RCG-Royal Caribbean Group (via RCCL-Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd)
Operator
RCI-Royal Caribbean International
Anthem of the Seas is arriving in Australia in November 2025 for her first Australian visit. This guide has everything you need to know about the 4,180-passenger ship (with a maximum capacity of 4,905). Anthem is a Quantum Class ship, the same as Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas.
The arrival of Anthem is an interesting one for the Australian market. The truth is if you’re looking for something completely new and different, you won’t find it in Anthem. But if you love the ships sailing in Australia now, you’ll be delighted to know not too much has changed.
If you’re rather looking at hopping on Anthem for your first cruise or first time with the Royal Caribbean Group, the short of it is that it’s a classic Royal Caribbean ship. Expect an extensive range of entertainment options and a lively, buzzing ship. While there are definitely places to escape to for more tranquillity, the ship’s strength lies in providing family fun and facilitating a holiday that doesn’t have a dull moment.
There is plenty of fun available on Anthem of the Seas
Departing from Honolulu, Oahu Island Hawaii hotels
17 Oct 09:30 - 23:59
Papeete, Tahiti Island French Polynesia
18 Oct 07:00 - 20:00
Moorea Island, Society Islands French Polynesia
19 Oct 07:00 - 20:00
Raiatea Island, Uturoa, French Polynesia
25 Oct 08:45 - 19:45
Tauranga, Rotorua, New Zealand
29 Oct 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Oct 30
3 days, round-trip Sydney Getaway
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
02 Nov 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Nov 02
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
05 Nov 07:00 - 16:30
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
06 Nov 08:00 - 17:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
07 Nov 07:00 - 17:00
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
11 Nov 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Nov 11
9 days, round-trip New Zealand Holiday Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
14 Nov 09:00 - 18:00
Picton, New Zealand
15 Nov 08:00 - 18:00
Lyttelton-Christchurch, New Zealand
16 Nov 11:00 - 20:00
Dunedin, Port Chalmers, New Zealand
17 Nov 16:00 - 17:00
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
20 Nov 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Nov 20
3 days, round-trip South Coast Getaway
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
22 Nov 08:00 - 16:00
Eden, NSW Australia
23 Nov 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Nov 23
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
26 Nov 07:00 - 16:30
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
27 Nov 08:00 - 17:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
28 Nov 07:00 - 17:00
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
02 Dec 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Dec 02
9 days, round-trip New Zealand Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
05 Dec 08:00 - 18:00
Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand
06 Dec 08:15 - 17:30
Tauranga, Rotorua, New Zealand
07 Dec 10:00 - 17:00
Napier, New Zealand
08 Dec 08:00 - 17:00
Picton, New Zealand
11 Dec 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Dec 11
8 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
14 Dec 07:00 - 15:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
15 Dec 09:30 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
16 Dec 07:00 - 15:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
19 Dec 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Dec 19
9 days, round-trip New Zealand Holiday Cruise
Sydney
Cruise Theme: Christmas cruise
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
22 Dec 08:00 - 19:00
Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand
23 Dec 07:00 - 19:00
Auckland, New Zealand
24 Dec 09:00 - 20:00
Tauranga, Rotorua, New Zealand
28 Dec 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2026 Dec 28
9 days, round-trip New Zealand Holiday Cruise
Sydney
Cruise Theme: New Year cruise
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
31 Dec 09:00 - 18:00
Picton, New Zealand
01 Jan 08:00 - 18:00
Lyttelton-Christchurch, New Zealand
02 Jan 06:45 - 18:00
Dunedin, Port Chalmers, New Zealand
03 Jan 16:00 - 17:00
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
06 Jan 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Jan 06
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
09 Jan 07:00 - 16:30
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
10 Jan 08:00 - 17:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
11 Jan 07:00 - 17:00
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
15 Jan 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Jan 15
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
19 Jan 07:00 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
