Royal Caribbean has made some major changes to its Australian deployment during the 2018/19 wave season that will see Sydney lose one giant ship while Melbourne gains its first Royal departure.
Aussie favourite, Voyager of the Seas, has been left out of the cruise line’s plans for the Australian market during the 2018/19 season.
According to Royal Caribbean, instead of sailing Down Under, the ship will stay in Singapore and China for a year-round season.
But it’s all okay, because in her place, Sydney will still welcome the technologically advanced, Ovation of the seas and Voyager’s sister ship Explorer of the Seas.
“After six seasons pioneering BIG ship cruising in Australia and carrying more than 300,000 guests, we will say farewell to our beloved Voyager of the Seas for the 2018/19 cruise season, as she will instead sail from Singapore and Asia year-round.”
Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean Australia & New Zealand Managing Director
“This deployment change makes possible the early return of Ovation of the Seas to her summer home in Sydney, where she will operate her longest ever Australia season.
“Our most popular local cruise ship, Ovation of the Seas is the flagship for modern Australian cruising, delivering a whole new way to holiday, known as SuperCruising.”
Voyager’s departure will leave Australia with Ovation of the Seas [pictured], Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.
Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean is expanding its departure cities around Oceania to include its first departure from Melbourne and three from Auckland on Radiance of the Seas.
“Melbourne as a new turnaround-port for Radiance of the Seas was an easy choice for us to make,” Armstrong said.
“Victorians are known the world over for their love of great food so our culinary ship is the perfect fit.
“And in Auckland, our style of cruising is continuously growing in popularity so we’re thrilled to offer cruises from our Kiwi neighbours’ doorstep.”
In total, Royal Caribbean will offer 61 sailings ranging from three to 23-nights and sailing to nine different countries including Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, Malaysia, New Caledonia, Singapore, the USA and Vanuatu.