Royal Caribbean will operate three ships in Australia during the 2027–28 summer, with an upgraded Ovation of the Seas joining Voyager of the Seas in Brisbane and Anthem of the Seas returning to Sydney.
The expanded program will run from October 2027 to April 2028, featuring cruises of two to 12 nights across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific. Longer repositioning voyages will connect the region with Hawaii and Asia.
“This season is a major milestone for our region with three ships,” said Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director, Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean.
“We’re thrilled to welcome more Royal Caribbean adventures Down Under, led by Aussie favourite Ovation of the Seas returning newly amplified and sailing from Queensland with even more ways to dine, unwind and make memories.”
Ovation returns to Brisbane
Ovation of the Seas will begin sailing from Brisbane in November 2027, offering itineraries of three to eight nights. Its program includes two four night Whitsundays cruises calling at Airlie Beach, as well as a 16 night transpacific voyage from Honolulu to Brisbane via French Polynesia.
The ship will arrive following a refurbishment that introduces a redesigned pool deck, Splashaway Bay water play area and private Casitas. New dining and nightlife venues will include Izumi Teppanyaki, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen, the Pesky Parrot cocktail bar and Sound Cellar, a new late night music venue. Casino Royale will also be expanded.
Voyager combines Australian and Asian seasons
Voyager of the Seas will start its season with a 25 night voyage from Seattle to Brisbane, visiting Honolulu, Moorea, Papeete and Raiatea.
The ship will then operate cruises of two to 11 nights from Brisbane, including South Pacific itineraries calling at Noumea, Lifou, Mystery Island, Port Vila and Luganville.
Five new cruises from Sydney have also been added. They include a 10 night Christmas sailing to New Zealand, with calls at Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, plus scenic cruising through Milford Sound. A three night Sydney cruise will provide a shorter option.
Voyager will leave Australia on a new 15 night cruise from Sydney to Singapore via Airlie Beach, Darwin, Lombok and Celukan Bawang.
From January to April 2028, the ship will sail from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. The Asian program includes four and five night itineraries from Hong Kong, selected overnight stays in Japan and four cruises of 10 to 12 nights from Tokyo during the cherry blossom season.
Anthem back in Sydney
Anthem of the Seas will return to Sydney from October 2027 with cruises ranging from three to 17 nights.
Its schedule includes New Zealand voyages of nine to 12 nights, South Pacific itineraries and seasonal departures over Christmas and New Year. A 17 night voyage from Honolulu to Sydney will provide another option for travellers heading to Australia from Hawaii.
Royal Caribbean is also extending Navigator of the Seas’ Singapore deployment until October 2027, establishing the ship’s first year round program in the region. It will offer cruises of two to five nights to Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand, along with a 12 night voyage from Tokyo to Singapore.
Bookings for Ovation’s Brisbane season and Navigator’s extended Singapore program open on 19 August 2026. Voyager’s Asia Pacific cruises go on sale on 26 August.
