Key Aspects:
- Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas officially arrived in Sydney Harbor on October 31, 2025.
- The Quantum-class vessel will spend the summer homeporting in Sydney and marks her debut Down Under.
- More than 4,000 passengers will have a choice of 24 sailings across Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.
With the dramatic skyline of Sydney Harbor in its backdrop, Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas marked its debut in Australia on October 31, 2025, ushering in the 2025-26 season from its new homeport in Sydney.
The 168,666-gross-ton ship will spend the summer Down Under offering 24 sailings that range from short weekend escapes to extended voyages across New Zealand and the South Pacific.
The deployment marks one of Royal Caribbean’s biggest Australian seasons to date and signals the cruise line’s growing commitment to the region.
“We’re excited to welcome Anthem to Sydney and give Australian holidaymakers the chance to experience first-hand the innovative thrills, world-class entertainment, and signature flavors that have made this ship a global favorite,” said Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean vice president and managing director Australia and New Zealand.
Anthem of the Seas brings Royal Caribbean’s high-tech experiences to Australian waters for the first time, including its RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator.
Up to 4,180 passengers will be introduced to 360-degree views from the North Star observation capsule and enjoy bumper cars and sports inside the SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea.
But even more exciting is the all-new collaboration between Royal Caribbean and The Wiggles, one of Australia’s most recognizable children’s brands. Six themed “Wiggly” sailings will run across both Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas in 2025-26, including live performances, character meet-and-greets, and exclusive merchandise.
While Anthem of the Seas sails from Sydney, 139,999-gross-ton Voyager of the Seas will make its own debut in Brisbane beginning December 1, 2025.
Sydney Season Underway
Anthem of the Seas’ arrival followed a 17-night repositioning voyage that departed from Honolulu, Hawaii, on October 13, 2025. She pulled into her brand-new homeport around 6 a.m. local time.
Her first sailing from Sydney departed less than 12 hours later for a short, 3-night South Coast Getaway to Eden, Australia, and back.
Cruise Boards: Cruising Australia – Cruise Ports
The second voyage, however, will be a 7-night South Pacific journey to Noumea, New Caledonia, and Mystery Island, Vanuatu, followed by a 10-night sailing to New Zealand, visiting Fjordland National Park, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton.
The vessel will continue to alternate its sailings through April 14, 2026, when she repositions back to Honolulu and continues on to Alaska for a Northern Hemisphere summer season from Seattle.
Meanwhile, the 3,368-passenger Voyager of the Seas will offer 22 departures ranging from 2 to 12 nights around the Queensland coast and South Pacific. It, too, will return to North America in the late spring to operate from Seattle to Alaska.
More From Cruise Hive
Royal Caribbean is making a strong play in Australia. Beyond ship deployments, the cruise line is investing in a new private destination on Lelepa in Vanuatu, the first private cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere.
Originally announced in 2019, pre-pandemic, the destination experienced major delays but is back on track with an anticipated opening in early 2027.
