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This 3-year Cruise Visits 135 Countries on 7 Continents — and It Might Cost Less Than You Pay in Rent

Welcome to the Work From Ship life.

Want to set sail and just keep going? Life at Sea Cruises just announced it’s accepting reservations on its first-ever, three-year cruise, which will travel 130,000 miles, visit 135 countries across seven continents, and stop in 375 ports of call, all aboard the MV Gemini .

At each port, the vessel will stay docked for multiple days to allow its passengers to explore at their leisure. It visits 13 wonders of the world, including Egypt's Pyramids of Giza and Mexico's Chichén Itzá, and more than 100 islands, including numerous Caribbean and Central American visits. The cruise also spends 98 days in South American and Antarctica.

Courtesy of Life at Sea

The ship provides everything one would need to live at sea for several years, including spacious cabins, dining and entertainment options, recreational areas like a wellness center, sun deck, and pool, and plentiful work spaces for those who want to live the digital nomad life at sea. That includes a business center with meeting rooms, 14 offices, and a business library for all Zoom call needs. 

“Professionals need connectivity, the right amenities, and the functionality to perform their jobs. There is no other cruise product that offers this sort of flexibility to their customers,” said Mikael Petterson, the managing director of Life at Sea Cruises, in a statement released to Travel + Leisure .

The ship also has other practical amenities, including a 24-hour hospital, which offers guests free medical visits, learning experiences for guests like lectures and classes, and volunteer opportunities at various ports. 

“Life at Sea Cruises offers the ultimate cruise without having to sacrifice the comforts of home,” Irina Strembitsky, director of sales and marketing, added in the statement. “It’s your home at sea with the world as your backyard.”

The three-year voyage departs from Istanbul on Nov. 1, 2023, with additional pick-ups in Barcelona and Miami later in 2023. Pricing begins at $29,999 per year. The company also offers payment options starting from $2,499 per month, which includes food and beverage. Cabin options range from 130-square-foot interior rooms to 260-square-foot balcony suites. See more about the sailing and make your booking at lifeatseacruises.com . 

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12 epic around-the-world cruises that will check off all your bucket list travel destinations

Imagine the joys of traveling seamlessly from one bucket list country to another without packing and unpacking, switching hotels, boarding countless flights, or even doing laundry.

Think it's a fantasy? It's actually a world cruise, the nirvana of many oceangoing devotees. As a bonus, most of these around-the-world voyages include enviable perks, like precruise hotel stays, alcohol, shipboard credit, exclusive-access shore excursions — and, yes, laundry service.

Retired, taking a job hiatus or working remotely? A world cruise is a safe, easy and exhilarating way to score a global adventure beyond compare. You might even make new lifelong friends sharing similar interests.

So, pull out your travel wish list and find an itinerary for those coveted destinations.

Here, you can learn more about what's involved in an around-the-world cruise and drool over 12 terrific choices across a range of fares for an incredible monthslong voyage at sea.

What is a world cruise?

Never mind the moniker, a world cruise might visit several continents but not circumnavigate the globe. Cruise lines usually designate one ship (a few offer two) to sail about 100 days or longer — some even sail more than 200 days — without repeating ports.

World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy.

What to know about world cruises

With so few world cruises available, book far in advance. Bookings open roughly two years in advance, and some small-ship cruises sell out within hours. You'll need the extra time to make arrangements to leave your home for months. For that reason, this story will focus on 2026 world cruises.

Related: Hot cruises you'll need to book at least 1 year in advance — maybe even 2!

Around-the-world cruise cost

Such lengthy sailings cost plenty. The lines with bigger ships offer the lowest fares, although extra fees for what's not included (such as shore excursions and alcohol) can add up quickly. If contemplating a big-ship voyage, read the inclusions carefully, as they vary among lines.

Luxury vessels bundle many costly amenities into the fare, like business- or first-class plane tickets and luxury hotel stays, and charge the most. They also deliver fine dining, pampering service, glam surroundings and impressive special events. (Silversea Cruises has previously rented out an entire island to entertain its world-cruise guests.)

Thus, expect considerable price differences. Count on spending about $20,000 per person minimum to score an entry-level accommodation on the bigger ships and approximately $80,000 to $90,000 per person for an ultraluxury vessel.

Note that for the poshest lines, "entry-level" might mean a spacious, elegant suite with a veranda. For other lines, the most basic cabin is a small, windowless room.

Read on to discover where you can sail to in 2026 on a world cruise.

