Aussies top RCI World Cruise sales

AUSTRALIANS comprise the largest international market for Royal Caribbean International’s Ultimate World Cruise (CW 22 Oct), with the epic 274-night global odyssey already sold to 70% capacity.

While US passengers will comprise the biggest nationality on board, Aussies make up the second highest number of bookings globally, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Cruise Weekly.

Taking place aboard the 2,490 passenger Serenade of the Seas (pictured), the ninemonth voyage is also available for purchase in four shorter segments, with the cruise calling at 150 destinations in 65 countries across the globe.

Interestingly, almost two thirds of the Australian bookings were taken directly through the Royal Caribbean call centre, which booked 63% of the sailings.

Travel partners made up the remaining 37% of bookings, with Royal Caribbean confirming reservations made through Travel Associates, Ignite Travel Group, The Travel Authority, Flight Centre stores in Elanora, Mandurah and Mt Druitt, Travel Central, Travelrite, TravelManagers, RAA West Lakes, Dreamlines and Helloworld Travel Forbes.

The voyage sails roundtrip from Miami, USA, departing on 10 Dec 2023 and returning on 10 Sep 2024 after exploring the length and breadth of the oceans.

Earlier this month the cruise line confirmed that the top cabin for the Ultimate World Cruise, the Royal Suite, had been booked through a US travel advisor who will receive a considerable commission cheque after processing the booking worth over US$770,000 (A$1.03m).