Anthem of the Seas Returns to Australian Waters for an Extended 2026/27 Season Offering Diverse Itineraries and Unparalleled Onboard Experiences

The highly anticipated return of Royal Caribbean International’s Anthem of the Seas to Australian shores for the 2026/27 cruising season marks a significant expansion of its offerings, building on the immense popularity of its inaugural 2025/26 season. Following a successful debut that saw the ship become "the hottest ticket in town," Anthem of the Seas is poised to deliver an even more compelling lineup of voyages. This season, passengers can anticipate a broader array of destinations, including extensive itineraries to New Zealand, captivating explorations of the South Pacific, and exclusive visits to Royal Caribbean’s newest private island destination, the Royal Beach Club Lelepa.

The success of Anthem of the Seas’ initial Australian season underscores a growing demand for premium cruising experiences Down Under. Industry analysts noted a surge in booking inquiries and a high sell-through rate for its inaugural voyages, signaling a strong appetite for innovative and amenity-rich ships. Royal Caribbean’s strategic decision to extend the ship’s deployment reflects a successful market penetration and a commitment to catering to the evolving preferences of Australian and New Zealand cruisers.

Anthem of the Seas, a Quantum-class marvel, is renowned for its cutting-edge technology and expansive array of onboard activities, designed to cater to a wide spectrum of travelers, from families seeking adventure to couples desiring a luxurious escape. The ship’s return promises to inject significant economic activity into the regions it visits, supporting local tourism operators and port economies.

A comprehensive review of the ship’s offerings has been provided by cruise expert Tiana Templeman, who recently experienced Anthem of the Seas firsthand. Her insights offer valuable guidance for potential passengers looking to make informed decisions about their next voyage.

2026/27 Itineraries and Destinations: A World of Exploration

The 2026/27 season for Anthem of the Seas in Australia is characterized by a diverse range of itineraries, spanning iconic destinations and newly developed exclusive experiences. The ship will depart from Sydney, offering a gateway to the natural beauty of New Zealand, the tropical allure of the South Pacific, and the pristine shores of the Royal Beach Club Lelepa.

New Zealand Voyages: These itineraries provide an immersive experience of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Typically ranging from 7 to 10 days, these cruises often include calls at popular ports such as Picton, Wellington, Dunedin, and Lyttelton, offering opportunities to explore the Fiordland National Park, engage with Maori culture, and discover the unique charm of each city. For instance, the 10-day round-trip New Zealand Cruise departing November 10, 2025, includes visits to Fiordland National Park, Dunedin, Lyttelton-Christchurch, Wellington, and Picton, showcasing the diverse coastal offerings of the country. Another notable itinerary, the 10-day round-trip New Zealand Cruise departing December 1, 2025, explores Picton, Napier, Tauranga (Rotorua), and Auckland, offering a different perspective on the North and South Islands. The holiday season also sees special New Zealand itineraries, such as the 9-day Christmas Cruise departing December 19, 2025, and the 11-day New Year Cruise departing December 28, 2025, promising festive celebrations amidst breathtaking scenery.

South Pacific Escapes: These voyages offer a tropical paradise experience, featuring visits to idyllic islands renowned for their crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich cultural heritage. Cruises typically range from 7 to 10 days and include destinations like New Caledonia (Noumea), Vanuatu (Mystery Island, Port Vila), and Fiji. For example, the 7-day round-trip South Pacific Cruise departing November 3, 2025, calls at Noumea, Mystery Island, and concludes back in Sydney. The 8-day round-trip South Pacific Cruise departing November 20, 2025, expands the experience to include Port Vila alongside Noumea and Mystery Island. These itineraries are popular for their balance of relaxation and exploration, catering to those seeking sun, sand, and cultural immersion.

Royal Beach Club Lelepa: A significant highlight of the 2026/27 season is the inclusion of visits to the Royal Beach Club Lelepa. This exclusive destination, situated in Vanuatu, promises a private island experience with pristine beaches, water sports, and authentic local culture. While specific itineraries featuring this destination are still being detailed, its inclusion signifies Royal Caribbean’s commitment to offering unique and memorable experiences. The presence of this exclusive club aims to differentiate Royal Caribbean’s offerings in the Australian market, providing a private oasis for its guests.

The detailed itineraries provided showcase a meticulous planning process by Royal Caribbean, ensuring a variety of cruise lengths and destination combinations to appeal to a broad range of travelers. The inclusion of themed cruises, such as Christmas and New Year voyages, further enhances the appeal for holidaymakers seeking unique celebratory experiences at sea.

Accommodations: A Home Away From Home at Sea

Anthem of the Seas offers a comprehensive range of accommodations, designed to suit every preference and budget. The ship boasts a total of 2,090 cabins, with a significant 1,570 featuring private balconies, providing guests with their own personal slice of the ocean view.

A standout feature is the presence of 375 rooms equipped with "Virtual Balconies." These innovative cabins utilize floor-to-ceiling screens to display real-time ocean views and dynamic destination imagery, offering the illusion of a traditional balcony experience without the associated cost. This technological advancement addresses the desire for scenic views even in interior staterooms, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.

Each cabin is thoughtfully appointed with modern amenities. Guests will find three power outlets—two North American and one European—along with two USB ports, ensuring all electronic devices can be charged conveniently. Many rooms also feature bedside outlets. Storage is plentiful, with ample hooks for clothing and towels. The bathrooms are designed for comfort and practicality, including a motion-activated nightlight, a subtle yet appreciated touch for nighttime navigation.

The stateroom categories are broadly divided into four main types:

• Interior Cabins: The most affordable option, offering a cozy retreat.
• Ocean View Cabins: Featuring a traditional window for natural light and sea views.
• Balcony Cabins: Providing a private outdoor space to enjoy the sea breeze and scenery.
• Mini-Suites: Offering enhanced space and amenities compared to standard balcony cabins.

For those seeking elevated luxury and space, Anthem of the Seas offers seven distinct suite categories. These range from the well-appointed Grand Suites to the exceptionally spacious Owner’s Loft Suite, measuring an impressive 975 square feet. The pinnacle of luxury onboard is the Royal Loft Suite, which provides even more expansive living areas and opulent amenities, catering to the most discerning guests.

Dining and Culinary Experience: A Gastronomic Journey

Anthem of the Seas promises a culinary adventure with a diverse array of dining options, from complimentary eateries to specialty restaurants offering unique gastronomic experiences.

Complimentary Dining:
Guests can enjoy a variety of complimentary dining venues, ensuring delicious meals are always within reach. This includes the four main dining rooms: Silk, Chic, The Grande Restaurant, and American Icon Grill. These venues offer a rotating menu of dishes, ensuring variety throughout the cruise.

The Solarium Bistro provides a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience in a relaxed setting, though it is accessible to all passengers, not exclusively adults. For casual bites with a view, the café at Two70 offers sandwiches and paninis, capitalizing on the stunning ocean vistas from its unique vantage point.

The Windjammer Marketplace is a popular buffet-style venue, offering a wide selection of international flavors, with a prime rib carving station often highlighted as a dinner-time favorite. For pizza lovers, Sorrento’s on the main promenade serves classic pepperoni and margarita pizzas, alongside daily specials.

Café Promenade provides a convenient stop for quick refreshments, including pastries and sandwiches, perfect for a grab-and-go option. Coastal Kitchen, a reservation-required venue, offers an exclusive dining experience for suite guests and Pinnacle Club members, featuring a more refined Mediterranean menu. Smoked salmon at breakfast and flatbreads at dinner are frequently cited as highlights. Guests in Grand Suites and above have access to Coastal Kitchen for all meals, while Junior Suite guests can dine there for dinner.

Specialty Dining:
Anthem of the Seas elevates the onboard dining experience with nine specialty restaurants, each offering a distinct culinary theme and ambiance.

• Chef’s Table: This exclusive experience provides an intimate, five-course wine-paired dinner curated and hosted by the ship’s executive chef and sommelier, offering an unparalleled fine dining opportunity.
• Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver: This popular venue serves rustic Italian cuisine, with dishes presented on signature "planks," offering a convivial and flavorful dining experience.
• Wonderland Restaurant: Inspired by "Alice in Wonderland," this whimsical restaurant offers a creative and imaginative menu with uniquely presented dishes, such as Berkshire pork belly with apples and crackling.
• Izumi: A staple of Royal Caribbean’s fleet, Izumi offers fresh sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes. The truffle creamy lobster tempura roll is a recurring guest favorite.
• Chops Grille: This classic steakhouse provides a sophisticated atmosphere with wooden decor and dim lighting, featuring premium cuts of meat and a selection of seafood, including grilled sea bass and filet mignon.
• La Patisserie: For those with a sweet tooth, this charming spot offers a delightful array of hot chocolate, pastries, artisan chocolates, macarons, and other French-inspired patisseries.
• Johnny Rockets: This classic American diner experience, a popular choice on other Royal Caribbean ships, offers a taste of nostalgic comfort food, including burgers, fries, and milkshakes, with à la carte pricing.

