Cruise line confirms first onboard death amidst around-the-world journey

Royal Caribbean’s ambitious nine-month-long Ultimate World Cruise, which set sail from Miami on December 10, 2023, has been marked by tragedy as a passenger has passed away onboard.

The Serenade of the Seas, the ship hosting this extensive voyage, has already visited various destinations including Brazil, Peru, and Mexico, with its most recent stop in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 11.

News of the passenger’s death was first brought to light by a TikTok user known as @aditaml2759, who shared the sombre news in a since-deleted video. The cruise enthusiast revealed, “We had our first death on the Ultimate World Cruise. A lady passed away last night.”

Following this revelation, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson confirmed the tragic incident, expressing condolences and stating, “A guest sailing onboard Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away. We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest’s loved ones at this time.”

The cruise line’s commitment to passenger privacy was reiterated, with no further details about the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death being disclosed.

Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas is set to continue its journey, with upcoming destinations including New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia. However, potential changes to the itinerary have been hinted at, particularly concerning the ship’s transit through the Suez Canal in May, in light of safety considerations.

As the cruise navigates through this challenging moment, the safety and well-being of passengers and crew remain paramount, with Royal Caribbean closely monitoring developments to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all onboard.