It was a HUGE morning for both Queenslanders and Royal Caribbean as the cruise line’s first ever cruise ship based in the State arrived for her inaugural season.
Legend of the Seas, the 70,000 tonne beauty, isn’t just one of Australia’s largest ships, she officially became the biggest and first Royal Caribbean ship to call Brisbane home when she docked in the city earlier today.
The new local legend will sail from the Sunshine State over the next four months, taking guests on varied itineraries around Australia, New Zealand and to the South Pacific. She will also inject some $24 million into the Queensland economy in passenger spend alone.
Not only is it huge news for Queensland, it’s also a sign of Royal Caribbean’s growing strength in Australia, with Brisbane being the line’s second home port in the country after Sydney.
“We have been working towards basing a ship in Brisbane since opening our Australia office in 2009 – so it’s a great pleasure to finally deliver Queenslanders with an international style of cruising, right on their doorstep.”
Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean International Regional Commercial Director
“Queensland is one of the fastest growing markets in the country and has been a major source market for our Sydney-based ships over the last decade.
“Positioning Legend of the Seas to Brisbane offers greater convenience for Queenslanders, who now have an exciting new choice in cruise lines.”
Two years ago, Legend of the Seas underwent a US$50 million makeover which included a revitalisation of its onboard facilities and social spaces.
She offers guests a number of indoor and outdoor activities such as an outdoor rock climbing wall for active travellers to test their skill, a mini golf course, indoor adults-only swimming pool for more leisurely pursuits, as well as a babies nursery.
There’s also six dining options including three speciality restaurants – a Japanese restaurant called Izumi, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille and the 12-seat Chef’s Table private dining room. She also features a stunning two-deck grand dining room, a pool-side big screen showing movies and sports games, an 800-seat theatre with Broadway style productions, the Vitality Spa & Fitness centre, a beauty salon and a shopping arcade.