The breadth of dining options ensures that every palate can be satisfied, from casual cravings to sophisticated culinary explorations, making dining a central part of the Anthem of the Seas experience.

Onboard Activities: Adventure, Entertainment, and Relaxation for All

Anthem of the Seas is engineered to provide a dynamic and engaging experience for every passenger, with a remarkable collection of activities catering to families, children, couples, and solo travelers. The ship is renowned for its pioneering attractions that have set new standards in the cruise industry.

Thrill and Adventure Seekers:
For the adrenaline junkies, RipCord by iFLY offers the unique opportunity to experience indoor skydiving with breathtaking ocean views. This exhilarating attraction is a signature feature of the Quantum-class ships and provides an unforgettable thrill. Fees may apply, and advance booking is recommended.

The North Star is another iconic attraction, an engineering marvel that elevates guests in a glass observation capsule over 300 feet above sea level. This provides unparalleled panoramic views of the ship, the ocean, and the surrounding destinations, making it a must-do experience for all passengers.

For those who dream of riding the waves, the FlowRider surf simulator provides a realistic surfing experience onboard, allowing guests to catch a wave in a controlled environment.

Family Entertainment and Activities:
Anthem of the Seas excels in providing a wealth of family-friendly entertainment. This includes:

• Rock-Climbing Wall: A perennial favorite, offering a challenge and rewarding views from the top.
• SeaPlex: A multi-purpose indoor venue featuring bumper cars, trapeze classes, roller skating, and a full-size basketball court, offering endless active fun.
• Sports Courts: Dedicated areas for various sports, promoting friendly competition.
• Game Shows and Trivia: Engaging events designed to entertain and test guests’ knowledge.
• Creative Workshops: Activities like jewelry making and circus skills workshops provide hands-on fun.
• Splash Park: A dedicated water play area for younger children.
• Poolside Movies: Relaxing evenings under the stars with big-screen entertainment.
• Arcade: A classic source of entertainment for all ages.

Adult Relaxation and Entertainment:
For adults seeking relaxation and sophisticated entertainment, Anthem of the Seas offers:

• Adults-Only Solarium: A tranquil retreat with a pool, whirlpools, and ample sunbathing space, offering a peaceful escape.
• Latin Dance Classes: Opportunities to learn and practice salsa and other Latin dances.
• Casino: A lively space featuring a wide array of slot machines and table games.
• Vitality at Sea Spa: A comprehensive spa offering a range of treatments for ultimate rejuvenation.

Children’s Programs:
Royal Caribbean’s award-winning youth programs are meticulously designed to engage children of all ages:

• Royal Babies & Tots Program (6-36 months): Supervised play sessions with trained staff and age-appropriate toys.
• Aquanauts (3-5 years): Educational and fun science programs, crafts, and experiments.
• Explorers Program (6-8 years): Arts and crafts, science games, and performance workshops.
• Voyagers Program (9-12 years): Sports tournaments, video game competitions, talent shows, and ship-wide scavenger hunts.
• Teen Lounge: A dedicated space for teenagers to socialize and participate in age-appropriate activities.

The Late Night Party Zone offers supervised childcare services for children aged three to 12 from 10 pm to 2 am, providing parents with the opportunity for a more adult-focused evening.

The Wiggles Collaboration: A unique offering for families during the Australian season includes six Wiggles-themed itineraries. These exclusive cruises feature appearances and interactive activities with beloved characters from The Wiggles, providing a special experience for young children. Three of these Wiggles itineraries are scheduled for Anthem of the Seas, with two in the South Pacific (November 20, 2025, and March 13, 2026) and one in Queensland (February 6, 2026).

Deck Plan: Navigating the Grandeur

Anthem of the Seas, with its 16 passenger decks, offers a well-organized and navigable environment despite its impressive size. The ship’s design ensures that guests can easily access its myriad amenities without feeling overwhelmed.

The lower decks, typically Decks 1 through 3, are primarily dedicated to staterooms, providing a quieter sanctuary for guests. As you ascend, the ship becomes more vibrant with activity hubs. