Royal Caribbean has announced a “blockbuster” Australian wave season for 2022/23, including two of its newest Quantum Class vessels, and Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas sailing out of Sydney.

While the line hasn’t given up on 2021 – pressure is mounting on state and federal governments to approve a phased relaunch of cruising this year – Royal Caribbean is opening bookings next Thursday March 25 for next year’s sailings.

With one eye no doubt on millions of dollars worth of Future Cruise Credits (FCCs), the line is promising a renewed focus on Queensland, where Quantum of the Seas will sail out of Brisbane’s brand new International Cruise Terminals in October, 2022..

“Quantum Class ships are in a league of their own in Australian waters — and we have two sailing in the 2022/2023 season,” says Gavin Smith, VP and managing director, Royal Caribbean International, Australia and New Zealand. “This calibre of ship isn’t seen elsewhere in this region, and their technological innovation and modern hardware open up a new audience to cruising.”

“Along with fan-favourite Radiance, they offer variety and adventure that can’t be matched – it will be time to turn holiday-making up full throttle in 2022/23.”

Together, the three game-changing ships will offer 66 two-19 night cruises throughout Australia, New Zealand, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji and Loyalty Islands. The new season also features more weekend two and three night “sampler” cruises than ever before – possibly designed to reacclimatise Australians to life at sea after over a year waiting on shore due to the pandemic.

Quantum is the newest and most technologically advanced ship ever to homeport in Queensland, and with features like the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star all-glass viewing capsule and FlowRider surf simulator, she offers the ultimate family holiday from the Sunshine State. Along with over 18 different dining options – including Jamie’s Italian, Chops Grille steakhouse and whimsical Wonderland – she’ll also bring a new wave of entertainment never seen before in Australia.

She will offer 24 sailings ranging from 3- to 18-nights, including two transpacific journeys, to destinations in the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. Families will be spoilt for choice over the summer, as more South Pacific school holiday sailings departing Queensland are on offer than ever before.

Fares start from $1049 per person, twin share for an interior stateroom on an 8-night South Pacific cruise departing from Brisbane, 1 November 2022. Prices include accommodation, dining, entertainment and onboard activities like the RipCord by iFly and FlowRider – which retail for up to $90 per person on land. Fares start from $549 per person, twin share for an interior stateroom on a 3-night Weekend Sampler departing from Brisbane on 24 November 2022.

Ovation of the seas, a Sydney favourite,  will sail her seventh Australian season with attractions like the North Star, RipCord by iFly, FlowRider and a myriad of dining options, as well as cutting-edge entertainment venues like the transformational Two70 – featuring top shows that weave aerialists and robots into show stopping performances.

Ovation will offer 20 sailings, ranging from two-to 19, to summer stops in New Zealand, Queensland, the South Pacific and Australia. Fares start from $1099 per person, twin share for an interior stateroom on an 8-night Australian sailing departing from Sydney on 3 March 2023.

Radiance of the Seas is focussing on food, boasting 11 world-class dining options from the exclusive Chef’s Table to guest favourite Izumi.

Radiance will offer 22 sailings, including two transpacific voyages, ranging from 3- to 18-nights, to destinations such as New Zealand, Great Barrier Reef, South Pacific & Fiji, and Tasmania. Fares start from $1399 per person, twin share for an interior stateroom on a nine-night Australian sailing departing from Sydney on 28 December 2022.

Refundable deposits are available for 2022/23 sailings, which allows guests to retrieve their deposit up to 70 days prior to sailing for most cruises.

Royal Caribbean will shortly start sailing in Israel as yet another test of the health protocols being run on the big-ship carrier.  It has already successfully sailed many trips from Singapore using Quantum of the Seas.

Open for sale 25 March 2021. For more information, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au