Royal Caribbean International is making its biggest push yet into the Australian cruise market, headlined by the Down Under debut of Anthem of the Seas and the return of Voyager of the Seas — with even more confirmed for the 2026–27 season.

Australian cruisers are in for an extraordinary season as Royal Caribbean International expands its local fleet and introduces a wave of new onboard experiences. From Sydney Harbour to Brisbane’s international cruise terminal, the world’s most innovative cruise line is raising the bar for what a holiday at sea looks like in the Southern Hemisphere.

Anthem of the Seas Makes Its Australian Debut

The headline act of the 2025–26 summer season is the arrival of Anthem of the Seas in Sydney. On October 31, 2025, the award-winning Quantum Class ship sailed into Sydney Harbour for the first time, marking one of Royal Caribbean’s most anticipated Down Under deployments to date.

Sailing from Sydney through to April 2026, Anthem offers 24 itineraries ranging from short 2-night coastal escapes to epic 18-night adventures across New Zealand, the South Pacific, and the Australian coastline. Whether you’re chasing a long weekend getaway or a full summer holiday, there’s a sailing to match.

“We’re excited to welcome Anthem to Sydney and give Australian holidaymakers the chance to experience first-hand the innovative thrills, world-class entertainment and signature flavours that have made this ship a global favourite,” said Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International.

 

What’s Onboard: Features Australian Travellers Haven’t Seen Before

Anthem of the Seas brings a suite of standout experiences to Australian waters for the first time:

• RipCord by iFLY — an onboard skydiving simulator that lets guests experience free-fall without leaving the ship
• North Star observation capsule — a glass pod that lifts passengers 300 feet above sea level for panoramic 360-degree ocean views, accommodating up to 4,180 guests
• SeaPlex — the largest indoor activity space at sea, featuring bumper cars, roller skating, a sports court, and more
• Two70° — a cutting-edge multi-sensory venue blending live performance with digital visuals across a 270-degree screen
• We Will Rock You — Royal Caribbean’s full stage production of the Olivier Award-winning musical, built around the iconic hits of Queen

On the dining front, Anthem introduces Jamie’s Italian (Tuscan-inspired cuisine from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver) and Johnny Rockets Express, the retro American diner serving burgers, fries, and milkshakes, to the Australian market for the first time.

Voyager of the Seas Returns — Now From Brisbane

Alongside Anthem, Voyager of the Seas made a landmark return to Australia on December 1, 2025, homeporting in Brisbane for the very first time. The ship departed Singapore and arrived at the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT), marking a new chapter for Queensland’s growing role as a cruise hub.

From Brisbane, Voyager is running 22 cruises ranging from 2 to 12 nights, with routes calling at the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. For the adventurous, a standout 25-night Transpacific voyage departs on April 14, sailing to Seattle via Tahiti, Moorea (French Polynesia), and Honolulu, Hawaii.

Together, both ships give Australian travellers access to 45 combined itineraries for the 2025–26 season — more options than ever before from a single cruise line.

It’s a first-of-its-kind offering designed specifically for Australian families and their little ones.

 

Looking Ahead: The 2026–27 Season

The momentum doesn’t stop with the current season. In May 2025, Royal Caribbean confirmed that two Quantum Class ships will return to Australia for 2026–27:

• Anthem of the Seas will sail its second consecutive season from Sydney
• Quantum of the Seas will return to Brisbane, replacing Voyager of the Seas for Queensland departures

Between October 2026 and April 2027, the two ships will collectively offer a mix of 3- to 11-night itineraries to Australia, the South Pacific, and New Zealand. The longest Sydney sailing will run 11 nights, while Brisbane guests can choose from options up to nine nights. Pricing for South Pacific itineraries from Brisbane starts from around $1,509 for eight nights.

“Australians know they can trust Royal Caribbean for getaways that combine convenience with nonstop adventure,” said Gavin Smith. “With the variety of short and more frequent getaways in 2026 and 2027, every type of holidaymaker can make the most of their travels and without compromise.

 

Why This Matters for Australian Cruisers

Royal Caribbean’s growing investment in the Australian market reflects strong demand from local travellers who want world-class cruise experiences without the need to fly overseas. With two homeports — Sydney and Brisbane — and an expanding calendar of short getaways, weekend departures, and longer voyages, the cruise line is making it easier than ever to holiday from home.

Bookings for the 2025–26 season are open now. The 2026–27 season itineraries are also available to browse at RoyalCaribbean.com.

 

A Competitive Future for Cruises in the Region

Royal Caribbean’s strategy highlights a broader trend in the global cruise industry: ships are becoming larger, more technologically advanced, and increasingly focused on immersive entertainment.

For Australian travelers, the upcoming seasons promise a wider range of itineraries and ship experiences. Whether exploring New Zealand’s fjords or sailing to tropical islands in the South Pacific, the new generation of Royal Caribbean ships aims to deliver what the company calls an “all-in-one vacation at sea.”

As competition among cruise lines intensifies, innovation at sea may become the key factor shaping where—and how—travelers choose to sail next.

 

What This Means for Aussie Cruisers

The 2026-27 deployment offers Australian travelers unprecedented access to modern hardware without leaving the region.

– For families: The revamped Ovation of the Seas offers some of the best kids’ facilities at sea, now enhanced with the Playscape and aqua park .

– For convenience: With more weekend departures and a ship based in both Sydney and Brisbane, locals can cruise without needing to fly interstate .

– For adventurers: The new, longer New Zealand itineraries on Anthem provide deeper exploration of the South Island’s sounds .

As Royal Caribbean continues to invest in the region, the 2026-27 season promises to be one of the most dynamic and accessible summer schedules ever offered to Australian travelers.