Nine months at sea on a cruise is a nightmare for some and a dream come true for others.
But for many, watching a group of strangers embark on such an adventure has become an exciting new pastime — with content creators aboard the ship quickly turning into TikTok's favorite new reality stars by documenting every moment of their nautical adventure.
The Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise is a 274-night voyage that will visit more than 60 countries, during which passengers will see 11 wonders of the world – on a vacation that costs anywhere from $53,000 to more than $105,000.
The ship, named Serenade of the Seas, departed Miami, Florida on December 10, 2023 and will return on September 10, 2024 – and its creators don't hesitate to share their journey.
Amike Oosthuizen (pictured) excitedly showed off the 'goodies' she received upon boarding the ship, including the detailed itinerary, a reusable cup, umbrella and a Royal Caribbean robe
Nine months on a cruise is a nightmare for some and a dream for others – and watching content creators on board is TikTok's new favorite reality show (Photo: Serenade of the Seas)
With more than 58 million views on TikTok with hashtags for “world cruise” and more than 39 million for “ultimate world cruise,” there's no shortage of content coming from the ship — and viewers are equally baffled — and intrigued — by what's to come . in the next nine months.
During the first leg, the Ultimate Americas Cruise, passengers travel to islands in the Caribbean to Antarctica.
They will then board the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, where they will travel to Australia, Asia and the Pacific Islands.
This is followed by the ultimate Middle East and Mediterranean leg of the cruise, spotlighting Dubai, Egypt, Greece and Croatia, before heading through Europe and New York.
The 90,090-ton, 2,100-passenger ship has a spa pool, library, cinema, arcade machines, plenty of deck space, a two-story dining area and a shopping arcade.
A number of TikTok videos shared by passengers showed them boarding the cruise ship, giving tours of their rooms and what they did every day while at sea – and those who stayed on land are utterly fascinated .
While passengers board and prepare their sea legs, the rest of the world eagerly awaits what exactly happens when you spend nine months at sea.
In a TikTok, prominent cruise maker Amike Oosthuizen shared what guests received when they boarded the ship.
During the first leg, the Ultimate Americas Cruise, passengers travel to islands in the Caribbean to Antarctica
TikTok users have shown off the impressive ship, which weighs 90,090 tons and can accommodate 2,100 passengers, in clips posted online
Creator Angie Linderman (pictured) explained that she was working from the cruise and also estimated that there would be about 20 children on board, who will also be homeschooled
In one clip, Angie showed off the monumental task of unpacking to live aboard the ship for nine months
The 26-year-old – who is traveling with her husband – showed her followers her room and excitedly showed off the 'goodies' she received upon boarding, including the detailed itinerary, a reusable cup, umbrella and her favorite: a Royal Caribbean robe .
Amike, who works in the registration department for an Ivy Solutions company, said all guests were also given a laundry bag, which is collected free of charge every week.
She added that she and her husband, who is an engineer, will work from home aboard the ship for the entire nine months.
“(The cruise costs) about $50,000 to $100,000 plus (depending) on which room you booked,” she explained in one clip.
The TikTok videos were flooded with users curious about the ins and outs of life on a cruise ship
“We booked a balcony room for about $70,000 and then you asked what's included in the price, so business class flights are included in the price, all your food and drinks; literally alcohol, coffee, Starbucks coffee, protein shakes, smoothies, everything you can think of is in there.”
Passenger Brooklyn Schwetje gave followers a detailed tour of the ship, showing off impressive amenities such as a cinema, conference room, helipad, walking and running track and even an onboard pub.
Another passenger, Angie Linderman, who is traveling with her brother, sister-in-law and their three children, estimates that there will be a total of about 20 children on board for the entire nine months, who will be homeschooled for the entire trip.
Angie, who works on social media and will be working part-time on board, also cut short the ship's journey.
The enthusiastic cruiser explained that there were four different legs of the journey and that people would join at different legs of the journey, but some would be there from start to finish.
Even as the creators answered questions and responded to comments from curious land dwellers, there were still some predictions and burning questions people had.
'I wonder if someone who makes the entire journey is prematurely pregnant and doesn't know it. A baby can be born on board! And statistically, someone will die,” one commenter wrote.
'I wonder how people deal with prescriptions during the 9 months? I get one every three months. How did you get it?' asked another.
Some followers are there for the reality TV drama that can occur.
“I feel like we're being introduced to new characters during the white lotus world cruise season,” one user joked on a TikTok video.