Royal Caribbean CEO talks about plans for the ultimate 9-month world cruise

royal caribbeans sea ​​serenade The cruise ship will leave Miami in December with more than 800 guests on board and will travel to more than 150 destinations in 65 countries over the next nine months.

Known as the “Ultimate World Cruise,” the itinerary became an overnight social media sensation and quickly gained popularity. dubbed “TikTok’s Favorite New Reality Show” by The New York Times.

Michael Bailey, the cruise line’s president and CEO, told reporters during a panel interview this month that the idea to extend the voyage was created during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Let’s do something big,” he said. And it came true: 274 nights long, Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise It’s more than twice as long as most other round-the-world itineraries.

But planning a comprehensive world voyage requires more than just choosing a ship and a few dozen ports. After all, Royal Caribbean “had no idea how difficult a round-the-world cruise would be,” Bailey said.

The cruise line had to arrange for several doctors and nurses to travel aboard the ship. Some dishes change depending on the season and destination. A fitness expert was also hired to lead workout classes to keep guests in shape.

“It’s amazing how much work we have to do,” Bailey said, referring to logistics such as visas and securing an onboard dentist.

This cruise line’s parent company is well-versed in global itineraries, and its luxury subsidiary, Silversea operates annual world cruises. But compared to Royal Caribbean’s sailing juggernaut, the smaller brand’s 132-night cruises are several months shorter and aboard much smaller, albeit more luxurious ships.

Unfortunately for Ultimate World Cruise guests, Bailey said the cruise line did not include a potentially important service: marriage counselors. Because there’s no better way to test a relationship than spending nine months together in a tiny cruise cabin.