World Voyage

Thanks to an overwhelming response to its previous world cruises (2025 is currently sold out), Azamara announced the itinerary for 2026 aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward.

Azamara Onward is the newest ship to join the Miami-based line's four-vessel fleet. The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access.

For 2026, the 155-night, 36-country voyage begins in Miami and ends in Barcelona, with visits to exciting locales in Ecuador, Chile, French Polynesia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Dubai, Greece and others.

Along the way, world cruisers can sample authentic Ecuadorian cuisine; explore the unspoiled beaches and lush parks of Tauranga, New Zealand; and take in the diverse landscape and wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

The itinerary will include a presailing welcome party, exclusive cultural events, concierge service and other upscale perks.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $85,822 per person for an inside cabin.

World Cruise

If luxury and unparalleled personal service are important to you, consider Crystal 's 2026 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity .

The beloved upscale line went bankrupt and stopped sailing in 2022. However, luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent acquired it and brought it back to life with a $150 million glow-up, starting with 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

With renovated expansive suites, an array of social areas and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity offers ultimate comfort, quality and personalization. Every cabin comes with a butler ready to assist with reservations, laundry and any other needs you have during your global odyssey.

Beginning in Los Angeles and concluding in Civitavecchia, Italy (the port for Rome), the world cruise spans 135 nights with visits to 27 countries. The cruise kicks off with a welcome celebration, and guests can enjoy themed onboard and shoreside events and gala dinners throughout the sailing.

Exciting destinations along the way include Fiji, New Zealand, Indonesia, China, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Greece. Passengers can savor the unspoiled beaches of Fiji, enjoy street food in Sri Lanka's capital city and celebrate like a Greek god on Mount Olympus, among other events.

Custom excursions and pre- and post-cruise tours organized by Abercrombie & Kent are available along the way (for an additional cost).

Departs Jan. 11, 2026. Prices start at $69,120 per person for an ocean-view cabin.

Cunard Line

Explore the world aboard Queen Anne, Cunard's first new ship in 12 years. The 2,996-passenger vessel debuted in May 2024 and will host one of two Cunard world cruise sailings in January 2026. (Queen Mary 2 will also carry travelers across the globe in 2026.)

Queen Anne's 2026 World Voyage will span 116 nights and begin and end in Hamburg, Germany. Along the way, guests can explore historic churches in the Old Town of Lubeck, Germany, a UNESCO World Heritage site; visit traditional Thai and Buddhist temples in Penang, Malaysia; and spy leopards, rhinos and lions at a wildlife reserve in Durban, South Africa.

Passengers will enjoy spectacular new elements on this ship. The vessel's main pool area, The Pavilion, is topped with a gorgeous retractable glass roof that's not just a showpiece. The functional structure will keep poolgoers dry on rainy days.

The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 sails round-trip from Southampton, England, on a 108-night world cruise . During the journey, passengers can witness firsthand the maritime marvel of the Panama Canal, explore the pristine Bay of Islands in New Zealand and tour the tombs of Egypt's ancient kings, among other memorable experiences.

If you're seeking the most luxurious accommodations and exclusive experiences on board either ship, book Princess Grill or Queens Grill suites. Fares include outstanding amenities such as private dining rooms, coffee and specialty tea service, priority boarding, and a private outdoor lounge area.

Queens Grill suite passengers receive butler service, too. However, many lovely inclusions, such as white-gloved servers presenting complimentary daily tea, are available for all guests.

The world cruise aboard Queen Anne departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $17,999 per person for an inside cabin.

The world cruise aboard Queen Mary 2 departs Jan. 11, 2026. Prices start at $18,789 per person for an inside cabin.

Holland America

Grand World Voyage

Holland America 's 132-night Grand World Voyage on the 1,432-passenger Volendam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul. The ship will also traverse the Panama Canal.

Many included overnights allow opportunities to dive deep into local cultures and experiences. Spend extra time in Rio de Janeiro; Papeete, French Polynesia; Sydney; Safaga, Egypt; and Singapore.

On board, relish music venues like BBC Earth in Concert, where a live orchestra plays before a huge backdrop of spectacular wildlife footage. Step One Dance Company presents works by noted choreographers. Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center.

Departs Jan. 4, 2026. Prices start at $30,354 per person for an inside cabin.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises offers something a little different with its 2026 World Cruise — a choice of three embarkation ports. Passengers can board in Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France; or Barcelona. They will return to the same port they left from. The 2,550-passenger MSC Magnifica is the home base for the 118-night journey.

The itinerary features port calls at 47 destinations across 33 countries in Europe, South America, the South Pacific, Australia and Asia. Among the cities you'll explore are Barcelona; Cartagena, Colombia; Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Auckland; Tokyo; Penang, Malaysia; and Aqaba, Jordan (the port for Petra).

Spend your port days exploring New Zealand's Waitomo Caves, ogling at Jordan's ancient site of Petra, and wandering through the historic streets of Melaka and George Town's central old quarter in Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Departs Jan. 5, 6 and 7, 2026 (depending on your embarkation port). Prices start at $17,922 per person for an interior cabin.

Oceania Cruises

Around the World Cruise

Travelers can explore the world in style on Oceania Cruises ' newest vessel, the lovely 1,200-passenger Vista . It will sail a whopping 179 nights round-trip from Miami for the line's 2026 world cruise , calling at 101 ports in 43 countries.

Cruisers will also have additional world cruise options for shorter and longer versions of this sailing. You can choose a 119-night cruise departing from San Diego or a 196-night voyage departing from Los Angeles. (The latter technically begins in late 2025.)

Prepare to tear up any bucket list on a cruise this long. You'll start off sailing to a handful of ports in Mexico and the Caribbean, venture to the Brazilian Amazon, explore more of South America, and then head off to Africa and Asia. Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Latin America and Europe round out the itinerary before Vista returns to Miami.

Oceania Cruises is renowned for fine dining. Expect to eat and drink exceptionally well on board.

Departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $63,099 per person for a veranda cabin.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises promises an unforgettable journey on its 113-night world cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale (or Los Angeles, as an alternative embarkation port) on the 2,000-passenger Coral Princess.

World cruisers can visit 28 countries with 52 destinations across six continents. Exciting ports of call include Lisbon; Fiji; Naples, Italy; Hong Kong; and Split and Dubrovnik in Croatia. With late-night stays in 13 ports of call and a Hong Kong overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore.

Beyond onboard activities typical of a Princess sailing (cooking and dance classes, enrichment programs, and musical productions), passengers can enjoy special activities unique to this voyage. Among them are themed deck parties and special entertainment reflecting the history and folklore of the countries you visit.

You can also expect outdoor movies and onboard wellness features such as a spa and fitness center.

From Fort Lauderdale: Departs Jan. 5, 2026. Prices start at $26,959 per person for an interior cabin.

From Los Angeles: Departs Jan. 21, 2026. Prices start at $27,389 per person for an interior cabin.

Related: Big vs. small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Navigate the World

World cruises prove perpetually popular on this ultraluxe line. They often sell out in the blink of an eye.

For 2026, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' 154-night world cruise on the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner will sail round-trip from Miami. This journey will be the line's longest sailing, visiting 77 ports in 41 countries across six continents. The itinerary includes port calls in Guatemala, French Polynesia, Indonesia, India, Mozambique and South Africa. Count on visiting 47 UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Robben Island in South Africa.

For all its around-the-world cruises, Regent piles on primo inclusions. First-class flights, unlimited shore excursions, luggage service, an open bar and a visa package are among countless amenities.

If you want to plan beyond 2026, Regent is one of the first cruise lines to announce its 2027 world voyage aboard Seven Seas Splendor . The 127-night sailing departs from Miami and ends in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy.

The 2026 world cruise departs Jan. 10, 2026. Prices start at $94,999 per person for a veranda suite.

The 2027 world cruise departs Jan. 11, 2027. Prices start at $81,799 per person for a veranda suite.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Ring of Fire

While most world cruises circumnavigate the globe, this itinerary sails around the Pacific. You can explore Busan, South Korea's Beomeosa Temple, with a rich heritage that dates back over 1,300 years. Snorkel the sapphire waters of Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Ogle at the dichotomy of Hong Kong's modern buildings and historic communities.

You'll find many pinch-me moments on Seabourn 's 128-night, 14-country Ring of Fire world cruise in 2026. It takes place on board the 450-passenger all-suite Seabourn Sojourn and sails the long way from Los Angeles to Vancouver, British Columbia. You'll visit 63 destinations, including seven overnights at Auckland; Melbourne, Australia; Hong Kong; and other exciting cities.

On the ultraluxurious vessel, you can expect exclusive VIP celebrations, like a Caviar in the Surf party. (Note that complimentary Champagne and caviar flow freely on board, too, adding to the happy vibe.)

There's much to love about Seabourn Sojourn. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends. Count on superb dining and 24-hour room service among a slew of upscale amenities.

Departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $86,999 per person for an ocean-view cabin.

Related: Extremely decadent things you can do on a luxury cruise vacation

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises ' 2026 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn takes a different approach. It's designed to visit far-flung and remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.

This 139-night around-the-world cruise sails from Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon and explores 70 ports in 37 countries. Count on visiting enchanting medieval cities, including Dubrovnik and Hvar in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro. Wonderfully remote port calls to rarely visited destinations such as Easter Island, with its mysterious moai statues, and Nukualofa, Atuona and Fakarava (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) in French Polynesia tempt travelers to come aboard for the long haul.

Silver Dawn is a wowser with a game-changer spa , all-suite accommodations, tux-clad butlers for all passengers and complimentary caviar service anytime, anywhere. Expect many fare inclusions, such as business-class flights, shore excursions and private transfers.

Departs Jan. 6, 2026. Prices start at $87,900 per person.

The Three Oceans

Silversea also offers an 80-destination world cruise for 2027, also aboard Silver Dawn.

Departing from Los Angeles for a 148-night voyage , the ship will visit 35 countries and five continents before ending in Copenhagen. The itinerary features 80 port calls, more than any sailing in Silversea's history, and it will also include 20 new destinations for the line.

Passengers can enjoy extended time in select ports with 11 overnight calls in Honolulu; Cairns, Australia; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Cape Town; and Bordeaux, France, among others.

The Three Oceans cruise departs Jan. 8, 2027. Prices start at $78,900 per person.

Viking World Journeys

Imagine the joy of ticking many bucket list boxes on Viking World Journeys, Viking 's 120-night world cruise on board the 930-passenger Viking Sky in 2026. Book quickly; availability is extremely limited, with many suites and penthouses already sold out.

The Los Angeles-to-London voyage visits 25 countries and 53 ports. The cruise takes a southerly route around Africa, across the Indian Ocean to Southeast Asia and through the Pacific islands (including several stops in Australia and New Zealand) before it swoops up to Hawaii and terminates in California.

Palm-tree ports are plentiful, including Moorea, French Polynesia; Bay of Islands, New Zealand; and Ho Chi Minh City. You'll cross many seas, such as the Tasman, Arafura and Timor, and take your pick of a plethora of possible excursions, including a visit to a Balinese Hindu temple in Indonesia and a tour of the ancient Elephanta Caves in India.

Departs Jan. 5, 2026. Prices start at $54,995 per person for a veranda cabin.

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Boy, 12, dies after falling from balcony on Texas-bound Royal Caribbean cruise ship

A 12-year-old boy died after he plummeted from a balcony of a Texas-bound Royal Caribbean cruise ship onto the deck where the bars, restaurants and shops were located.

The child, who has yet to be identified, fell to his death on the night of Sept 7.

Witnesses told British tabloid The Sun that the boy was playing with friends he had made on the trip when he went over the balcony of a cabin on Deck 14.

He landed on Deck 8, known as the “Central Park” area of the ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Crew members tried to resuscitate him, but the boy died before the ship docked in Galveston, Texas, at the end of a seven-day western Caribbean cruise.

Passenger Christa Schoolfield said on Facebook: “My family and I saw the incident unfold right before us as we were looking down into Central Park from the pool deck.”

The Sun reported that the boy was on the cruise with his family for a birthday celebration.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the incident, together with the US Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection agency.

For now, it is not known what caused the child to fall over the railing.

Royal Caribbean confirmed the incident but did not provide more details.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests,” the company said in a statement.

“Our care team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”

The 120,000-tonne Harmony of the Seas was the world’s largest cruise ship when it was launched in November 2016.

It is taller than a 25-storey building and longer than the height of the Eiffel Tower.

The vessel has 16 guest decks and 2,747 rooms, and can carry nearly 5,500 guests.

It also has multiple-deck waterslides, a zip line and surf simulators.

The boy’s fall is not the first incident involving Harmony of the Seas.

In September 2016, before the ship’s launch, one crew member died and four others were injured when a lifeboat suddenly detached during a safety exercise.

In 2019, a 16-year-old fell to his death while trying to climb into his room from a nearby balcony as he had forgotten his room key.

A year earlier, British entertainer Arron Hough went missing from the ship when it was 430km off Puerto Rico. A multi-day search for the 20-year-old failed to find any trace of him.

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A 12-year-old boy is dead after falling from the balcony of a cruise ship before it docked in Texas over the weekend.

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Boy, 12, falls to his death aboard Royal Caribbean cruise ship Back to video

Reports suggested the preteen was attempting to climb back into his room aboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas after apparently forgetting his room key.

The ship was heading to Galveston, Texas, on Saturday near the end of a week-long cruise when the boy fell from an eighth-floor interior balcony at the Central Park area of the ship, one of seven neighbourhoods where many bars, restaurants and shops are located.

Despite the best efforts of the ship’s medical staff, the boy died of his injuries at the medical centre.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told People in a statement .

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”

The boy was with his family to celebrate a birthday and was playing with other children aboard the ship before tragedy struck.

Passengers shared their sadness on social media.

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“My daughter was friends with him and said he was upset today,” wrote Sara Tullas in a Harmony of the Seas Facebook group, according to Royal Caribbean Blog .

Another passenger said her son was playing with the boy when he fell from the balcony.

“I haven’t been able to really wrap my head around this and the conversations I have had to have with my son really tripped me up,” Shannon Elizabeth wrote.

“My son made friends with this boy and he saw too much of what happened. Just breaks my heart and the fact we were (on) this boat is just wild.”

The is the second death aboard Harmony of the Seas since it launched eight years ago. In 2019, a 16-year-old boy also fell to his death on the ship.

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When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. First of all, they’re completely stress-free. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet. On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation.

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12-year-old boy dies after falling over balcony on cruise headed for Texas

A 12-year-old boy has died after falling off a balcony while on board a Royal Caribbean cruise .

The young boy fell to his death on September 7 while on board the Harmony of the Seas as it sailed toward Galveston , Texas at the end of a week-long trip . He fell off a balcony on Deck 8, known as the “Central Park” area of the ship where there are many restaurants and stores, PEOPLE reports.

“We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement. “Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time.

“For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share,” the spokesperson added.

The boy has not been identified, and it is not yet clear what caused him to fall off the balcony.

Just last month, a British man reportedly fell overboard from Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas cruise near Croatia . The search was called off after nearly 40 hours.

“Since the man has been in the sea for over 40 hours, we are already losing hope,” Sanjin Dumanic, president of the Association of Croatian Sea Captains, said at the time.

“We would all like him to be found, but 40 hours is a very long time, and we are losing hope that this search will end successfully”.

Then, back in May, a passenger died after jumping overboard from Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ship after it set sail from Florida .

The man reportedly jumped from the Icon of the Seas after it left a Florida port. He was rescued from the water and brought back on board before succumbing to his injuries.

The cruise company also issued a statement declining to provide details on his identity.

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Breaking news, obnoxious youtubers, little privacy and all-you-can-eat lobster – what life is really like on a nine-month world cruise.

People left their homes, quit their jobs and cashed in living inheritances for the adventure of a lifetime.

Around 650 travelers ponied up between $59,999 and $117,599 for a nine-month-long around the world cruise of a lifetime, with stops in more than 150 destinations .

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise featured amazing sites and custom-made cuisine – including Subway sandwiches and Cincinnati-style chili – for the homesick; but also bouts of nausea, a fire, a flood a couple of rude social media posts and plenty of drama aboard the 962-foot Serenade of the Seas ocean-liner.

Through all 276 days, sources interviewed by The Post had a swimmingly good time.

Cruisers took off in December 2023 and finally docked for good this past week – though not everyone made it home – two customers perished at sea.

“The average age on this trip was pretty high,” Joe Martucci, 67, who was so proud of his seven-continent voyage he found himself irked by those who hopped on for just a segment but still swanned around in World Cruise tee shirts, told The Post. “So we’re going to have people who died.”

A woman, he remembered, “was with her daughter, son and husband. She stood up from going to the bathroom and just [collapsed].” Her passing lowered the head count by one.

Another passenger, Andrew Kenney, 27, pegged the average age on board as “like in their 70s.”

While plenty of locations were must-sees – Martucci was particularly taken with the Antarctic, of which he said, “The pureness was just amazing” – even the most enviable site-seeing can turn into a grind.

“When we got to Europe, after about five-and-a-half months, it started to feel like a job … leaving the boat at 8:00 in the morning and returning at 5:00,” said Martucci who took the mega voyage, along with his wife Audrey, as a retirement present to himself.

“It was 20 days without a sea day, so every day you were in a port and felt like you had to see what was there.”

Adding to the travel fatigue, some of the stops felt forced. “We’d get off the boat and wonder why we were there,” he said, recalling a less-than-memorable city in Spain. “We were there on a Monday – but Monday is the day when everything is closed.”

A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told The Post they do not comment on specific issues relating to their cruises.

Then there was a delay caused by protestors in Amsterdam – “They chained themselves to a bridge,” said Kenney, “protesting over-tourism and [damage to] the environment” – and a rerouting due to conflicts in the Middle East.

Remaining boat-bound for bum excursions, of course, was an option. But Martucci felt compelled to not miss out on things he had paid for. “You spent the money, you planned on seeing things, so you went. But some ports were disappointing.”

Besides, extended periods of time on the ship did not always feel like a pleasure cruise.

While closing in on the Antarctic, temperatures were too frigid for passengers to spend much time on deck. So most of them gravitated to the Centrum, the central space on the boat.

“Normally we were spread out in different locations,” Kenney, a professional videographer , told The Post. “But for those days, most of us were in the same place. So, you’d have people wanting to quietly drink morning coffee while other were doing loud Zumba. Then there would be an egg drop competition and guitar music.”

For Kenney, retreating to his cabin was not always an option: “If your room is at the front of the ship, then you are most susceptible to movement from rough seas. We had that room. I got pretty sick at the beginning, and there were a couple days when I walked in the room and I was, like, ‘I have to get out. I can’t stay here.’”

Being jammed up with souvenirs might not have helped. Magnets from various places were stuck to the metal walls, and, according to Andrew’s wife Ale Kenney, 30, “we’re big Disney fans. We hit every park on the trip – Hong Kong, Tokyo, Paris. Of course we bought [Disney’s] specialty popcorn containers and souvenirs from the Olympics in France. Then there was the sound-bath equipment from India. It just grows.”

One thing that did not expand was Martucci’s love of lobster. Prior to shoving off, it ranked among his favorite delicacies. “I probably had lobster 20 times on the cruise; it was just too much,” he said, acknowledging that he’s not sure when he will crack crustacean shells again.

Getting frisky with other passengers might have been an option – upside down pineapples, a cruise symbol to signify a cabin’s occupants are open to swinging, were apparently affixed to some of the doors – but a desire to get soused while aboard only got passengers so far.

“We had a term called ‘getting watered,’” said Andrew. “Basically [when passengers were becoming overly tipsy], the bartenders would stop giving them drinks and start giving them bottles of water. They were very polite with it; and it was not a hard cut off. But we all took care of each other.”

At least most of them did. It was not long into the trip before the public became curious about the super cruise and what went on aboard the boat. While a few dozen of the passengers innocently took to posting on social media – Martucci’s tongue-in-cheek handle: Spendingourkidsmoney – there were at least two who got carried away in the name of bulking up their followings.

One, Martucci remembered, tried to take advantage of the on-board deaths. “A social media person dramatized the whole thing,” he said. “She posted that she walked down the hallway and saw [the deceased lady] being taken out of a cabin. That was not true. Her TikTok [about the incident] was taken down.”

That may have been forgivable, but another TikTok rip was not. Despite best watering efforts, one passenger managed to get what Andrew characterized as “very drunk” and made a TikTok post in which he “said a lot of racist things about minorities. I don’t think he had a very good time on the boat after that.”

On the other hand, Brandee Lake , cruising with her sister Shannon and their parents, was unstoppable in her quest for good times. Brandee – who cashed in her living inheritance so she could join the family on Serenade of the Seas – rode a train to the Taj Mahal, got her hair braided in an African beauty parlor, ran with the bulls in Pamplona and took pasta making lessons in Tuscany.

“This trip was a dream come true,” Brandee, who quit her advertising-agency job right before shoving off and gave up her apartment in Los Angeles, told The Post.

“My favorite part is that this was a family trip and that my parents are both in good enough health for it to happen.”

While Lake says she’s game to hop another trip around the world, not everyone feels that same. “Nine months is way too long,” said Martucci, leaving the impression that his days as a deep sea marathoner are over.

That said, however, none of the passengers interviewed by The Post are turned off on cruising as a concept. In fact, they can’t wait to do it again. “As soon as they announced the reunion cruise,” said Kenney, “we booked!”

