The Popular Nine-Month Ocean Voyage Draws to a Close. Here's an Insider Account of the Experience Aboard.
The idea of spending nine months on a 20-year-old vessel, sailing to over 60 locations with hundreds of strangers, caught people's attention as passengers started sharing on TikTok. It seemed more like a TV show concept than a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
For a moment, it seemed like everyone was talking about the nine-month cruise and its potential "real-life reality show" vibe.
People on social media eagerly awaited to see how this "sea social experiment" unfolded. Would there be love, arguments, dramatic twists, unexpected turns? "Anything can happen," was how one social media user put it to CNN Travel back in January.
Nine months later, the journey, dubbed the Ultimate World Cruise by Royal Caribbean, is finally drawing to a close with its final stop in Miami on September 10. To mark the voyage's end, CNN Travel caught up with the passengers to find out what it was like to live at sea for nine months with the world watching from home.
Passengers' perspective
The passengers sharing their nine-month journey on TikTok ranged from a 50-something widowed solo traveler, Anthony McWilliams, who aimed to inspire followers to live life to the fullest, to a 26-year-old South African influencer, Amike Oosthuizen, known for her glamorous take on sea life.
Other passengers included lovable boomer couple Joe and Audrey Martucci, new to social media and posting as @spendingourkidsmoney (Joe reassures CNN Travel that there's still plenty of money left for the kids). Fortysomething sisters Brandee Lake and Shannon Marie Lake showed how to live with an adult sibling and not drive each other crazy, while Gen Z traveler known as Little Rat Brain posted chaotic, wry dispatches from sea.
@little_rat_brain I'm just surprised everything fit into their spaces so well tbh #ultimateworldcruise #uwc #worldcruise #worldcruise2023 #royalcaribbeanworldcruise #royalcaribbeaninternationalcruise #serenadeoftheseas #royalcaribbean #royalcaribbeancruise #cruisetok #cruisecabin #cabindecor #cruisedecor #cruiseshipcabin #roomtour #roomtouraesthetic ♬ original sound - Little Rat Brain
Former NASA employee Bobbi Waterman and her partner Tam, posting as @tam.and.bobbi, gained fans for talking candidly about traveling as an LGBTQ+ couple and Bobbi's experiences as a trans woman. American traveler Angie Linderman gained attention after she spoke movingly about her path to the Ultimate World Cruise, which included the untimely deaths of her parents and her discovery that she carries the BRCA gene, making her more susceptible to breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
For those looking for a behind-the-scenes glimpse at life on board, Royal Caribbean crewmember Julian Mendoza, posting as @cooljul1, produced "day in the life" videos, while performer Daniele Salvatore Arbisi once managed to get the ship's captain to come on his account @singing.sailor.
@spendingourkidsmoney #royalcaribbean #cruising #explore #WorldCruise #UltimateWorldCruise #UWC #Serenadeoftheseas #cruise #travel ♬ original sound - Cruisemum&dad
Each passenger offered a different perspective on the cruise. These multiple viewpoints perhaps partly explained the voyage's virality – there was someone for everyone to relate to, and there was potential for clashing personalities.
"You're putting all of these people on a ship for nine months, and when they're on the ocean, when they're sailing, there's no escape," says British social media user Beth Anne Fletcher, who chronicles the cruise – mainly from land – on her own TikTok account, @livingmy_bethlife.
‘What drama is going to happen?’
Fletcher wasn't surprised by the viral appeal of the cruise.
"If you're interested in travel and also in psychology and people, what more could you want?" Fletcher tells CNN Travel.
"They're all there together, but they're going to see the world as well. It's almost like (reality TV show) "Below Deck," but a nine-month episode."
Still, for many of the passengers, the early social media attention was surreal and unexpected. Joe Martucci didn't know how to spell TikTok before he posted his first video, inspired by his kids. Even travelers like Oosthuizen, who had a pre-established TikTok presence, were shocked.
"I honestly did not think it would explode as much," Oosthuizen told CNN Travel back in January.
@nchimad I’m staying on cruisetok for the next nine months ! I want to see everything !! #royalcaribbeancruise #9monthcruise #whewchile #ocean #fyp #foryourpage ♬ original sound - ✨ND✨
"After a while, we had millions of people watching and asking, 'What's next in this soap opera?'" reminisces the individual referred to as LRB, or Little Rat Brain, a 24-year-old American voyager who requested anonymity for privacy reasons when talking to CNN Travel.
LRB shares her thoughts with CNN Travel right before the voyage's conclusion, stating that it appeared as if the situation was "tailor-made for a reality TV show."
"It's loads of people crammed in a small space, where just about everything is gratis," she explains. (Although nothing was truly free – the nine-month journey cost anywhere from $59,999 to $117,599 per person – but unlimited onboard grub and liquor was included in that fee)
"Whatever food you crave... As much alcohol as your liver can handle... You're essentially free from obligations..." LRB goes on.
