WorldTravelReynolds

A Journey of a Lifetime

Our 274-day voyage aboard Royal Caribbeans Serenade of the Seas was an epic adventure that took us around the globe. We visited 65 countries, explored 165 ports, and covered an astonishing 75,015 nautical miles. We even walked 737 land miles! This epic voyage took us across seven continents, from the icy landscapes of Antarctica to the vibrant cultures of Asia. Here are some amazing highlights of our voyage.

Nature’s Wonders

We were captivated by the breathtaking beauty of nature throughout our travels. From the thundering Iguazu Falls to the crystal-clear waters of Polynesia, we witnessed some of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef, a vibrant underwater paradise, left us in awe, and the eruption of a volcano in Iceland was a truly unforgettable experience. We also had the privilege of witnessing the mesmerizing Northern Lights in Iceland.

Cultural Immersions

Our journey was enriched by immersing ourselves in diverse cultures. We danced to the rhythms of South America, explored ancient temples in Asia, experienced the tranquility of a Japanese dance ceremony and watched in awe as the stained-glass windows came to life at the Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Spain. The vibrant markets of Bali, the historical significance of the majestic Taj Mahal, and the bustling streets of Tokyo provided unforgettable cultural experiences.

Adventures Galore

Adventure awaited us at every turn. We climbed the Great Wall of China, trekked through the Amazon rainforest, and rode a camel across the Arabian desert. Even the DMZ between North and South Korea offered a sobering glimpse into the world’s political divisions.

Challenges and Triumphs

While our journey was filled with incredible experiences, it also presented challenges. The political unrest in the Suez Canal forced us to take a detour around Africa, altering our itinerary. We lost out on most of the beautiful Greek islands. A unforgettable 5-hour crowded train in India and the scorching temperatures of the Persian Gulf tested our resilience. However, these obstacles only made our triumphs even more rewarding.

Wildlife Encounters

Beyond the iconic koalas and kangaroos of Australia, we encountered a diverse array of wildlife. Lions, elephants, giraffes, and other magnificent creatures graced our African safari. Penguins, whales, and seals in Antarctica provided unforgettable encounters, while the rare spider-man lizard in Kenya was a delightful surprise.

Culinary Delights

Our taste buds were tantalized by the diverse culinary delights we encountered. We indulged in authentic Italian cuisine, savored the flavors of Southeast Asian Street food, and experienced the rich traditions of Moroccan cuisine. Even braved a bite into a deep fried mopane caterpillar in West Africa! Our favorite culinary experiences were the amazing Japanese and Chinese food we enjoyed with locals.

Historical Landmarks

Historical landmarks provided a glimpse into humanity’s past. The Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, and the ancient Inca and Mayan ruins stood as testaments to our ancestors’ achievements in Mexico and Peru. We also paid our respects at the beaches of Normandy and the 9/11 memorials in New York.

Celebrations and Unique Experiences

Our journey was filled with celebrations and unique experiences. We rang in the new year with a spectacular fireworks display over Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, celebrated Independence Day in Rome, and enjoyed my birthday in Beijing. We also had the opportunity to ride a Segway through the streets of Canada, a tuk- tuk through Malaysia, and a sampan boat through the harbors of Hong Kong.

Nature’s Power

Nature’s power was on display during our travels. A 7.5 earthquake struck Taipei, and a volcano erupted in Iceland. These events added a sense of adventure and unpredictability to our journey.

The Heart of the Journey

The people we encountered were the heart of this journey. The Serenade of the Seas crew provided exceptional service, creating a welcoming atmosphere adding a welcome back home gesture each time we boarded the ship. Fellow passengers became lifelong friends, sharing unforgettable experiences and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A Life-Changing Experience

Our ultimate world cruise was an experience that exceeded our expectations in every way. The opportunity to explore so many different cultures, see breathtaking landscapes, and meet amazing people was truly invaluable. If you’re considering a world cruise, I highly recommend it. It’s an adventure that will change your life.

Is this the end? For this 9 month journey, yes. We do plan to travel more. As a matter of fact we are leaving in November for a 3 week trek around Vietnam and Cambodia with friends. It’ll be nice and interesting. We will then spend a month cruising to Alaska in the spring.

My plan is not to write the blog daily. As much as I am excited that we have all those memories documented, it became a job and kept me (and many of our friends that did the same) from truly enjoying the trip to its fullest. I will try to write at the end of the trip to document it so if you signed up for updates by submitting your email, you’ll get a notice or you will see it on Facebook once I post it.

We love to travel so I’m sure there will be many more. So, stay tuned!

May God bless you always!

Chuck and Lea Ann