20 Jan 07:00 - 17:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
21 Jan 07:00 - 17:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
24 Jan 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Jan 24
8 days, round-trip Queensland Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
27 Jan 15:00 - 16:00
Willis Island, Coral Sea, Australia
28 Jan 07:00 - 17:30
Yorkeys Knob, Queensland Australia
29 Jan 08:30 - 18:30
Airlie Beach, Queensland Australia
01 Feb 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Feb 01
11 days, round-trip New Zealand Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
04 Feb 09:00 - 18:00
Picton, New Zealand
05 Feb 08:30 - 18:00
Napier, New Zealand
06 Feb 08:30 - 18:30
Wellington, New Zealand
07 Feb 07:00 - 18:00
Lyttelton-Christchurch, New Zealand
08 Feb 07:00 - 18:00
Dunedin, Port Chalmers, New Zealand
09 Feb 16:00 - 17:00
Fiordland National Park, New Zealand
12 Feb 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Feb 12
9 days, round-trip New Zealand Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
15 Feb 10:00 - 18:00
Wellington, New Zealand
16 Feb 07:00 - 16:00
Napier, New Zealand
17 Feb 10:45 - 17:45
Tauranga, Rotorua, New Zealand
18 Feb 08:00 - 17:00
Bay of Islands, Russell, New Zealand
21 Feb 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Feb 21
8 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
24 Feb 10:00 - 17:30
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
25 Feb 07:00 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
26 Feb 11:00 - 19:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
01 Mar 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Mar 01
4 days, round-trip Hobart Getaway
Sydney
Cruise Theme: Art cruise
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
03 Mar 08:00 - 18:00
Hobart, Tasmania Australia
05 Mar 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Mar 05
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
09 Mar 07:00 - 15:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
10 Mar 09:30 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
11 Mar 07:00 - 15:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
14 Mar 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Mar 14
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
17 Mar 07:00 - 15:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
18 Mar 09:30 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
19 Mar 07:00 - 17:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
23 Mar 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Mar 23
4 days, round-trip Hobart Getaway
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
25 Mar 08:00 - 18:00
Hobart, Tasmania Australia
27 Mar 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Mar 27
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Cruise Theme: Easter cruise
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
31 Mar 07:00 - 15:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
01 Apr 09:30 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
02 Apr 07:00 - 15:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
05 Apr 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
2027 Apr 05
9 days, round-trip South Pacific Cruise
Sydney
Date / Time
Port
Departing from Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
09 Apr 07:00 - 15:00
Noumea, Grande Terre Island New Caledonia
10 Apr 09:30 - 16:30
Port Vila, Efate Island Vanuatu
11 Apr 07:00 - 15:00
Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu
14 Apr 06:30
Arriving in Sydney, NSW Australia hotels
Anthem of the Seas is gearing up for her first Australian season, bringing a lineup of 24 sailings that’ll take cruisers across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. Whether you’re after a quick getaway or something more ambitious, there’s plenty to choose from.
If you’re just looking for a short escape, there are 2 to 4-night coastal cruises. There’s also a 5-night itinerary to Hobart, giving you time to explore Tasmania’s historic streets and lively food scene before heading back to Sydney.
For those keen on a New Zealand adventure, Anthem has 9 to 12-night itineraries lined up, featuring scenic cruising through the country’s famous fjords and stops at must-visit destinations like Picton, Wellington, Lyttelton (Christchurch), and Port Chalmers (Dunedin). Whether you’re here for the wine, the wildlife, or the dramatic landscapes, these cruises deliver plenty of variety.
Then there’s the South Pacific—a region that’s practically made for cruising. Anthem will be offering 8-night sailings to places like Noumea, Port Vila, and the ever-popular Mystery Island, where the beaches are pristine, and life moves at a much slower pace.
And if spending the holidays at sea sounds like your kind of thing, Anthem has festive sailings. Royal Caribbean announced there’s a 9-night Christmas cruise departing December 19, 2025, and an 11-night New Year’s voyage setting sail on December 28. Tropical destinations, onboard celebrations, and zero holiday stress.
Anthem in all her glory
Accommodations Details
Anthem of the Seas packs in 2,090 cabins, 1,570 of which have balconies. The ship has 375 rooms equipped with Virtual Balconies, which feature floor-to-ceiling screens displaying real-time ocean views and destination shots.
Cabins come with three power outlets—two US and one European—plus two USB ports. Some rooms also feature a bedside outlet. There are plenty of hooks for hanging clothes and towels, and the bathrooms include a motion-activated nightlight for added convenience at night.
There are four main stateroom categories: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Mini-Suite.
There are seven suite categories, starting from Grand Suites and going up to the 975-square-foot Owner’s Loft Suite. The largest suite onboard, however, is the Royal Loft Suite, offering even more space and luxury.
A deluxe ocean view cabin
Dining and Culinary Experience
When it comes to dining at the Anthem of the Seas, a restaurant brand new to Australian cruising, Johnny Rockets will be an old-school American diner with many locations around the USA and on other Royal Caribbean ships. It is a specialty restaurant and is charged per item, not with a flat fee. Menu highlights range from the Chicken Club Sandwich to hot dogs, loaded fries, a wide range of burgers, and more.
There are nine complimentary dining options, including the four main dining rooms—Silk, Chic, The Grande Restaurant, and American Icon Grill.
Solarium Bistro offers a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience in a tranquil setting, though it is not exclusively adults-only. For some on-the-go sandwiches and paninis, you can head to the café at Two70, with great ocean views tossed in as well.
There are plenty of different flavours on offer at the Windjammer Marketplace, with the prime rib carving station a dinner-time highlight. Sorrento’s is a classic for pizza, sitting right on the main promenade with daily pepperoni and margarita pizza, as well as two pizzas of the day.
Café Promenade is a quick and easy option, offering café bites like pastries and sandwiches. Coastal Kitchen is exclusively for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, offering a more upscale Mediterranean option—the breakfast smoked salmon and dinnertime flatbread are cruiser favourites. Guests staying in Grand Suites and above can dine here for all meals, while Junior Suite guests have access to dinner only.
Dining at Chops Grille
Specialty Dining
Anthem of the Seas packs in nine specialty dining options. It includes the famed Chef’s Table experience, which offers a five-course wine-paired dinner, hosted by the ship’s executive chef and sommelier.
There’s also Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, where the food comes out served on ‘planks,’ offering rustic Italian dining.
Wonderland Restaurant offers a fascinating dining experience, with Alice in Wonderland-inspired décor setting the scene for whimsical dishes like Berkshire pork belly with apples and cracklin’.
Izumi is a Royal Caribbean staple, offering fresh sushi and sashimi, with the truffle creamy lobster tempura roll standing out as a favourite.
Chops Grille is a classic steakhouse, decked out with wooden décor and low lighting, where guests can try dishes like grilled sea bass, spicy jumbo shrimp, filet mignon, and more.
For a quick something, La Patisserie is the go-to spot for hot chocolate, pastries, artisan chocolates, petits-fours, macarons, and more.
Dining at Izumi
Onboard Activities [Family, Kids and Couple]
There are plenty of solo and family-friendly onboard activities on the cruise ship. Anthem of the Seas has Royal Caribbean’s famous RipCord by iFLY, a skydiving simulator with ocean views mixed in for all the thrill seekers. Fees may apply for this experience, so it’s best to check the latest pricing and reservation details before your cruise.
The cruise ship packs the North Star, a favourite activity on Australia’s previous Quantum Class ship. The North Star is an observation capsule that elevates guests over 300 feet above sea level, offering panoramic sea views.
Also found on Anthem is FlowRider, a surf simulator that lets guests experience the thrill of surfing right onboard.
Anthem of the Seas also has all the Royal Caribbean family entertainment you’d expect. There’s a rock-climbing wall, bumper cars at SeaPlex, sports courts, game shows, jewellery making, archery, a splash park for kids, circus activities, poolside movies, an arcade, and more.
