Serenade of the Seas Begins Third Segment of 274-Night Cruise

The Serenade of the Seas recently embarked on the third leg of Royal Caribbean International’s 274-night Ultimate World Cruise.

Featuring a revised itinerary, this segment of the global cruise departed from Dubai, UAE, on May 9, 2024. Originally set to transit the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, the voyage was rerouted due to regional unrest. The new itinerary was selected through an onboard vote in late February.

Named the “Ultimate Africa and Southern Europe Cruise,” the new route includes destinations in the Middle East, the Indian Ocean, West Africa, and the Mediterranean.

After departing from Dubai, the 43-night segment will visit the Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, and Réunion. The Serenade of the Seas will then sail to South Africa, making stops in Port Elizabeth, Mossel Bay, and Cape Town.

Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the 2003-built ship will visit Namibia, Angola, Ghana, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast before arriving in the Canary Islands. The segment will conclude in Ravenna on June 20, after also visiting destinations in the UK, Greece, and Italy, including Gibraltar, Corfu, and Bari.

According to Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO Michael Bayley, this cruise marks the brand’s first visit to Africa.

The Ultimate World Cruise commenced in Miami in December 2023. As part of the 274-night worldwide adventure, the Serenade of the Seas will visit over 150 ports in approximately 60 countries across seven continents.

Set to return to South Florida in September, the voyage is the longest ever offered by Royal Caribbean International and includes visits to South America, the Caribbean, the Antarctic Peninsula, Central America, and the Mexican Riviera.

Other destinations on the Serenade of the Seas’ itinerary include the Far East, the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and the Indian Ocean.