

Calabria Rail Maintenance Weekend Disrupts Key Travel Routes

Jul 4, 2025 23:27 PM
Passenger checking carry-on luggage at airport baggage claim

Finnair Reminds Passengers of Carry On Rules Ahead of New EU Liquid Restrictions

Jul 4, 2025 21:56 PM

Cardiff Rail Upgrades Will Disrupt Weekend Travel and Affect Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 19:31 PM

Croatia Airlines Resumes Zagreb and Bucharest Flights Enhancing Travel Options for Passengers

Jul 4, 2025 17:28 PM
Covered outdoor area at Munich Airport

Munich to Casablanca Flights Resume, Opening Door to West Africa

Jul 4, 2025 15:45 PM
Manchester Piccadilly railway station with multiple platforms and trains during daytime

Rail Delays and Route Changes in Manchester During Oasis Concert Week

Jul 4, 2025 11:32 AM