There’s also more adult entertainment onboard. You’ll find the adults-only Solarium for relaxation, Latin dance classes, the large casino, and the fully equipped Vitality at Sea Spa.
Children Activities
For those aged from six to 36 months, they’ll be in the Royal Babies & Tots program, where trained youth staff will take them through activities and let them play with a range of toys.
Aquanauts is for those aged three to five years old, where staff will run the kids through educational and fun science programs and experiments.
Those in the six to eight-year range can hang out and do arts and crafts, science games, and performance workshops as part of the Explorers Program.
The Voyagers group is for those from nine to 12 years old, offering sports tournaments, video game competitions, talent shows, a ship scavenger hunt, and more.
The Teen Lounge is for teens, offering more choices between pre-planned events or simply a space to hang out and let the time pass. For children aged three to 12 years, after-hours services are available from 10 pm to 2 am at a rate of $7 per hour, per child, through the Late Night Party Zone.
Anthem of the Seas will have six Wiggles-themed itineraries during its Australian homeporting, offering a different and unique experience for kids. These exclusive cruises feature appearances and activities with beloved Wiggly characters. There are three Wiggles itineraries on Anthem of the Seas, with two options in the South Pacific and one in Queensland. The South Pacific sailings are November 20, 2025, and March 13, 2026, respectively. The Queensland sailing leaves on February 6.
The North Star viewing platform
Deck Plan
Anthem of the Seas is big—but not the kind of big that feels overwhelming. With 16-passenger decks, everything is spaced out enough that you won’t feel crammed in, but it’s still easy to find your way around.
The lower decks are mostly where you’ll find the staterooms, making them a quieter spot to retreat after a day of cruising. Move up a bit, and things start getting livelier. Deck 4 is home to the Royal Theater, where you can catch the big stage productions, and Deck 5 is where the ship’s main hub, the Royal Esplanade, comes to life. It’s lined with shops, cafés, bars, and all the little spots you’ll wander into on your way to somewhere else.
Up on Deck 14, you’ll find SeaPlex, the ship’s massive indoor activity space where you can try bumper cars, trapeze lessons, or just watch the chaos unfold. Deck 15 is where all the pools are, including an indoor one with a retractable roof and the Solarium, a quieter, adults-only spot with panoramic ocean views.
Then there’s Deck 16, where things get a little more adventurous. This is where you’ll find North Star, the glass capsule that lifts you 300 feet above the ocean, and RipCord by iFLY, the skydiving simulator that makes you feel like you’re freefalling—minus the whole jumping-out-of-a-plane part.
Accommodation-wise, staterooms are spread across multiple decks, from budget-friendly interior cabins to luxurious suites. Even the inside rooms get a view, thanks to Virtual Balconies, which stream real-time ocean views onto massive screens.
And if you’re worried about getting lost, don’t be. The ship has touchscreen wayfinders on every deck, so you’ll always know exactly how far away you are from your next cocktail.
Bar and Nightclub
A day onboard Anthem is a delight. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back drink with ocean views or a night out that stretches into the early hours, Anthem of the Seas has you covered. The ship’s bar and nightlife scene is lively, varied, and just the right mix of classy and fun.
If you’re into live music, Music Hall is the place to be. This two-story venue hosts everything from rock tribute bands to themed DJ nights, so whether you’re dancing, singing along, or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s got all the late-night energy you need. If Latin beats are more your vibe, Boleros is where the salsa music plays and the mojitos flow.
For something more low-key, Schooner Bar offers that classic piano bar experience, with sing-alongs, cocktails, and a relaxed, old-school charm. Vintages is the spot for wine lovers, with an impressive selection of reds, whites, and everything in between. And if you’re after something more high-tech, head to Bionic Bar, where robot bartenders mix your drinks—because why not?
Prefer a good pub? Michael’s Genuine Pub serves craft beers, whiskeys, and classic bar bites in a casual, cozy setting. And when it’s time to really let loose, the ship’s nightclub scene kicks off, with DJs keeping the party going into the early hours.
No matter what kind of night you’re after, Anthem of the Seas has a bar—and a vibe—to match.
