Anthem of the Seas Makes Grand Sydney Debut

Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has officially arrived in Sydney Harbour, marking her long-awaited Australian debut and the start of a record-breaking 2025–26 cruise season for the line Down Under.

The 168,666-gross-ton Quantum-class ship sailed into port early on October 31 after a 17-night repositioning voyage from Honolulu, Hawaii. Within hours, she welcomed guests aboard for her first sailing from Sydney — a three-night South Coast Getaway to Eden, Australia.

A Landmark Arrival for Royal Caribbean in Australia

Anthem of the Seas will homeport in Sydney through April 2026, offering 24 itineraries that range from short coastal escapes to extended voyages across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

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

This marks Royal Caribbean’s largest Australian deployment to date, highlighting the cruise line’s ongoing investment in the region’s growing cruise market.

High-Tech Cruising Comes to Australian Waters

Anthem of the Seas brings some of Royal Caribbean’s most iconic features to Australian guests for the first time — including:

• RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator

• North Star observation capsule offering 360° views above the sea

• SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, featuring bumper cars, sports, and roller skating

• Spectra’s Cabaret, a groundbreaking multimedia entertainment show

The ship carries up to 4,180 guests and is designed for both adventure-seekers and families, blending innovation with luxury across multiple dining venues and entertainment options.

A Wiggly Partnership for Families

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Royal Caribbean has teamed up with The Wiggles, Australia’s beloved children’s entertainment group, to offer six themed sailings across Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas during the 2025–26 season.

Guests can look forward to live performances, character meet-and-greets, themed activities, and exclusive Wiggles merchandise — making these voyages a dream come true for young families.

Two Mega-Ships, Two Homeports

While Anthem of the Seas calls Sydney home, the 139,999-gross-ton Voyager of the Seas will debut in Brisbane on December 1, 2025, expanding Royal Caribbean’s Australian presence even further.

Together, the ships will offer over 45 sailings, visiting destinations such as Noumea, Mystery Island, Fjordland National Park, Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton.

When the season concludes in April 2026, both ships will reposition to Seattle, Washington, for the Alaskan summer season.

Looking Ahead: Royal Caribbean’s Private Island in Vanuatu

Royal Caribbean is also developing Perfect Day at Lelepa, a new private island experience in Vanuatu and the first private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere.

Originally announced in 2019, the project was delayed by the pandemic but is now back on track, with construction underway and an expected opening in early 2027.

A New Era for Cruising in Australia

The arrival of Anthem of the Seas marks a defining moment for cruising in Australia, combining high-tech innovation, family entertainment, and world-class destinations — all sailing from Sydney’s iconic harbour.

As Royal Caribbean expands its footprint across the Pacific, Australian travelers can look forward to more choices, bigger ships, and unforgettable experiences on the horizon.