A Voyage of a Lifetime
For most people, a week or two on a cruise is a dream vacation – an escape from everyday life filled with relaxation, adventure, and luxury. However for Leah Bott and her husband Steve, a cruise meant something much bigger. They embarked on a nine-month world cruise onboard Serenade of the Seas, visiting destinations across six continents, forming deep friendships, and experiencing the challenges and joys of long-term travel at sea.
Leah, an experienced traveler known as The Frugal Vagabond on social media, chronicled her journey online, answering countless questions about the logistics, cost, and experience of such an extraordinary trip. Now back on land, she shares her reflections on what it was like to live at sea for nearly a year.
This includes what she loved, what she found challenging, and what advice she has for others considering a world cruise or even an extended cruise vacation.
With over 60 destinations, what cruise port was your favorite?
Sailing for 275 days on the Ultimate World Cruise meant visiting an incredible range of destinations, from the ancient ruins of the Colosseum in Rome to the vibrant markets of Mumbai, and from the snow-capped peaks of Patagonia to the crystal-clear waters of Bora Bora. Every stop had something unique to offer, but a few stood out as truly unforgettable.
For Leah, Auckland, New Zealand, was the highlight, thanks to an unforgettable visit to Hobbiton. As a lifelong fan of The Lord of the Rings, walking through the lush green hills of the Shire, past the charming Hobbit holes and into the cozy Green Dragon Inn, felt like stepping straight into a storybook.
Steve, on the other hand, was captivated by Dubrovnik, Croatia. The city’s medieval Old Town, with its towering stone walls and dramatic seaside views, felt like a step back in time. Exploring the ancient fortress, wandering through narrow cobblestone streets, and standing atop the famous city walls offered a glimpse into centuries of history. Dubrovnik’s stunning backdrop, famously featured in Game of Thrones, made it an unforgettable stop.
With over 60 ports visited across six continents, the travel experience was incredible! The magic of a world cruise was in its variety—one day spent wandering Mayan ruins in Mexico, another sightseeing in a walled city in Europe. Each destination offered a new adventure, making it nearly impossible to choose just one favorite.
Seven New World Wonders
For Platinum Crown and Anchor Society members, there were Seven New World Wonders that were included in the purchase price. Leah and Steve had never sailed on Royal Caribbean prior to booking the World Cruise, so to take advantage of that particular perk, they booked three five day back-to-back cruises in a junior suite.
“It was an investment that definitely paid off,” Leah said, “The New World Wonder Excursions were incredibly extravagant. Our time and accommodations in Cusco were amazing even though we didn’t get to Machu Picchu. And our accommodations in India during our Taj Mahal excursion in particular stand out.”
It also made a great trial run to make sure they were going to be able to live together in such a small place for so long.
Dining at Sea: Can the Menu Stay Exciting for Nine Months?
One of the biggest concerns on a long cruise is whether the food stays enjoyable or becomes repetitive. After 275 days onboard Serenade of the Seas, Leah had plenty of insight into the dining experience.
“The food was well-prepared, but after a while, it all started to taste the same,” Leah admits. “Menus rotated, but after months, you noticed the repetition.”
At the start of the cruise, she and Steve often dined in the Windjammer, enjoying the large selections. But as time went on, they gravitated toward the Main Dining Room for a more formal atmosphere and shared table with good friends.
“By the end, we were eating at the Main Dining Room most nights. It was a great way guarantee we could catch up with friends,” she says.
To keep things interesting, Royal Caribbean introduced a passenger recipe program, where guests could submit their favorite dishes. “If your recipe was picked, you’d help the chefs prepare it, and it would be featured in the buffet. That was fun.”
Specialty restaurants offered a break from routine, but even those menus became familiar. “It was great at first, but after months, even the steakhouse and sushi spot weren’t as exciting,” Leah explains.
So what did she miss most about cruise dining after returning home? “Not having to cook or do dishes!” she laughed!
Keeping Things Entertaining Onboard
One of the biggest challenges of a nine-month world cruise is keeping entertainment fresh and engaging. With passengers onboard for 275 days, the cruise line had to offer a variety of shows and activities to prevent things from feeling repetitive.
Leah found the entertainment to be enjoyable but noticed patterns after a while. She recalled that there were too many jugglers and magicians for her liking, making the performances feel somewhat predictable.
However, Royal Caribbean made an effort to bring in folkloric performances from local cultures, which many passengers appreciated. These shows featured traditional music, dance, and storytelling, offering a glimpse into the history and artistry of different regions. The only downside was that attending these performances often required returning to the ship early, cutting short time in port.
Beyond stage shows, the cruise line provided daily activities such as trivia, dance classes, lectures, and live music. Leah especially enjoyed the guest lectures, which featured experts from a variety of fields, including historians, authors, and even astronauts. These talks added an educational element to the trip and provided insight into many of the destinations they visited.
As the cruise progressed, passengers began creating their own entertainment. Theme nights, social gatherings, and casual meet-ups became just as enjoyable as the formal entertainment schedule. Leah found that by the later months of the cruise, she was more focused on spending time with friends than attending another evening show.
Looking back, she felt that while the entertainment was well-intended, the real highlight was the friendships and connections formed along the way. The ship itself became a source of entertainment, where experiences and conversations with fellow travelers made each day feel new and exciting.
Was There Any (TikTok) Drama Onboard?
Social media made it seem like the cruise was filled with conflicts and cliques, but Leah says that wasn’t the case.
“People expected reality-show drama, but most just avoided conflict,” she explains. “We were all there to enjoy the trip.”
