Royal Caribbean Cruises Launches in Australia for 2026-2027

Exciting News for Royal Caribbean Cruise Lovers!

Royal Caribbean Cruises has launched for its Australia programme for 2026-2027. If you want the perfect combination of quality cruising and food then here is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful destinations in the Pacific with the world-renowned cruise line. Royal Caribbean's commitment to providing unparalleled experiences is about to become a reality for many Australians.

Introducing the Ships

This new season will feature some of the fleet’s most impressive vessels, including the magnificent Quantum of the Seas (based in Brisbane) and the stunning Anthem of the Seas (based in Sydney). These ships are not just floating hotels; they are destinations in themselves, offering thrilling activities, sumptuous dining options, and various entertainment suitable for all ages. From rock climbing walls to Broadway-style shows, there is something for everyone aboard!

Ports and Itineraries to Explore

The itineraries for the Royal Caribbean Cruises in Australia will dock at some of the most picturesque ports. Guests can look forward to visiting iconic locations such as Sydney, Brisbane, Auckland, and Hobart. Each stop will allow travelers to immerse themselves in local cultures and landscapes, whether it's lounging on pristine beaches or exploring vibrant city life.

This cruise season will include both short getaways and longer voyages, catering to all tastes and schedules. Whether you are looking for a weekend escape or a week-long adventure, Royal Caribbean has crafted an array of itineraries that highlight the beauty and charm of the Australian and New Zealand regions.

Quantum of the Seas has sampler cruises from around $650 (AUS $) for a 3 night cruise (inside cabin) to nowhere (Brisbane to Brisbane with 3 nights at sea) Perfect to sample the fun and food on-board before trying a longer cruise or for a great weekend away. There are 5 dates to pick from for this cruise, Feb 5th to 8th 2026 is lowest priced one, with other sailing dates in November 6th and 27th and then Jan 5th and March 12th 2027.

If you prefer a short cruise with at least one port to visit then the 4 day cruises to the Cairns where you can visit the Barrier Reef or take a trip on the Kuranda scenic railway is probably the pick for you. These cruises start from $814 for the Feb 8th 2027 cruise and other dates are Nov 9th, Nov 30th and Mar 15th. A bonus they also sail by the beautiful Willis Island for scenic cruising and great picture opportunities.

Longer cruise itineraries are available to the South Pacific, think Mystery Island, Vanuatu, Noumea, New Caledonia, Port Vila, Vanuatu with combinations of some or all of these ports. The pick for me is the 8 night cruise, available on 6 different dates that goes to all 3 of these ports. There are 2 dates for the 8-night cruise for just over $1,600 per person ($200 / night) inside cabin.

The other longer itineraries are the Queensland Cruises, 6 or 7 nights with 3 dates to pick from. These are fantastic to visit the outer Great Barrier Reef or one of the world's best beaches, Whitehaven beach (from Airlie Beach). Stops include Airlie Beach, Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) and scenic cruising past Willis Island.

Anthem of the Seas, like Quantum has sampler cruises from around $850 (AUS $) for a 3 night cruise (inside cabin), there is a Sydney to Sydney (no stops) and also a cruise to the beautiful port of Eden on November 20th 2026. Eden is the home of the Eden Killer Whale Museum and also where whale watching occurs from May to September as humpbacks make their way from Antartica to Hervey Bay and back.

There are 2 cruises to Hobart, Tasmania featured, where you can step back in time and see some of the old convict settlements. Both of these are 4 night cruises from $970. The Sydney programme has huge variety with cruises to the South Pacific (9 nights) as well as Queensland (8 nights) featuring similar ports as the Quantum visits but with more sea days due to the longer distances from Sydney, great for sampling the fun on-board.

The icing on the cake of the Anthem itineraries are 5 cruises from Sydney to New Zealand with 9 night itineraries visiting destinations such as Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Napier and Picton. I would recommend, the one 11 night intinerary as it is the only one to visit the 2 must-sees of Auckland and Wellington as well as Dunedin and scenic cruising at Dusky Sound. Auckland is a fantastic port where you dock at the end of the main street. This cruise is 1 Feb 2027 and will definitely sell out.

Don’t miss the chance to embark on a journey full of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories with Royal Caribbean Cruises in Australia starting from 2026.

Royal Caribbean launches 2026-2027 Australia Programme

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