Chandra Hamzah
The highly anticipated return of Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas to Australian waters for the 2026/27 season marks a significant moment for the region’s cruise industry. Following its debut in the 2025/26 season, which saw the ship described as the "hottest ticket in town," this latest deployment promises an even more comprehensive offering of destinations and onboard attractions. Passengers can anticipate a diverse range of cruises, including voyages to the picturesque shores of New Zealand, the exotic islands of the South Pacific, and the exclusive Royal Beach Club Lelepa, Royal Caribbean’s newest private island destination.
The initial success of Anthem of the Seas in Australia underscored a growing demand for larger, amenity-rich vessels in the local market. Its return is a testament to the ship’s popularity and Royal Caribbean’s commitment to providing a world-class cruising experience to Australian travellers. This season, the ship will offer a broader spectrum of itineraries, catering to various preferences, from short getaways to extended explorations of iconic destinations.
Navigating the 2026/27 Itineraries and Destinations
Anthem of the Seas will embark on a comprehensive schedule, spanning a variety of durations and destinations. The season commences with a series of Alaska cruises departing from Seattle, Washington, in May and June 2025. These 7-day round-trip "Alaska Adventure Cruises" offer passengers the chance to witness the breathtaking landscapes of Sitka, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, and Victoria, B.C. This segment of the itinerary highlights the ship’s versatility, demonstrating its ability to operate in diverse geographical regions and cater to different market demands.
Following its North American deployment, Anthem of the Seas will reposition for its Australian season. A notable Transpacific repositioning cruise is scheduled from Vancouver to Honolulu in October 2025, followed by a longer 17-day journey from Honolulu to Sydney, Australia, traversing the Pacific with stops in French Polynesia and New Zealand. This significant repositioning cruise provides a unique opportunity for passengers to experience a transcontinental voyage, culminating in its arrival in Sydney.
From late October 2025 through to April 2027, Anthem of the Seas will be based in Sydney, offering a rich tapestry of Australian and regional itineraries. These include:
- South Coast Getaways: Short 3-day round-trip cruises from Sydney to Eden, NSW, perfect for a quick coastal escape.
- South Pacific Cruises: Ranging from 7 to 10 days, these voyages will explore destinations such as Noumea (New Caledonia), Mystery Island and Port Vila (Vanuatu), and potentially other islands in the region. These itineraries cater to the strong demand for tropical island hopping experiences.
- New Zealand Cruises: Multiple 10 and 12-day round-trip itineraries from Sydney will allow passengers to discover the natural beauty of New Zealand, with ports of call including Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Lyttelton (for Christchurch), Wellington, Picton, Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland, as well as the Bay of Islands.
- Queensland Cruises: An 8-day round-trip cruise from Sydney to Airlie Beach, Queensland, offering access to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsunday Islands.
- Specialty Cruises: The schedule also features themed cruises, such as "Christmas" and "New Year" sailings to New Zealand, and "Easter" cruises to the South Pacific, providing unique holiday experiences. Notably, there are also "Art" themed cruises to Hobart, Tasmania.
- Repositioning Voyages: As the Australian season concludes in April 2027, the ship will embark on another Transpacific repositioning cruise from Sydney to Honolulu, and subsequently from Honolulu to Vancouver, demonstrating its global operational capacity.
The inclusion of Royal Caribbean’s new private island, Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu, on select South Pacific itineraries adds a significant drawcard, promising an exclusive and tailored island experience for guests. This initiative reflects Royal Caribbean’s strategy of developing unique, destination-specific offerings to enhance its cruise product.
Accommodations: Comfort and Innovation
Anthem of the Seas boasts a substantial 2,090 cabins, with a significant proportion, 1,570, featuring private balconies. This emphasis on outdoor space caters to passengers’ desire for connection with the destinations and the ocean. For those seeking innovative cabin options, 375 rooms are equipped with "Virtual Balconies." These cutting-edge staterooms feature floor-to-ceiling screens that display real-time, high-definition views of the ocean and the ship’s current location, effectively bringing the outside in.
The cabins are designed with modern traveler needs in mind, offering practical amenities such as three power outlets (two US and one European) and two USB ports. Hook space is plentiful for clothing and towels, and bathrooms are equipped with motion-activated nightlights, enhancing convenience. The accommodation is broadly categorized into four main types: Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, and Mini-Suite.
