Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas returns to Sydney for Australian season
Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has returned to Sydney for the 2026–2027 Australian cruise season, joining Quantum of the Seas in Brisbane as the cruise operator resumes its two-ship deployment in the region.
The vessel arrived in Sydney on 30 October 2026 for its second consecutive local season, with 21 scheduled cruises covering destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Itineraries range from three-night short cruises to longer voyages lasting up to 12 nights.
Five of the scheduled cruises will focus on Australia’s east coast, including visits to Hobart in Tasmania and destinations in Queensland. South Pacific itineraries of seven to nine nights will include calls at Nouméa in New Caledonia, as well as Port Vila and Mystery Island in Vanuatu.
Longer New Zealand itineraries will include destinations such as Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, alongside scenic cruising through Milford Sound.
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand at Royal Caribbean, said the return of Anthem of the Seas follows its first season in the Australian market and expands the range of available itineraries from Sydney.
Two Quantum Class ships deployed in Australia
Royal Caribbean is also operating Quantum of the Seas from Brisbane during the 2026–2027 summer season, maintaining a two-ship Quantum Class presence in Australia.
The Brisbane-based vessel is scheduled to operate 28 cruises ranging from three to nine nights, serving destinations along the Queensland coast and across the South Pacific.
Together, the two ships account for 49 scheduled cruises during the local season, with Sydney and Brisbane serving as their respective homeports.
The deployment reflects Royal Caribbean’s continued presence in the Australian cruise market, combining shorter domestic itineraries with international voyages to neighbouring South Pacific destinations and New Zealand.
Both vessels will operate during the Southern Hemisphere summer season, with Anthem of the Seas based in Sydney and Quantum of the Seas continuing its operations from Brisbane.
