Over 10,000 people onboard Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas witnessed history on Saturday evening as the twin cruise ships met for the first time.
KarryOn, along with other media and industry representatives, watched the momentous events unfold onboard MV Olympic Storm on an evening cocktail cruise on Sydney Harbour.
To put the scale of the event into perspective:
“With over 10,000 people on board the two ships, it’s the equivalent of having the entire population of Byron Bay out on the harbour at one time.”
Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas is Australia’s newest cruise ship and will now call Australia home after concluding its epic 16-night voyage from Fremantle to New Zealand and finally to Sydney. Together with her twin sister, Voyager of the Seas, they’re responsible for bringing in almost $1.6 million into the Sydney economy in passenger spend on this one day alone.
For those onboard MV Olympic Storm, the night was a chance to socialise and connect with industry representatives. Live singing/DJ entertainment kept everyone tapping their feet and moving their bodies, whilst delicious canapés and an open bar kept everyone smiling.
Attendees onboard MV Olympic Storm
But onboard Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas, a different kind of fun was being had.
“It really was double the fun on the harbour with guests on both ships surfing Sydney Harbour as the ships passed Fort Denison thanks to our unique FlowRider surf simulators on the top deck of each ship.”
Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Royal Caribbean International
That’s right: surfing on Sydney Harbour atop a behemoth cruise ship – talk about history being made.
Aside from top-deck surf simulators, guests aboard the two Royal Caribbean cruise ships have access to an incredible choice of Australian-first features, including ice skating rinks, exceptional dining options, Broadway-style shows, 3D cinemas, completely refreshed public spaces and staterooms, rock climbing walls, and full size sports courts. There’s also an indoor street – the Royal Promenade – running the length of the ship with shops, a cafe and bars. Over US$160 million was spent in making-over both ships in recent years.
Explorer of the Seas joins already revitalised sister ships Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas making the Royal Caribbean fleet the newest and most feature packed ships sailing in the region – a total investment of more than US$280 million.
It’s been an exciting week for Australian cruising, with P&O’s Pacific Aria‘s stylish new look unveiled earlier in the week, not to mention the incredible five ship spectacular which took place in Sydney Harbour.