Cruise company Royal Caribbean has come up with the ultimate fix for travellers dreaming of seeing the world when borders reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The company has announced its upcoming inaugural Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night excursion that visits all seven continents and takes in more than 150 destinations in 65 countries, including 11 great wonders of the world.
The trip will take place onboard Serenade of the Seas departing Miami on December 10, 2023 with its last day being September 10, 2024.
Demand is expected to be so high for the cruise booking will only be open for a week.
"This is the world cruise of world cruises," Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International said.
"Now more than ever people have resolved to travel the world and make up for lost time. Royal Caribbean is making that a reality with the ultimate vacation that welcomes those seeking adventure and exploration to taste, dance and dream with us around the world. To travellers asking themselves where they should go next, we say: Everywhere."
For customers who don't want to stay onboard the whole cruise it has been divided into four parts which can be booked separately: The Americas, Asia-Pacific, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Round the Horn: Americas and Antarctica Expedition
Three continents, 36 destinations, four wonders
The journey begins in Miami, the cruise capital of the world, and sets course for Caribbean destinations Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao.
From the heat of the Caribbean, the cruise then heads south, as south as you can go: Antarctica.
Travelers can take in four of the world's wonders along the way in Central and South America, including Chichen Itza, Mexico; the largest art deco sculpture in the world, and Christ the Redeemer, in Rio de Janeiro. It's here where those onboard will spend New Year's Eve.
The ship then heads to the largest waterfall system on the planet, Iguazu Falls near Buenos Aires before dipping south to the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Then on to Peru and one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Inca civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu and Los Angeles.
Wonders of Asia and the Pacific Expedition
Three continents, 40 destinations, three wonders
Travelling first to the Hawaiian Islands, the Serenade of the Seas will then head to Moorea and Tahiti before heading south to Aotearoa, and then on to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
It's then on to Bali before ticking off some of the most iconic structures in the world, the Great Wall of China and India's Taj Mahal as well as Vietnam and Malaysia and Tokyo.
Middle East Treasures and Marvels of the Med Expedition
Three continents, 44 destinations, four wonders
This expedition begins in Dubai and brings many of history's greatest mysteries, myths and legends to life with visits to Jordan's lost city of Petra, the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, Turkey, and the Colosseum in Rome.
There are also less-travelled places to explore such as Greece's Olympia, once a sanctuary site to honour Zeus and the location of the first Olympic games.
The journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history like Cannes and Provence in France.
Capitals of Culture
Three continents, 40 destinations
The final leg of the Ultimate World Cruise is described as an immersive cultural experience that begins in the Mediterranean and heads north. From Morocco to St Petersburg, Russia, Norway to Iceland.
As the cruise nears completion, the Serenade of the Seas stops in New York before heading back to Florida.
Back in Miami, where it all started, is where passengers will disembark after 274 nights on the inaugural Ultimate World Cruise.
