All about Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia

Royal Caribbean International is a leading global cruise line offering exciting, family-friendly, and innovative cruise experiences from Australia, primarily departing from Sydney and Brisbane.

Known for its high-tech megaships and extensive onboard activities, Royal Caribbean provides a variety of itineraries to destinations like the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia’s coastal regions.

Innovative Ships: Royal Caribbean operates some of the world’s largest and most advanced cruise ships. In Australia for the 2025-2026 season, Anthem of the Seas (debuting in Sydney) and Voyager of the Seas (based in Brisbane) are the primary vessels, replacing Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas. These ships feature unique attractions like the North Star observation capsule, FlowRider surf simulator, RipCord by iFly skydiving, and bumper cars at SeaPlex.
Family-Friendly: Royal Caribbean is renowned for its family-oriented offerings, including the Adventure Ocean youth program for kids aged 3-17, with activities like science labs and teen lounges. The Wiggles partnership brings exclusive sailings in 2025-2026, featuring characters like Captain Feathersword and live performances, making it a hit for families. Songs are very irritating but super catchy for the youg children so you will find yourself singing Fruit Salad, Yummy Yummy as you approach the Windjammer restaurant.
Entertainment: Expect Broadway-style shows (e.g., We Will Rock You on Anthem of the Seas), ice-skating performances, and high-energy productions. Robot bartenders at the Bionic Bar (when it is working!) and live music venues like Boleros (think traditional cruise style bands) add to the vibrant atmosphere.
Dining: Complimentary dining includes the main dining rooms, Windjammer buffet, and Café Promenade, with specialty options like Japanese and Italian cuisine. Beverage packages can enhance the experience, offering savings on drinks.

Popular Itineraries (2025-2026 Season)
Royal Caribbean Australia offers diverse itineraries catering to different interests and durations:
New Zealand: Explore Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Fiordland National Park, known for dramatic fjords and wine regions. Cruises typically last 9-12 nights.
Australian Coast: Ports include Airlie Beach (for the Great Barrier Reef), Adelaide, Hobart, and Eden. Queensland cruises from Brisbane often feature overnight stays in Airlie Beach.
Short Getaways: 2-3 night weekend escapes from Sydney or Brisbane are perfect for sampling the onboard experience without visiting ports or just one port.

Transpacific and Repositioning: Longer voyages, like a 21-night cruise to Honolulu via New Zealand and French Polynesia or a 12-night Singapore-to-Brisbane journey, offer unique adventures. These repositioning cruises can often be purchased at a lower cost per night,

Onboard Highlights
Activities: Rock climbing walls, ice rinks, and the Ultimate Abyss slide (on select ships) cater to thrill-seekers. The adults-only Solarium and Vitality Spa offer relaxation, while pools and sports courts keep everyone active. During the day there will be activities from quizzes to making things to belly flop competitions. You will find plenty to keep you busy or just relax. It's your choice.
Accommodations: Options range from interior cabins to spacious suites like the Ultimate Family Suite, with slides and private game rooms. Family-connected staterooms are ideal for groups.

Tips
Book Early: Popular sailings, especially school holiday departures, sell out quickly.
What to Bring: You can bring one bottle of wine per person and up to 12 non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., 500ml cans) in carry-on luggage. This can save you a lot of money versus onboard costs.
Shore Excursions: Book through Royal Caribbean for curated experiences like snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef or exploring New Zealand’s wine regions. If there is one you really want to do, book before going onboard to ensure as many will sell out.
Pre Sailing discounts: Once you have booked, watch out for discounted offers e.g. Black Friday, you can pick up some heavily discounted drinks and dining packages.
Loyalty Program: The Crown & Anchor Society rewards repeat guests with perks like priority check-in and onboard discounts. This can be a great perk especially as you climb the tiers. When you hit Diamond, requiring 80 nights of sailing, you start to receive 4 free drinks per day that can ease the on-board cost of your cruise.

Why cruise with Royal Caribbean Australia?
Royal Caribbean stands out for its innovative ships, extensive entertainment, and family-friendly focus, making it ideal for multi-generational groups, couples, and adventure-seekers. The 2025-2026 season introduces Anthem of the Seas to Sydney, bringing new features like a 1,500-seat theater and advanced dining options. With frequent weekend departures and inclusive fares, it’s a convenient and value-packed option for Australians.

Why not to cruise with Royal Caribbean Australia?
Royal Caribbean can be busy, noisy and many children on board. That might be exactly what you want but it certainly won't be quiet. Pricing for Australian cruises in US dollars so can be expensive depending on the currency rates. Drinks packages and other add-ons like Wifi are more expensive than other lines especially when compared to Princess with its reasonably priced Plus Package.

Explore Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover stunning ports, exciting destinations, and unforgettable onboard experiences with Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia.