If you’re going to launch a new partnership, you might as well do it with a harbour view, a ship departure, and an exclusive VIP famil announcement that’ll have travel advisors scrambling for their sales spreadsheets. CruiseHQ and Royal Caribbean did exactly that, hosting 80 top industry professionals at Hacienda Sydney for a night of celebration, cocktails, and a front-row seat to watch Ovation of the Seas sail out of Sydney Harbour.
A famil fit for an Icon
The highlight of the evening? A golden ticket opportunity for travel advisors. CruiseHQ General Manager Caroline Hitchen unveiled an exclusive incentive that will see ten lucky top-selling agents set sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s groundbreaking Icon of the Seas on a seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary in August 2025.
This isn’t just any famil. The winners will be treated to VIP treatment, a pre-cruise stay in buzzing Miami, and a firsthand look at Icon of the Seas—the game-changing ship that’s turning heads across the cruise industry. And of course, no Royal Caribbean experience would be complete without a visit to the brand’s private Bahamian playground, Perfect Day at CocoCay.


The incentive period runs from 1 January to 31 May 2025, with winners announced on 2 June 2025. Time to get those bookings rolling!
Selling the dream: Royal Caribbean’s international offerings
Royal Caribbean’s Key Account Manager for AUNZ, Roberta Chaplin, took the opportunity to showcase the cruise line’s extensive global product, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to delivering next-level holiday experiences for travellers worldwide. Among the standout itineraries available through CruiseHQ are:
- Iconic Western Caribbean (RCI112) – 10 nights from $4,599 per person*, including a three-night stay in a 4-star Miami hotel, a Key West day trip with a trolley tour, private transfers, and a seven-night Icon of the Seas cruise (Miami return) plus Air Credit.
- Iconic Eastern Caribbean (RCI117) – 10 nights from $4,245 per person*, featuring a three-night Miami stay, a Little Havana food and walking tour, private transfers, and a seven-night Icon of the Seas cruise (Miami return) plus Air Credit.
- A Taste of Japan (RCI119) – 13 nights from $3,849 per person*, with a two-night stay in a 4-star Hong Kong hotel, private transfers, and an 11-night Spectrum of the Seas cruise (Hong Kong return) plus Air Credit.


With more tailored packages available, advisors can dive into CruiseHQ’s full range of Royal Caribbean sailings via their agent portal. *Terms and conditions apply.
Why this matters for travel professionals
For agents, having firsthand experience on a ship as talked-about as Icon of the Seas isn’t just a nice perk—it’s a serious sales advantage. Clients love hearing about the latest and greatest in cruising, and nothing beats being able to say, “I’ve been there, done that, and yes, the AquaDome is just as jaw-dropping as it looks.”


Beyond the VIP famil, the broader partnership between CruiseHQ and Royal Caribbean provides travel advisors with additional resources, exclusive offers, and opportunities to enhance their cruise sales expertise.
For more details, visit cruisehq.com.au/agent-login/.