Royal Caribbean have revealed a round of shorter itineraries for the 2025/26 summer season and the debut of Anthem of the Seas in Sydney and Voyager of the Seas’ arrival at its new home of Brisbane. They will be replacing Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas.

The new line-up of 45 long and short getaways to the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia, sailing between November 2025 and April 2026, are now open for bookings.

“Between the excitement of Anthem of the Seas making its Australian debut, Voyager’s return Down Under and more weekend getaways than ever before, the 2025-2026 summer season is one for the books.” Royal Caribbean’s vice president and managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Gavin Smith, said. 

“Every kind of holidaymaker can make memories in more ways than one with a varied line-up, from short getaways to a longer sailing from Asia, and new experiences like the show-stopping ‘We Will Rock You’ musical production, ice-skating shows and six exclusive family adventures created by Royal Caribbean and the Wiggly Friends.”

But some expressed disappointment at the loss of Ovation and Quantum.

“I don’t understand why they will replace Ovation with Anthem. They are the same class of ship – so what”s the point. The only difference I’m aware of is that Anthem is older,” one posted on the Royal Caribbean Australian Cruisers Facebook page

Although others were looking forward to a change:

“After having been on Ovation, and more recently Quantum, I am looking forward to Anthem. The shows sound amazing, the restaurant near the pool is different, and it would be fantastic for the staff to experience Australia, South Pacific and New Zealand,” one another said.

Anthem of the Seas out of Sydney

As Cruise Passenger has previously revealed, new to Australia will be Anthem of the Seas the latest ship from Royal Caribbean to make its debut here.

Guests can choose from 24 holidays, ranging from two to 18 nights, to explore destinations across New Zealand, the Australian coast and the South Pacific. More getaways than ever before are also being offered with five two- to four-night coastal cruises or one five-night getaway to Hobart. 

Passengers can also sit back and relax on longer nine- to 12-night cruises to New Zealand, including a pair of festive nine- and 11-night sailings for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Activities on Anthem

The Quantum class ship, that can carry up to 4825 passengers and 1300 crew, arrives in Sydney for the first time in November 2025. features 2091 cabins, was built in 2015 and refurbished in 2020.

Holidaymakers can look forward to adventures for all ages on Anthem. They include returning experiences offered on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas including skydiving on RipCord by iFly, SeaPlex; Latin-themed club Boleros.

Entertainment includes the Olivier Award-winning musical phenomenon We Will Rock You, featuring Queen’s iconic hits. Restaurants experiences include the family-style Tuscan favourites at Jamie’s Italian, American treats – such as shakes, burgers and more – from the retro-themed Johnny Rockets diner  and an English pub. 

Voyager of the Seas homeports in Brisbane

Voyager will depart Brisbane for the first time in December 2025. There will be 20 holidays to choose from and a new destination in the line-up – Luganville, Vanuatu. 

Passengers can take their pick of more ways to play in the South Pacific by choosing from a series of seven- to nine-night escapes to Noumea, New Caledonia and Port Vila, Luganville and Mystery Island, Vanuatu. There are also two eight- and nine-night festive cruises over Christmas and the New Year.

For those seeking a longer escape, Voyager features a unique 12-night adventure from Singapore to Australia in December. Stops include Benoa, Bali, then Darwin and Airlie Beach in Australia. 

There are also as many as 10 shorter four-, six- and seven-night holidays that stop at Airlie Beach and Cairns.

Voyager activities

Voyager carries up to 4099 passengers and a crew of 1180. She was built in 1999 and refurbished in 2019.

Voyager activities include racing family and friends on The Perfect Storm – two waterslides that are three storeys high. Also on offer is ice skating at Studio B, mini golf and glow-in-the-dark laser tag at Battle for Planet Z.

Stage shows include Ice Odyssey, where professional ice skaters bring the magic and mystery of tarot cards to life, and Broadway show Broadway Rhythm & Rhyme.

Ultimate Wiggly Adventure

As Cruise Passenger also reported, the summer also brings the debut of six Wiggly Sailings, exclusive to Royal Caribbean and featuring the Wiggly Friends, across Anthem and Voyager. 

Bringing the ultimate family holiday to life is the combination of signature Royal Caribbean family experiences and the excitement and adventures of The Wiggles that inspire wonder and discovery.

Young kids and their family can look forward to character events, live concerts, exclusive Royal Caribbean x The Wiggles merchandise and more.

For more details click here.