Schooner Bar
Entertainment
A great bonus of Anthem of the Seas arriving is that it will bring stage shows that haven’t been in Australia before. We Will Rock You is a popular musical featuring the music of Queen, set in a futuristic world where rock ‘n’ roll has been banned. The Gift is an original Royal Caribbean production, where a family, brought together by a mysterious gift, embarks on a journey of discovery and unity.
As far as bars and lounges go, there are a total of nine options. For great ocean views and a drink in your hand, you can head to the North Star Bar, located just below the North Star observation capsule. You can dance the night away with live Latin music at Boleros, sip poolside at the Pool Bar, or grab a refreshing drink at the Sunshine Bar, which is located in the adults-only Solarium. You’ll also find Royal Caribbean’s famous bionic bartenders at the Bionic Bar.
Come nightlife, Two70 transforms into a hub of entertainment, with audiovisual productions blending live performances and robotic technology. Most nights, you can catch Spectra’s Cabaret, an immersive show that combines live music, dance, and multimedia elements for a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Schooner Bar is the ship’s piano bar, perfect for a sing-along. You can drink upscale wine and enjoy small bites at Vintages Wine Bar. And the English Pub, known as The Brass & Bock Pub, has the most extensive range of beers on the ship, along with live music performances.
Catch We Will Rock You onboard
Ship Facts
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum-class ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. At 168,666 gross tons, she’s a floating city packed with entertainment, dining, and adventure. It stretches 1,141 feet long and 136 feet wide, definitely designed to impress.
Speaking of size, she carries up to 4,180 guests at double occupancy, with a total of 2,090 staterooms, including 375 interior cabins with virtual balconies—so even inside rooms get a view. And with a dedicated crew of 1,300, service is never far away.
There are 16 decks accessible to passengers. They house everything from high-tech entertainment venues to pools, sports courts, and more. Whether you’re here for the adventure, the relaxation, or just the sheer scale of it all, Anthem of the Seas delivers an unforgettable cruising experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of charger do I need?
Anthem of the Seas has both North American (110V) and European (220/230V) outlets. Most devices will work without a voltage converter, but the ship mainly uses U.S.-style plugs, so Aussie travellers should bring an adapter if needed. Many cabins also have USB ports for charging phones and smaller devices.
How does onboard spending work?
Everything onboard is priced in USD. You won’t need cash while cruising—your SeaPass card works as your onboard wallet, and all purchases get charged to your account. You can link a credit or debit card to it or top it up with cash. If you bring Australian dollars (AUD), the ship will convert them to USD at the exchange rate of the day (fees may apply). A credit or debit card with low foreign transaction fees is usually the best bet.
Is The North Star experience free?
Yes and no. Some North Star rides are free, but it depends on when you go. Port days usually have complimentary rides, while sea days or special experiences might come with an extra charge.
Will I be seated with strangers at dinner?
If you’ve picked a set dining time, there’s a chance you’ll be seated with other guests. If you’d rather have a table to yourself, you can request one in advance through Royal Caribbean or your travel agent. They’ll do their best, but it’s not guaranteed.
What entertainment is available on a 2-night cruise?
Even on a short cruise, there’s plenty going on—trivia, bingo, live music, and themed events. The main shows might vary, but you’ll always find something happening. Check the Cruise Compass (the ship’s daily planner) or the Royal Caribbean app once you’re onboard for the full schedule.
Ovation of the Seas Cruises 2025-27 Schedule, Cabins & Destinations Published by Jane Archer Published on 27 November 2024 Deck Plans Reviews 2025/26 Itineraries and DestinationsDining and Culinary ExperienceOnboard Activities…
Fernando is living the life we all aspire to. He has sailed for 130 world cruises aboard ultra luxury line Crystal. That's 15,600 days of being served the finest cuisine, sleeping in suites with a personal butler and visiting the world's most beautiful cities. Who better to tell us about Crystal's next world cruise!
LATEST CRUISE DEALS
