Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Makes Return to Australia With Two Ships

Royal Caribbean International made its return to Australia over the weekend, marking the first time one of its cruise ships has been there since 2019. Ovation of the Seas arrived in Sydney on Saturday, from which it’s set to operate two to 12-night cruises to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.

Today another Royal Caribbean ship, Quantum of the Seas arrived in Brisbane to kick off Royal Caribbean’s first summer cruising from Queensland. Like Ovation, Quantum will also operate two to 12-night cruises that visit Australia, New Zealand, and islands in the South Pacific.

ovation of the seas sydney australia — Ovation of the Seas in Sydney (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

Both vessels are part of the line’s Quantum-class, which are nicknamed the “smart ships.” They feature the North Star — a glass-wrapped observation capsule that holds a world record as the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship, plus the RipCord by iFly skydiving experience.

The vessels also feature FlowRider surfing simulators, rock climbing walls, and an indoor activity complex called SeaPlex which hosts roller skating, bumper cars, sports, and more.

MORE: Latest Carnival Cruise Ship Arrives in Australia

Quantum and Ovation of the Seas have a large number of restaurants to choose from, including Chops Grille steakhouse, the Asian-inspired Izumi, and family-style Italian at Jamie’s Italian. Live music and original entertainment can be found in the Royal Theatre and Two70 — a transformational venue that merges artistry with cutting-edge technology.

ovation of the seas aerial top deck sydney — Ovation of the Seas (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)

“This is an incredibly exciting time for Royal Caribbean in Australia, with Ovation’s return to Sydney and Quantum of the Seas’ arrival into Brisbane on Tuesday, Nov. 1,” Gavin Smith, VP and Managing Director of Royal Caribbean International, Australia and New Zealand said on Saturday. “It is fantastic to see Ovation in Sydney Harbour once again, and today is also an important milestone to thank our suppliers, the travel industry and our loyal guests for the unwavering support they have demonstrated over the last two years. We are very much looking forward to welcoming back our returning guests and new holidaymakers for a much-needed summer season of adventure and lifelong memories.”