While minor disagreements happened, most controversies were fueled by speculation rather than real onboard tension. Ironically, some of the TikTokers covering the so-called drama became close friends with other passengers.
Leah believes that, despite what social media suggested, the cruise felt more like a traveling community than a reality show. Most passengers simply focused on enjoying the adventure.
Packing and Planning Advice for Those Considering a World Cruise
For anyone thinking about embarking on a long-term cruise, packing smart is key. Leah’s biggest piece of advice? Pack far less than you think you’ll need.
She suggests packing as if you were going on a two-week vacation, then adding just one or two nicer outfits and a few accessories for theme nights. If your itinerary includes colder destinations, don’t forget a coat, gloves, and boots, but resist the temptation to overpack.
Toiletries are another important consideration. “Have a good idea of how long it takes you to go through your essentials,” Leah advises. While you can bring everything if you absolutely need your favorite brands, most items can be purchased at various ports along the way. The key is to avoid overthinking it—you’ll have opportunities to pick up anything you forgot or realize you don’t actually need as much as you thought.
In addition to packing, Leah emphasizes the importance of planning for prescriptions and mail. “Get as much of your medication in advance as possible,” she suggests, “or have a solid plan for refilling it along the way.” As for mail, set up a system before you leave. Leah and Steve had theirs sent to Steve’s mother’s house and would check in weekly to stay updated on any important correspondence.
A world cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and preparation makes all the difference. By packing light, planning ahead, and staying flexible, travelers can make the most of their months at sea without unnecessary stress.
The Game-Changer: Starlink at Sea
One of the biggest surprises of the world cruise was how well passengers stayed connected. In the past, long-term cruises meant unreliable and expensive internet, but Starlink changed that.
“Starlink made this kind of trip possible in a way it wouldn’t have been a few years ago,” Leah explains. With high-speed internet, younger passengers were able to work remotely or attend online classes, something unheard of on past voyages.
Reliable connectivity also kept travelers in touch with family and allowed them to share their experiences in real time on social media. Leah believes this technology has opened the door for more people to consider long-term cruising, making it accessible not just for retirees but for remote workers and digital nomads as well.
Building a Floating Community
One of the most unexpected joys of the trip was the deep friendships formed onboard. With the same group of passengers traveling together for nine months, the ship became more than just a mode of transportation—it became a home filled with familiar faces.
“When you live just five minutes away from everyone for nine months, you form real connections,” Leah explains. “We weren’t just fellow travelers—we became a close-knit community. Sharing incredible experiences together in port after port gave us something to bond over.”
From casual conversations over morning coffee to celebrating birthdays and special occasions together, friendships grew naturally. Whether exploring ancient ruins, navigating bustling city streets, or simply relaxing on deck during sea days, passengers found themselves forming relationships that felt more like family than travel acquaintances.
By the end of the cruise, the connections made onboard extended far beyond the ship. Many passengers planned reunions, kept in touch through group chats, and even made plans to travel together in the future. What started as a group of strangers embarking on an adventure became a community of people with shared memories and lasting friendships.
Many of the passengers made lasting friendships with crew members as well. Since the World Cruise group was on the ship longer than most of the crew there was a very different dynamic between these groups than on a normal five to 14 day voyage.
“We really had a chance to get to know almost all of the crew members over the nine months we were on the ship. Dining staff, housekeeping, security, and the entertainers all became real friends with the passengers. We even got to meet some of their families when we were at certain ports and they were allowed to have visitors. We would often see them outside when we were on excursions and it was great to see them with family or out enjoying themselves”
Did They Ever Want to Go Home?
Spending nine months at sea sounds like a dream, but did the reality of such a long voyage ever make Leah and Steve wish for home?
“For us, not at all,” Leah says without hesitation. “Some of the full world cruisers started feeling ready to leave after six months, but for us, it never felt too long. We’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
Not everyone shared that same feeling. For some passengers, the excitement started to fade around the halfway mark. The comforts of home—familiar routines, personal space, and even simple things like cooking their own meals—began to feel more appealing. Some travelers missed their families, pets, and daily conveniences, making the final stretch of the cruise feel longer than expected. Others simply grew weary of ship life, finding the cycle of port days and sea days to be more exhausting than they had anticipated.
Leah acknowledges that extended travel isn’t for everyone, but for her and Steve, the adventure far outweighed any downsides. The ability to wake up in a new country every few days, explore iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and diverse cultures, and experience life at sea in a way few people ever do made every moment feel worthwhile.
Even after months onboard, they never felt stuck or restless. If anything, returning to land was the bigger adjustment. “It never got old for us,” Leah says. “We were still having an amazing time right up until the end.”
How to Afford a Nine-Month World Cruise
One of the most common questions Leah received was how she and others could afford such a long cruise. Many people assumed all passengers were wealthy retirees, but the reality was much more diverse.
“The number one question we got was, ‘How did you afford this?’” Leah says. To answer, she interviewed fellow Gen X passengers and found a mix of strategies—some were retired after years of saving, others worked remotely, and some used rental income or downsized their homes to fund the trip.
Inspired by these stories, Leah is writing a book, How to Afford a Nine-Month World Cruise, set to be published later in 2025. She hopes it will show that with the right planning, extended travel is possible for more people than they might think.
Follow Leah’s Journey
Want to see more from Leah’s travels? Check her out on social media:
📷 Instagram: @leahbott
🎥 TikTok: @frugalvagabond
📺 YouTube: Frugal Vagabond
🌎 Website: Frugal-Vagabond.com
Would you ever embark on a world cruise? Please let me know in the comments below.
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