‘Cruise Company Changes Route of World Cruise Following Passenger Vote’

Royal Caribbean International has made the decision to reroute its Ultimate World Cruise to steer clear of the Red Sea region. The Serenade of the Seas will now be following an alternative itinerary around Africa, offering passengers an exciting new route with 18 ports of call in Africa and Europe, including exotic destinations like the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius.

The 43-night segment of the Ultimate World Cruise will take passengers from Dubai to Italy via South Africa, from May 9 to June 20, 2024. Following an onboard vote, passengers were given the opportunity to choose their preferred option through a unique voting process that began in late February.

Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, explained that after closely monitoring the unrest in the Red Sea, the decision was made to present passengers with alternative itineraries to ensure their safety and well-being. While the chosen alternative may not be what passengers initially expected, it will be the first time Royal Caribbean International visits Africa, adding an element of adventure to the journey.

Passengers who opt to continue on the new route will receive a 25 percent pro-rated refund of the segment cruise fare in the form of a refundable onboard credit. Additionally, guests have the option to disembark the Serenade during this portion of the journey and receive a pro-rated refund for their time off the ship.

The Ultimate World Cruise, which departed from Miami in early December, offers a 274-night journey across different parts of the globe. The original itinerary included over 150 ports of call in 60 countries and seven continents, providing passengers with a truly unforgettable travel experience.