Royal Caribbean International is rerouting its Ultimate World Cruise to avoid the Red Sea region after passengers onboard the Serenade of the Seas voted for an alternative itinerary that goes around Africa.
The new route includes 18 ports of call in Africa and Europe, featuring exotic destinations like the Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius, with the segment taking place between May 9 and June 20, 2024, sailing from Dubai to Italy via South Africa.
Passengers had five days to vote for their preferred option, and Royal Caribbean presented two alternative itineraries, with the chosen route marking the company’s first visit to Africa.
Passengers will receive a 25pc pro-rated refund of the segment cruise fare in the form of a refundable onboard credit, with the option to debark during this portion and receive a pro-rated refund for the days off the ship; the Ultimate World Cruise departed Miami in early December for a 274-night journey across various continents.
