9 Month World Cruise Drama

Submission 1,220

Part of a series on TikTok. [View Related Entries]

Overview

9 Month World Cruise Drama, also known as Nine-Month TikTok / Influencer World Cruise Controversy, refers to discussions surrounding various viral videos posted by people participating in a nine-month-long cruise hosted by Royal Caribbean's World Cruise. After several different participants of the cruise began posting tours and updates on their experiences on board the ship, particularly social media influencers, onlookers began to discuss the likelihood that the trip would devolve into "drama" fueled by cabin fever and interpersonal tensions. Several TikTokers also speculated how on-board class divides would play into cruise drama, given that some participants in the cruise are "pinnacle" members who enjoy additional perks.

Background

In December 2023, various TikTokers participating in the nine-month Royal Caribbean World Cruise began posting videos showing off their cabins and the ship's amenities.

TikToker^[1] @little_rat_brain posted one such video on December 11th, 2023, gathering over 1.2 million plays and 78,000 likes in 10 days (seen below, left). Also on December 11th, TikToker^[2] @angielinderman posted an FAQ about the cruise and why she decided to go on it, gathering over 1 million plays and 92,000 likes in a similar timeframe (seen below, right).

On December 12th, 2023, TikToker^[3] @amike_oosthuizen posted a clip titled, "Spend a day cruising with me," gathering over 800,000 plays and 60,000 likes in 10 days (seen below, left). On December 16th, TikToker^[4] @brooklynschwetje posted a clip about being onboard the ship as well, gathering over 700,000 plays and 60,000 likes in a week (seen below, right).

TikToker^[5] @iambrandeelake posted a clip on December 18th expressing exasperation over repeatedly being mistaken for a worker on the cruise ship rather than a passenger. The TikToker is supposedly the only non-white cruise member to have gained notable viewership on TikTok in December 2023. Her video gathered over 1.8 million plays and 270,000 likes in four days (seen below, left).

On December 20th, @brooklynschwetje^[6] posted a clip introducing all the "cast" members of the cruise ship, gathering over 400,000 plays and 60,000 likes in two days (seen below, right).

Online Reactions

TikToker^[7] @pamelawurstvetrini posted a clip introducing all the "cast" members of the cruise on December 16th, 2023, gathering over 980,000 plays and 115,000 likes in a week (seen below, left).

On December 21st, TikToker^[8] @uksecrettravel posted a clip talking about the drama they unearthed from an unnamed inside source onboard, including class divides, exclusionary practices and more on the ship. The post gathered over 1.3 million plays and 95,000 likes in a day (seen below, right).