Beyond these, Anthem of the Seas offers an impressive array of seven suite categories, ranging from the well-appointed Grand Suites to the expansive Owner’s Loft Suite, measuring 975 square feet. The pinnacle of luxury onboard is the Royal Loft Suite, providing unparalleled space and opulent amenities for the most discerning guests.
A Culinary Journey: Diverse Dining Experiences
The dining experience on Anthem of the Seas is a cornerstone of its appeal, offering a wide array of options to suit every palate and preference. A notable addition for Australian cruisers is Johnny Rockets, the beloved American diner experience, serving classic burgers, fries, and milkshakes. While it is a specialty restaurant with à la carte pricing, its nostalgic charm and popular menu make it a sought-after venue.
Complementing the specialty dining are nine complimentary dining venues. The ship features four main dining rooms: Silk, Chic, The Grande Restaurant, and American Icon Grill, each offering a varied menu that changes daily. For a more relaxed yet Mediterranean-inspired experience, the Solarium Bistro provides a pleasant ambiance, though it is not exclusively for adults.
Casual yet convenient options abound. The café at Two70 offers grab-and-go sandwiches and paninis with stunning ocean views. The Windjammer Marketplace provides a global culinary tour with diverse buffet selections, featuring a popular prime rib carving station during dinner. Sorrento’s, located on the Royal Promenade, is the go-to for classic pizzas, with daily specials alongside pepperoni and Margherita. For quick bites like pastries and sandwiches, Café Promenade is an ideal stop.
Exclusive to suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, Coastal Kitchen offers a more refined Mediterranean dining experience. Guests in Grand Suites and above have access for all meals, while Junior Suite guests can enjoy dinner. This tiered dining approach enhances the value proposition for premium cabin bookings.
Specialty Dining: A Gourmet Adventure
Beyond the complimentary offerings, Anthem of the Seas boasts nine specialty dining options, promising an elevated culinary journey. The Chef’s Table provides an intimate, five-course wine-paired dinner curated by the ship’s executive chef and sommelier, offering an exclusive gastronomic event.
Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver delivers rustic Italian cuisine served in a convivial atmosphere, with dishes presented on signature "planks." The whimsical Wonderland Restaurant, inspired by Alice in Wonderland, offers a unique dining adventure with creative dishes like Berkshire pork belly with apples and cracklin’.
For lovers of Japanese cuisine, Izumi presents fresh sushi and sashimi, with popular choices including the truffle creamy lobster tempura roll. Chops Grille remains a Royal Caribbean classic, offering a sophisticated steakhouse experience with premium cuts of meat and seafood. La Patisserie provides a sweet interlude with an array of pastries, artisan chocolates, and delicate desserts.
Onboard Activities: Thrills for All Ages
Anthem of the Seas is renowned for its innovative and exhilarating onboard activities, designed to cater to families, children, and couples seeking adventure and entertainment. A signature attraction is RipCord by iFLY, the world’s first skydiving simulator at sea, offering an unparalleled thrill with panoramic ocean views. Fees may apply, and advance booking is recommended.
The iconic North Star observation capsule provides breathtaking 360-degree views of the ocean and destinations, ascending over 300 feet above sea level. Another thrilling onboard feature is the FlowRider surf simulator, allowing guests to test their surfing skills against a continuous wave.
Families will find a wealth of entertainment options, including a rock-climbing wall, bumper cars in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex, sports courts, game shows, craft workshops, archery, a kids’ splash park, circus arts, poolside movies, and an arcade.
For adults seeking relaxation and sophisticated entertainment, the adults-only Solarium offers a tranquil retreat. Additional adult-oriented activities include Latin dance classes, a lively casino, and the fully equipped Vitality at Sea Spa.
Youth Programs: Engaging for Every Age Group
Royal Caribbean’s commitment to engaging younger guests is evident in its comprehensive youth programs. The Royal Babies & Tots program caters to children aged six to 36 months, offering supervised play and activities. Aquanauts (ages three to five) participate in educational science programs and experiments. Explorers (ages six to eight) engage in arts and crafts, science games, and performance workshops. Voyagers (ages nine to 12) enjoy sports tournaments, video game competitions, and scavenger hunts. The Teen Lounge provides a dedicated space for teenagers to socialize and relax. After-hours childcare services are also available for children aged three to 12.
