The Ultimate Experience of a Lifetime

Our extraordinary world cruise, which set sail from Miami on December 10, 2023, has taken us on an epic journey spanning over 75,000 nautical miles—equivalent to circumnavigating the globe 3.6 times at the equator. Throughout this remarkable voyage, we've explored more than 70 diverse destinations, including countries, provinces, islands, and unique geographical wonders such as the majestic fjords of Chile, Norway, and Greenland.

Our journey was filled with awe-inspiring moments, from braving the tumultuous Drake Passage with its 30-foot swells bombarding the ship to gliding past colossal icebergs in the pristine Antarctic waters. We marveled at whales breaching against a backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains, anchored at the legendary Cape Horn, and sent postcards from the world's southernmost post office in Ushuaia, Argentina. Our voyage encompassed over a hundred city ports, with at least 150 guided tours enriching our understanding of diverse cultures. Throughout our travels, we crossed the Equator eight times and traversed the International Date Line once, truly circumnavigating the globe in a remarkable adventure.

Our journey through Asia and Europe presented a stark contrast of densely populated urban centers and awe-inspiring human achievements. In Asia, we navigated through teeming cities where the heat often soared to uncomfortable levels, making us grateful for the ship's refreshing pool at day's end. Yet, the region's marvels left us spellbound: we walked the Great Wall of China, admired the Taj Mahal's beauty, marveled at Singapore's futuristic Supertree Grove, and gazed up at the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Europe offered its own wonders, from witnessing the ongoing construction of Barcelona's 150-year-old Sagrada Familia to standing inside Helsinki's unique church carved into solid rock.

An unexpected detour around Africa due to security concerns in the Suez Canal and Red Sea truly transformed our trip into a comprehensive world cruise. This diversion led to what became my most cherished experience: an African safari at Kapama Karula. There, we witnessed the raw circle of life as a pride of lions devoured a giraffe, followed by vultures and hyenas. We approached a herd of elephants, including a newborn calf, and marveled at the brilliant constellations overhead. The time spent in this private reserve near Kruger National Park etched unforgettable memories, vividly illustrating the untamed beauty and primal rhythms of nature.

The pace of our journey was often relentless, with days blurring together as we hopped from one country to another. We frequently found ourselves rising early for 7:30 AM tour departures, sometimes enduring stretches of up to 18 days before a much-needed sea day offered respite. While this whirlwind schedule occasionally left us in a daze, it was the price we gladly paid to experience the world in just 274 days. Our northern leg through Norway, Iceland, and Greenland showcased nature's raw power and beauty. We hiked to glaciers surrounded by thundering waterfalls, braved the Atlantic's fury with 30-foot seas and hurricane-force winds of up to 80 mph, and witnessed Iceland's geological drama unfold through volcanic eruptions. Greenland's Northern lights and majestic icebergs and frost-covered mountains left us in awe of the Arctic's pristine landscapes and heavens.

Reflecting back on other parts, we've explored an astounding number of churches and temples, mingled with crowds on bustling beaches and in vibrant markets, and been captivated by breathtaking vistas from mountaintops. We've marveled at spectacular sunsets and gained a profound appreciation for the vast oceans that dominate our planet. This voyage has not only taken us around the world but has also broadened our perspectives, leaving us with a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures, natural wonders, and shared humanity that make our world so extraordinary.

Our journey was filled with awe-inspiring natural wonders and poignant historical encounters too. The Chilean Fjords along South America's coast and Greenland's Prins Christian Sund dazzled us with their glacial magnificence, rivaled only by the dramatic cliffside shores of the Adriatic Sea. We embraced diverse experiences, from navigating squat toilets to reeling in an impressive catch of fish in New Zealand and holding majestic birds of prey in Abu Dhabi. Our travels also led us to sobering sites of historical significance. The battlegrounds and graveyards in Manila, Philippines, and Normandy, France, served as powerful reminders of the sacrifices made for freedom. In the Baltic region, we were moved by the resilience of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, witnessing firsthand the enduring spirit that fueled their fight for independence. These experiences, ranging from natural splendors to cultural immersions and historical reflections, enriched our understanding of the world's diversity and the shared human experiences that connect us all. Each encounter, whether with nature's grandeur or humanity's triumphs and tribulations, added depth to our global perspective.

We’ve also enjoyed the flavors of dishes around the world, including: green tea tasting Hong Kong, Vietnamese Banh Xeo ( crispy pancake with pork and shrimp eaten in a lettuce leaf), Tagine cooking Berber-style in Morocco, Reindeer in Norway, Tapas in Spain, Biltong in South Africa, Mussels & Oysters in Montenegro, a Pistachio croissant in Malta, lasagne alla Bolognese in Italy, and French crepes in Versailles. Oh and as for Liquors – we tried Sea Buckthorn in Mecklenburg, Jameson in Ireland, Riga Black Balsam in Latvia, Amarula Bush Coffee in Africa, Screech in New Foundland, Sparkling Sake in Izumi on the Serenade of the Seas. Our miniature bottle collection has expanded beyond belief, up to 200 more bottles, with the real treasure being those from the Vietnamese market with scorpions, and a cobra inside!

Our journey was punctuated by serendipitous encounters with global events, including: the exhilaration of Spain's running of the bulls and the fervor of the World Cup, joined in the excitement of the Olympics in Paris, and celebrated New Year's Eve amid the spectacular fireworks display at Copacabana. Throughout our travels, we were touched by the warmth and diversity of people from various religions and economic backgrounds, and marveled at humanity's ingenuity and progress.

Throughout our journey, two unexpected observations stood out. First, we witnessed China's pervasive global presence, with extensive and expanding investments in numerous countries. Second, we encountered stringent immigration standards at nearly every border crossing. Japan's double fingerprinting process and India's visa requirements, which even asked for our deceased parents' names, were particularly striking examples.

Perhaps the most cherished aspect of our voyage was the formation of our new "extended family" – the fellow adventure-seekers who shared this extraordinary experience. We bonded over travel tips, endured long bus rides together, danced the nights away, exercised side by side in the fitness center, and enjoyed shows and enrichment lectures in the theater. I even had the opportunity to assist some travelers with their genealogical pursuits, helping them uncover long lost ancestors. The ship's crew became an integral part of our journey, their attentive care and familiar faces providing a sense of home amidst our ever-changing surroundings. It was a unique experience to watch crew members complete their contracts, depart, and then return for another "tour of duty," with us still onboard to welcome them back. Our shared experiences ranged from the practical – sharing local currency and toilet paper on tours – to the convivial – enjoying a couple of beers and countless laughs together. These moments, both big and small, were an ongoing part of our communal adventure, creating bonds and memories that will last a lifetime.

As the CEO of Royal Caribbean remarked during our Homecoming Celebration, "Experience changes everything and everybody." Indeed, this nine-month odyssey has profoundly impacted us. Our voyage around the world has been nothing short of incredible, leaving an indelible mark on our perspectives and lives. We're grateful to have shared this journey with you, and I hope that following our adventures has been as rewarding for you as it has been transformative for us.

Live, Love, See the World,
Barb and Jeff