Royal Caribbean is expanding its Australian footprint for the 2027–2028 summer, with three ships set to sail locally and the newly amplified Ovation of the Seas joining Voyager of the Seas in Brisbane.
The expanded season will run from October 2027 to April 2028, with Anthem of the Seas returning to Sydney and itineraries spanning Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The cruise line is also growing its wider Asia-Pacific deployment, with Voyager of the Seas heading to Asia after its Australian season and Navigator of the Seas extending its Singapore program through October 2027.
Brisbane scores two Royal Caribbean ships
Ovation of the Seas will return to Brisbane in November 2027 following an amplification, offering three- to eight-night cruises and giving Royal Caribbean its biggest Brisbane season to date.
New additions aboard Ovation will include a revamped pool deck featuring Splashaway Bay and private Casitas, along with Izumi Teppanyaki, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen and tropical cocktail bar Pesky Parrot. The ship will also feature an expanded Casino Royale and Sound Cellar, a new late-night dancing venue.
Among its Queensland itineraries will be two four-night Whitsundays cruises calling at Airlie Beach. Ovation will arrive in Australia on a 16-night transpacific sailing from Honolulu to Brisbane via French Polynesia.
“This season is a major milestone for our region with three bold ships,” said Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean.
“We’re thrilled to welcome more Royal Caribbean adventures Down Under, led by Aussie favourite Ovation of the Seas returning newly amplified and sailing from Queensland with even more ways to dine, unwind and make memories.”
Voyager adds Brisbane and Sydney departures
Voyager of the Seas will begin its Australian season with a 25-night journey from Seattle to Brisbane, calling in Honolulu and the French Polynesian destinations of Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea.
The ship will then operate two- to 11-night cruises from Brisbane, including South Pacific itineraries to Nouméa, Lifou, Mystery Island, Port Vila and Luganville.
Five new Sydney sailings will also join the program, including a 10-night Christmas cruise to New Zealand calling at Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, with scenic cruising through Milford Sound.
Voyager will then reposition from Sydney to Singapore on a 15-night itinerary via Airlie Beach, Darwin, Lombok and Celukan Bawang.
From January to April 2028, the ship will operate from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The Asian program includes four- and five-night Hong Kong cruises around Chinese New Year and four 10- to 12-night voyages from Tokyo timed for Japan’s cherry blossom season.
Anthem returns to Sydney
Anthem of the Seas will return to Sydney from October 2027, offering cruises ranging from three to 17 nights.
Its program includes short three-night escapes, South Pacific voyages and nine- to 12-night New Zealand cruises visiting destinations including Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Milford Sound.
Holiday departures include a nine-night South Pacific Christmas cruise and a New Zealand New Year sailing welcoming 2028 among the Sounds.
Anthem will also sail a 17-night voyage from Honolulu to Australia, providing another transpacific option for Australian travellers.
Navigator extends its Singapore season
Royal Caribbean will extend Navigator of the Seas’ Singapore season through October 2027, giving the ship its first year-round deployment in the region.
The program will feature two- to five-night cruises to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, along with a 12-night sailing from Tokyo to Singapore.
Bookings for Ovation of the Seas’ Brisbane season and Navigator of the Seas’ extended Singapore program open on 19 August 2026. Voyager of the Seas’ new Asia-Pacific sailings will go on sale on 26 August 2026.