A unique offering for the Australian season includes six Wiggles-themed itineraries, featuring appearances and activities with the beloved characters. These exclusive cruises, with three dedicated sailings in November 2025 and February/March 2026, are specifically designed to delight young families.
Deck Plan: Navigating the Floating City
Anthem of the Seas spans 16 passenger decks, thoughtfully laid out to manage its impressive size without feeling overwhelming. The lower decks are primarily dedicated to staterooms, offering a quieter retreat. Mid-ship, Deck 4 hosts the Royal Theater, showcasing grand stage productions, while Deck 5 is home to the bustling Royal Esplanade, a vibrant hub of shops, cafés, bars, and entertainment venues.
The SeaPlex on Deck 14 is the ship’s expansive indoor activity center, featuring bumper cars, trapeze lessons, and various sports. Deck 15 is the pool deck, including an indoor pool with a retractable roof and the adults-only Solarium. Adventurous activities are concentrated on Deck 16, including the North Star and RipCord by iFLY. Touchscreen wayfinders are strategically placed on each deck to assist guests in navigating the ship.
Bars and Nightlife: A Vibrant Social Scene
Anthem of the Seas offers a dynamic bar and nightlife scene, ensuring entertainment options for every mood. The Music Hall, a two-story venue, hosts live bands and DJ nights, providing a lively atmosphere for dancing. Boleros sets the rhythm with Latin music and vibrant cocktails. For a more classic experience, Schooner Bar offers a piano bar ambiance, while Vintages Wine Bar provides an extensive selection of wines. The innovative Bionic Bar features robot bartenders mixing custom drinks. Michael’s Genuine Pub offers a relaxed setting with craft beers and pub fare. The ship’s nightclub ensures the party continues into the early hours.
Entertainment: A Stage for Spectacle
The arrival of Anthem of the Seas introduces new stage shows to Australia, including the popular musical "We Will Rock You," featuring the music of Queen, and the Royal Caribbean original production, "The Gift." Beyond the main stage, entertainment is diverse. Two70 transforms into an evening entertainment hub, featuring immersive audiovisual productions like Spectra’s Cabaret. The Schooner Bar provides a classic piano bar experience, Vintages offers an upscale wine bar setting, and The Brass & Bock Pub boasts the ship’s most extensive beer selection alongside live music.
Ship Facts: A Glimpse into the Grandeur
Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum-class vessel from Royal Caribbean International, measures 168,666 gross tons and spans 1,141 feet in length and 136 feet in width. It can accommodate up to 4,180 guests at double occupancy across its 2,090 staterooms. The ship is supported by a dedicated crew of 1,300, ensuring high standards of service. With 16 passenger decks, it houses a vast array of amenities, solidifying its status as a premier destination at sea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of charger do I need?
Anthem of the Seas provides both North American (110V) and European (220/230V) outlets. While most devices are compatible, Australian travellers should bring an adapter for U.S.-style plugs. Many cabins also feature USB ports for smaller devices.
How does onboard spending work?
All onboard transactions are in USD. The SeaPass card functions as an onboard wallet, linked to a credit/debit card or pre-paid with cash. While Australian dollars (AUD) can be used, they will be converted to USD at the prevailing exchange rate, potentially with fees. Using a credit or debit card with low foreign transaction fees is advisable.
Is The North Star experience free?
North Star rides are typically complimentary on port days, while sea days or special excursions may incur a charge. It is recommended to check specific pricing and availability upon booking or onboard.
Will I be seated with strangers at dinner?
For set dining times, sharing a table with other guests is possible. Guests preferring a private table can request one in advance through Royal Caribbean or their travel agent, though availability is not guaranteed.
What entertainment is available on a 2-night cruise?
Even on shorter cruises, a variety of activities such as trivia, bingo, live music, and themed events are offered. The ship’s daily planner, the Cruise Compass, or the Royal Caribbean app will provide the most up-to-date schedule of onboard entertainment.
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