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Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas passenger, 12, dies after falling from balcony: report

Fbi reportedly investigating how child fell as ship was heading back to galveston, texas.

Royal Caribbean passengers rush to shelter as heavy winds, rain slam ship

Passengers on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship were slammed with a freak storm ahead of their departure, forcing them to rush for cover as deck furniture was blown into the air. (Jenn Stancil)

The FBI is investigating the death of a 12-year-old child who fell from a balcony onboard Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas cruise ship.  

The incident happened Saturday night in the ship’s interior Central Park area as the ship was heading back to port in Galveston, Texas, according to the website Royal Caribbean Blog. The cruise line describes Central Park as "upscale exquisite public gathering place featuring serene pathways, seasonal flower gardens and canopy trees." 

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of one of our guests," Royal Caribbean said in a statement to media outlets. "Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share." 

It’s unclear how the child fell, but the FBI's Houston Office told FOX Business that it "is aware of an incident that occurred on September 7, 2024, on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise ship."

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It's unclear how the passenger fell from the balcony on the Harmony of the Seas on Saturday, Sept. 7. (Royal Caribbean)

"An FBI Maritime Liaison Agent, based out of the Texas City Resident Agency, is coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and the cruise line regarding this incident," the office added.

Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond Thursday to a request for comment from FOX Business. 

The ship was wrapping up a 7-night cruise to the Western Caribbean – with stops in Honduras and Mexico – when the death happened. 

Staff onboard the Harmony of the Seas tried to resuscitate the passenger following his fall, but their efforts were unsuccessful, Royal Caribbean Blog reports.  

WATER SHORTAGE STRAINS BOOMING TEXAS TOWN  

People watch as the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas cruise ship departs from Port Canaveral, Florida, in January 2022. (Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images / Getty Images)

The Harmony of the Seas then returned to Texas the following day, with Royal Caribbean telling passengers on the ship’s next voyage that boarding would be delayed by one hour, the website adds. 

"Due to an emergency on our previous sailing, our boarding tomorrow will be delayed," said a statement reportedly emailed to passengers, "As a result, the terminal will be closed until 12 PM." 

Harmony of the Seas is based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and "spans 16 guest decks, encompasses 226,963 gross registered tons, carries 5,497 guests at double occupancy, and features 2,747 staterooms," according to the cruise line. 

The Central Park area on Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas cruise ship, where a 12-year-old is reported to have fallen from a balcony. (Royal Caribbean)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS         

In 2019, a 16-year-old male passenger died onboard the Harmony of the Seas while trying to enter his cabin through a nearby balcony, Royal Caribbean Blog also reports. 

Seven Seas Navigator Completes 25 Years in Service

• September 13, 2024

The Seven Seas Navigator is celebrating its 25th year of service for Regent Seven Seas Cruises in September.

With an unusual history, the 490-guest vessel was constructed by the T. Mariotti shipyard using the hull of a former Soviet research ship.

Originally named Akademik Nikolay Pilyugin, the vessel was launched in 1991 at the Admiralty Shipyard in St. Petersburg, Russia.

As part of a space research program, the ship was initially designed to take part in studies of the atmosphere and radio wave propagation processes.

However, the program was discontinued when the construction of the Akademik Nikolay Pilyugin was approximately 60 percent completed.

With its building process completely halted, the ship remained unfinished in Russia for several years before being acquired by T. Mariotti in August 1998.

The Italian facility then signed a $200-million contract with Regent to transform it into a new luxury cruise ship, the Seven Seas Navigator, which embarked on its maiden voyage on September 7, 1999.

The 11-day cruise departed from Nice, France, and included visits to Mediterranean destinations such as Italy, Spain and Monaco.

As part of its inaugural season, the ship offered additional itineraries in Europe before crossing the Atlantic for the first time in early October.

During its first winter season, the Navigator offered a 50-night circumnavigation cruise of South America, as well as a 17-night trans-Canal cruise that included stops in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Colombia, Panama and Costa Rica.

Currently wrapping up a summer program in Northern Europe, the 30,000-ton vessel has sailed globally during its 25-year career.

Until the end of the year, the ship is also scheduled to offer itineraries in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean before returning to Europe next April.

In November 2025, the Navigator will embark on a round Africa voyage, followed by a winter season in Australia and the South Pacific.

The deployment includes an 84-night cruise named “Grand Continental Sojourn,” which sails from Barcelona to Sydney and features ports of call in Africa, Asia and Australia .

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