travel

There is drama unfolding on the nine-month world cruise and like TikTok, we can't look away.

If you're not obsessing over the nine-month cruise that's happening right now, you're missing out.

I might have discovered it a few days ago, but it's all I can think about and it seems like every hour, more information is coming out about the nine-month voyage around the world by Royal Caribbean Cruises 

Passengers stop at 65 countries across seven continents in 274 days, beginning in Florida before cruising down to Barbados, Hawaii, Sydney, up to China, India, Egypt, throughout Europe, on to New York, before ending back in Florida, and obviously stopping at all the major cities along the way.  

Since passengers embarked, they have been sharing their experiences, which has birthed a whole new genre of TikTok: #worldcruisetok.

Users have become fascinated with everything that goes into joining a cruise that will last for almost an entire year – or an entire pregnancy — living in close quarters on a big boat. Hard pass, but you do you! 

Here's everything we know about the nine-month-long world cruise currently taking over TikTok. 

A passenger has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Earlier this week, it was alleged one passenger on the world voyage has tested positive for COVID. 

First reported by TikTok's "Sea Tea Director," it's been reported that one cruiser is currently in isolation after getting the virus onboard the ship.

"I received a tip from one of my 'tea-anonymous' crew members that a passenger on the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise has tested positive for COVID," she said in a video before sharing screenshots of the alleged passenger's Instagram Stories. 

ADVERTISEMENT

"My source sent me the passenger's Instagram account. Based on the posts, I can confirm she is on the Ultimate World Cruise," the user wrote, adding they were going to keep the person anonymous. 

In one Instagram Story shared, the caption read, "I've tested positive for COVID and [I'm] currently in isolation." Another said, "I'll celebrated Christmas with me, myself and I."

@nchimad #greenscreen 🚨SEA TEA ALERT🚨 Shout out to my “TeaNonymous Crew” FIRST KNOWN POSITIVE COVID TEST ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN ULTIMATE WORLD CRUISE! Follow me for all “SeaTea”! #royalcaribbean #ultimateworldcruise #covid #cruisetok #fyp #foryou ♬ Npsy Hussle Type Beat (Remastered 2023) - liuslz

One person has already left the cruise ship. 

So it looks like one person has decided to opt out of the world cruise, with TikTokker Joe (@spendingourkidsmoney) sharing that a pastor left after 11 days into the Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise. 

"He injured his back and he has to go home," the user shared. "We're sad to say that."

According to the terms and conditions (which were read by user @whimsysoul), he will not be refunded for his money or allowed credits for any ports or travel portions of the trip he misses out on. 

@spendingourkidsmoney #royalcaribbean #cruising #explore #WorldCruise #UltimateWorldCruise #UWC #Serenadeoftheseas #cruise #traveltiktok #travel ♬ original sound - joe

What's the 9-month world cruise like? 

Several passengers have become TikTok celebrities already for sharing their cruise vlogs. For instance, one cruiser Angie Linderman has shared what she packed and her room setup, racking up over four million views. 

@angielinderman Take a more in-depth look at my cabin and what I have done to make it feel like home for the next 9 months on @Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. #RoyalCaribbean #crusing #explore #solotravler #worldCruise #UltimateWorldCruise #UWC #SerenadeOfTheSeas #cruise #travel ♬ original sound - Angie

The video is a perfect example of when a type A person has the chance to flaunt their obsessive tendencies. And I'm here for it.  

Hanging on her door for easy access, Angie has sunglasses, a tote bag, water bottle, and games. Then on the bathroom door, she has 'miscellaneous' stuff like bug spray and sunscreen. 

ADVERTISEMENT

In her closet, you'll find at least 10 pairs of different shoes, including runners. 

As someone who takes 10 pairs of shoes just to go on a weekend away, this feels very reasonable. 

Inside the dresser, she has stored skincare, office staples, makeup, and hair tools and accessories. Angie has hanging pouches for jewellery and electronic cables. Hanging from wall hooks, you'll find four hats, an umbrella, along with fins and a snorkel stored under her coffee table.   

In another room tour, Little Rat Brain (I have questions about her chosen username, but I digress) showed off her decorated interior cabin, which includes a plant wall to introduce a "touch of nature".

@little_rat_brain I’m just surprised everything fit into their spaces so well tbh #ultimateworldcruise #uwc #worldcruise #worldcruise2023 #royalcaribbeanworldcruise#royalcaribbeaninternationalcruise #seranadeoftheseas #royalcaribbean #royalcaribbeancruise #cruisetok #cruisecabin #cabindecor #cruisedecor #cruiseshipcabin #roomtour #roomtouraesthetic ♬ original sound - Little Rat Brain

How much does the 9-month world cruise cost?

Well it's... bloody expensive. 

Depending on the room choice, the cruise will cost between $60,000US and $100,000US per person, which translates to between $90,000 and $150,000AUD per person.

One TikToker shared that she paid $70,000US (around $100,000AUD) per person for a room with a balcony, with the package including business flights, transportation from airport, all food and drinks, WiFi and laundry services, along with the excursions to the 'seven wonders of the world'. 

@amike_oosthuizen Here’s a few answers to your questions! 🌎🫶🛳️ I am so thankful for this oppertunity in my life 😭😭😭 #SAMA28 #worldcruise #travel #travelvlog #royalcaribbean #foryou #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound - Amike Oosthuizen

But if you can rent out your place and have a spare $90k lying around (must be nice) then go off! 

We might not be there, but we're sure as hell going to follow every moment from the comfort of our own homes. 

Feature image: TikTok/@angielinderman @nchimad.