Unfortunately, those glued to their screens waiting for sensational reports from the Ultimate World Cruise were generally disappointed.
Reports of at least one collapse on board surfaced, but elderly passengers passing away from natural causes is a common occurrence on such lengthy voyages. The ship also had to change course due to global events, protests, and extreme weather, but route changes for lengthy journeys planned years in advance are not unheard of.
Although people aboard each other, predictions of marital discord and potential ejections were largely wrong (although divorce whispers were rampant throughout the journey).
As the days and weeks went by, social media fascination with the voyage waned – after all, how many things can remain viral for nine months?
"We definitely saw the interest dwindle," says passenger Anthony McWilliams, adding that some travelers suffered emotionally when their engagement numbers dropped.
There was TikTok-based drama too – Amike Oosthuizen says her account was banned and then deleted.
"They claimed I was selling fake goods, which I was not peddling at all," she tells CNN Travel. Oosthuizen then created another account, but it never managed to reach the mind-boggling numbers of the six million-plus viewers who watched her initial video chronicling the Serenade of the Seas' treacherous crossing of the Drake Passage.
Many voyagers appreciated the decrease in digital scrutiny.
"The attention leveled out as the trip progressed, which I believe was beneficial as it allowed things to return to normal and allowed me to focus more on this experience," passenger Angie Linderman tells CNN Travel.
Even after nine months, Linderman still encountered new viewers discovering her social media.
"I still have people reaching out because they too have BRCA or have also lost a parent and are looking for someone to connect with," she says.
While some TikTok users dropped off, others continued to follow the nine-month voyage until its conclusion, living vicariously through the passengers as they journeyed around the globe.
"We had people messaging us to say, 'Thank you so much for taking me along on this adventure,'" says Audrey Martucci, of @spendingourkidsmoney, who recalls an odd experience when she and her husband were recognized by fans in Halifax, Canada.
"I have followers who have been with me for the entire nine months," says McWilliams. "But then there are also people who said, 'Oh, we thought y'all were deceased.'"
Building relationships
Fletcher, who continued to monitor from land, reacted to the dwindling public interest by publishing fewer recaps as the months went on.
However, as she switched to discussing actual reality TV shows, Fletcher remained engaged with the passengers, gradually establishing bonds with them, realizing "these people are simply on vacation, having a good time."
When the Serenade of the Seas docked in Southampton, in the UK, some passengers and crew invited Fletcher aboard.
"It was a bizarre day, because we had been talking about these people for so long, and then to actually spend time with them, it was like being with old friends," says Fletcher.
She formed a particular connection with Joe and Audrey Martucci, who were dubbed "Cruise Mom and Dad" by their followers. The couple lived up to their title, wholeheartedly welcoming Fletcher.
"It was like meeting one of our kids," says Joe, of their encounter in Southampton.
"Beth Anne's one of those people we will keep in touch with, probably forever," says Audrey. "She's such a special individual, and we're glad to call her our friend."
For John and Lucy, forming a bond with a young British TikToker, who wasn't even on their ship – the Serenade of the Seas – was just one of many unforeseen, amazing connections they made throughout their nine-month journey.
Many travellers attribute the friendships and camaraderie on board to making their experience extraordinary. McWilliams considers his fellow passengers Brandee and Shannon Lake as his "sisters," and he also shared a connection with Fletcher, as well as social media user ND – who shifted from following the cruise online via her account @nchimad to joining the adventure for a week.
"As you age, it becomes less likely to make such friendships," McWilliams reflects. "We're incredibly fortunate."
Little Rat Brain admits to enjoying being part of a "supportive, creative community" aboard the vessel, even if the constant clicking of camera phones occasionally gave off "Truman Show" vibes.
Brandee Lake explains how she connected with various individuals aboard in diverse ways – from shared passion for adventure tours or art, to regarding older travelers as her "ship aunts and uncles."
According to Lake, the shared experience that binds everyone together is "the underlying charm of this incredible journey."
Lake suggests that conveying this experience to people off the ship may be challenging.
The group also aided each other during challenging times. While the concept of a permanent vacation may sound enticing, travelers admit that it wasn't always simple.
Joe and Audrey Martucci acknowledge that, although they "couldn't ask for a better trip and a better opportunity," they did "start to feel exhausted being on vacation." They missed their children and found it challenging to be extra far away as significant events unfolded on shore.
"Nine months is a long time," says Joe. "I wouldn't do a nine-month straight cruise again. It's simply too long away from family and everyone – we started to feel burnt out."
"We hadn't been able to catch up on sleep," adds Audrey, referencing the never-ending nature of the itinerary, before continuing, "We're aware of how first world issues this sounds."
The pair then managed to regain balance by taking rest periods and slower days whenever necessary. At times, they would skip Royal Caribbean-led excursions to simply explore the surrounding nature on foot.
Readying for the farewell
Many travellers predicted a significant culture shock following their departure from the Serenade of the Seas for the last time.
