Woman spends $50K to go on world’s longest cruise

A woman on the world's longest cruise says the $50k price tag is "worth it" to see over 60 countries.

Amike Oosthuizen, 26, has been traveling at sea for the last eight months with her husband, Gustav Oosthuizen, 27, and her mom and dad - Renske, 56, and Heinrich Lammerding, 55.

They cruise takes holidaymakers all around the seven continents so they get a glimpse of over 60 countries - including Australia, Slovenia, and India.

The large price tag includes all their meals, drinks and services such as laundry and Amike and Gustav have been able to work remotely using the on-board Wi-Fi.

Amike, a regulatory officer, from Pretoria, South Africa, said: "I think it would cost so much more if you were flying everywhere.

"I'd say it is worth it.

"It's a once-in-a-lifetime, life-changing experience."

Amike's dad, Heinrich, a retired company owner, spotted a news article in 2020 on the Royal Caribbean's Ultimate World Cruise and wanted to do it with his family.

The family booked the trip in 2021 and set off in December 2023 from Miami, Florida.

They traveled around the Bahamas, Mexico, Caribbean Islands and Brazil before heading to Antarctica.

Amike said: "Antarctica was amazing. We couldn't really get off the ship.

"It was so cool. Right next to the ship you would see whales swimming and penguins jumping out of the water.

"There were beautiful glaciers.

"It was definitely a highlight. It was magical - so calm and peaceful."

They have also seen lots of Asia and Australia - visiting the likes of Japan, Malaysia and India.

Amike said: "I really loved Australia. I got to hold a koala.

"That was a dream of mine."

Due to war in the Middle East a large segment of the cruise was cancelled and they changed their route to include more of Africa.

Amike and Gustav decided to leave the cruise to fly Jordan and Egypt before returning for the European leg.

They've seen countries such as Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Denmark and Norway.

She said: "It's been amazing.

"It's amazing to see what differs from place to place. Cultures differ so much.

"It's a life-changing experience."

On sea days there is plenty to still do on the ship - with a coffee shop on board, plenty of bars, a cinema, swimming pools and activities.

Amike said: "You have your own room - a little apartment for yourself.

"On sea days we organize meetings and try and catch up with work."

Amike has seen 72 countries in total - including the extra ones she flew to while on the cruise.

She said: "We're definitely tired.

"Every day we see a new place and then we come back and work.

"Doing it on a cruise is a beautiful way to see the world.

"You don't get a lot of time at these places. You get to see a different bit of each and find what you like.

"It's so good learning about different cultures. It's very educational."

Amike and her family - who have now been joined by her brother, Bernard Lammerding, 24 - have just a month left on the cruise before they return home.

Amike said it will be "strange" to go back to her nine-to-five but is looking forward to seeing her Great Danes - Gucci and Cole.