Main image: (l to r): Captain Johan Hill, Gavin Smith and Chief Officer Abraham Hernandez
Captain Johan Hill and Chief Officer Abraham Hernandez joined special guests and media for a celebratory breakfast at the Museum of Contemporary Art, marking Anthem’s arrival in her new Australian homeport.
Captain Hill described the ship’s arrival in Sydney as breathtaking, calling the city one of the most beautiful ports in the world.
He said the experience was made even more memorable by sailing in amid the vibrant bloom of jacaranda trees.
Chief Officer Hernandez shared his own excitement about the season ahead, saying he dreams of holding a koala and surfing at some of Sydney’s iconic beaches.
Homeporting in Sydney, Anthem of the Seas will offer 24 sailings this season, from short two-night escapes to epic 18-night adventures across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Royal Caribbean International, said he was excited to offer Australian travellers the opportunity to enjoy the ship’s cutting-edge thrills, top-tier entertainment and distinctive dining experiences.
“This is a ship that truly sets the stage for unforgettable summer holidays. The return of Royal Caribbean’s full Australian fleet this season cements our position as Australia’s most trusted cruise line, delivering exceptional experiences for every kind of traveller,” he added.
“Australians have an incredible sense of adventure and Anthem of the Seas delivers that in every way, whether it’s skydiving at sea, catching a West End musical, or exploring the spectacular landscapes of New Zealand and the South Pacific.”
Perfect Day at Lelepa: A Home Away From Home
As part of Royal Caribbean’s growing presence in the region, the cruise line is preparing to unveil Perfect Day at Lelepa, a private island experience in Vanuatu that promises to redefine the South Pacific cruise holiday.
Developed in partnership with the people and government of Vanuatu, the project blends sustainability, local culture and Royal Caribbean’s signature sense of adventure.
Mr Smith said Perfect Day at Lelepa will allow guests to step off the ship and enjoy the same comfort, connection and quality they’ve come to expect on board.
“The vision is to extend the cruise experience ashore. Guests will be able to use their beverage packages and Wi-Fi and enjoy food and beverage offerings curated by Royal Caribbean staff in a safe, welcoming setting. The goal is to create the best family day you’ll ever have ashore.”
Roughly the size of Sydney’s Centennial Park, Lelepa is being purpose-built to offer a seamless, family-friendly beach day while celebrating the natural beauty and traditions of Vanuatu.
Royal Caribbean’s approach is to ensure local communities are part of the operation and will benefit from it, mirroring the company’s model in destinations in The Bahamas, Mexico and Santorini.
Mr Smith said the island reflects a broader shift in Royal Caribbean’s philosophy.
“The line is moving from being simply a cruise company to becoming a vacation company, creating curated, immersive experiences that connect ship, shore and community.
“We want to recreate when guests step ashore, the same sense of comfort they feel when returning to the ship after a day of adventure.”
Bold, Bright and Full of Promise
As Anthem of the Seas begins her Australian season, Mr Smith said Royal Caribbean’s local brand direction is “bold, bright and full of promise.”
The cruise line is leaning into its identity as an energetic, family-focused brand while localising its message for Australian travellers.
“Guests will soon see an increased focus on Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor, a long-standing part of the company’s identity, as it becomes a more iconic, inspiring symbol of the brand’s global and local connection.”
He added that Royal Caribbean is also adapting to changing travel habits, introducing more three- and four-night weekend cruises designed to attract new travellers to cruising by offering accessible, shorter getaways.
“Our business is changing. We’re building the on-ramp for ‘new to cruise’ guests through our shorter sailings, just enough to tease the market and offer great value.
“It’s all about accessibility, making the ship and our experience easy to reach for the Australian market.
“We don’t advertise price because we’re talking about promise. We’re a memory factory, creating moments for families that last a lifetime.”