"It was liberating to give up everything before I came," says Lake, who abandoned her California rental lease to live out of a suitcase for nine months. "Now I'm like, 'Oh, shoot.'"
Passengers could maintain connections with loved ones back home through regular video calls and even the occasional ship visit, but admit that long-distance relationships could be complicated to manage.
"These types of experiences," says Lake, "might trim down your relationships at home." "Some will remain strong and endure after – some might vanish."
"At some moments, it was a bit tough," agrees LRB. "Because friends would be texting, 'Oh, I had a terrible day at work,' while I'd be thinking, 'I viewed the Great Wall of China, or I snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef.' It sometimes felt like a disconnect."
Passengers adopted various tactics to stay informed about world news and current events.
For Oosthuizen, as she witnessed more and more of the world, she felt she acquired "a global viewpoint."
"It was extremely enlightening, observing various cultures, witnessing how different people sustain themselves," says Oosthuizen. "I wouldn't say I felt distant on the cruise."
Joe Martucci remarks, "You can't vanish for nine months and stick your head in the sand like an ostrich, claiming, 'I'll worry about it once I return home.' The world just keeps evolving so swiftly."
Brandee Lake, however, intentionally disconnected from the world outside the "bubble" and found a recent cruise stopover in New York City to be a jolt.
"We haven't been back in the United States since February, since we halted in LA," she explains. "It's quite different now, given it's high election season."
Some American passengers on board say the environment aboard the ship has become more tense as the US election approaches.
"I'm starting to understand that a few individuals I genuinely care about hold opposing political views to mine, and navigating that has become a challenge," says McWilliams.
"Certainly, there's a certain group of individuals I'm fine avoiding again in the future," shares Linderman. "That's just how life works sometimes, you don't gel with everybody."
People living in close quarters with family during travel have developed methods to manage conflicts over the past nine months.
"Family feuds are inevitable, you know when you're pushing each other's buttons," says Lake, who traveled with her family. "You just need to step away for a bit and then return."
Little Rat Brain, sharing a cabin with her mom in inconvenient conditions, managed to simply take some time for herself when needed.
Most travelers expressed their gratitude for sharing this journey with their loved ones.
"Especially with my parents, you just realize how fortunate," says Lake.
There were also new faces joining the trip for shorter durations.
One such passenger was American TikTok influencer Marc Sebastian, sponsored to join the cruise for a brief period, promising to "create chaos."
However, Sebastian's chaotic antics never materialized. Instead, McWilliams noticed Sebastian getting emotional while admiring Antarctica's icebergs.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience
As the trip draws to a close, travelers are reminiscing about their experiences and trying to absorb the last nine months.
Lake finds it difficult to pick a single highlight, but the ship's time in Antarctica stands out. This sentiment is shared by Little Rat Brain:
"The water was as flat as a mirror, and it mirrored these massive icebergs that came in various shades of white. It was completely stunning," LRB recalls.
Angie Linderman fondly remembers her train journey across India and a stop in Portofino, Italy, where she swam all day in a small, colorful beach.
Linderman cherishes moments like watching "the sunrise over the falls at Iguazu Falls" or "the Great Wall of China at night, surrounded by only my fellow travelers."
Sea days were also special, Linderman says, particularly "the countless nights of dancing in the Vortex Lounge or at a silent disco or movie night with friends."
The TikTok-famous passengers are contemplating how to adapt their online presence. Some earn a living from social media ("It's not enough to live off, definitely," stresses Little Rat Brain. "But it's enough to treat friends to dinner when I get back.") They value connecting with their followers as their main motivation to continue posting.
Many passengers have further travels planned, documenting their adventures through TikTok. Meanwhile, Linderman has an upcoming ovarectomy surgery, planning to share her journey online with her supportive online community.
There's talk of a reunion cruise, albeit a much shorter one, which will no doubt be recorded and shared online.
Upcoming world cruises like four-month voyages by MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises exist, but the Ultimate World Cruise is currently unavailable among major cruise lines.
Royal Caribbean hasn't replied to CNN's inquiry regarding future nine-month cruises.
Beth Anne Fletcher is intrigued by the prospect of the three-year cruise currently stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland, operated by Villa Vie Cruises, but she's noticed minimal social media content emerging from that ship so far.
"Nothing will likely surpass the virality of the nine-month cruise," Fletcher says.
"I'm not entirely sure if it will ever happen again," agrees Little Rat Brain. "We were just lucky enough to have a perfect sequence of events, while fortunately avoiding any actual perfect storms. So, I'll take it."
"Every aspect of the past nine months lived on that small ship, with the same people, has created unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime," LRB concludes.
The passengers continued to share their experiences on TikTok, attracting a large audience who were eager to follow their "sea social experiment."
However, as the journey progressed, people's interest in the viral cruise waned, and the passengers had to adjust to less digital scrutiny.
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