Nine months and Social Media Stars

by Jonathan van Bilsen

Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise is concluding, after nine months aboard the Serenade of the Seas, and it has been quite the adventure for those on board.

When the cruise embarked, in December 2023, it quickly became a sensation on social media. The concept of spending nine months on a ship, visiting over 60 destinations, intrigued many. TikTok users shared their journeys and fueled public fascination. The voyage seemed to offer everything one might expect from a reality TV show: romance, drama, and unexpected twists.

Some passengers turned into TikTok stars. Anthony McWilliams, a solo traveller, in his fifties, sought to inspire others to embrace life fully. South African influencer Amike Oosthuizen added a glamorous touch to the trip, while Joe and Audrey Martucci, humorously known as @spendingourkidsmoney, shared their journey with a newfound social media following. Fortysomething sisters, Brandee and Shannon Marie Lake provided entertaining updates on sibling dynamics, and the enigmatic Little Rat Brain, offered a mix of chaotic and witty posts.

Angie Linderman, who had faced personal tragedy and health challenges, used her platform to bond with others, who shared similar experiences. Royal Caribbean crew member, Julian Mendoza and, performer, Daniele Salvatore Arbisi also contributed their own behind-the-scenes looks, at life on the ship.

The cruise’s viral status created high expectations for drama, but much of what unfolded was far from the sensational rumours. Despite occasional onboard tensions and the usual challenges of long-term travel, the anticipated scandals were mostly absent. The ship experienced some rerouting, due to global events and weather, but this is not uncommon for such lengthy journeys.

Social media interest waned over time, as is often the case with prolonged viral phenomena. Some passengers felt the drop in attention was a relief, allowing them to focus more on their personal experiences. Amike Oosthuizen faced issues with her TikTok account, which was briefly banned, while others, like Angie Linderman, continued to connect with followers interested in her story.

The journey was not just about the destinations but also about the connections made along the way. Friendships formed among passengers, with some finding lasting bonds. Joe and Audrey Martucci, for instance, struck up a meaningful relationship with British TikToker Beth Anne Fletcher.

The cruise offered a range of experiences, from exploring Antarctica’s icy beauty to enjoying cultural highlights in India and Italy. As the voyage winds down, passengers reflect on the unique memories and the personal growth they experienced. Despite the challenges of extended travel, many expressed gratitude for the incredible journey and the networks they made.

With future long-term cruises in question, this nine-month adventure stands out as a rare and memorable journey. The passengers, having navigated both the highs and lows of their extensive voyage, look forward to sharing their stories and planning their next adventures.

Check out the names, in the article on social media, and see their stories. I, for one, have difficulty on a two hour road trip, sharing the car with the same people.

Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website and YouTube, and follow his adventures, at photosNtravel.com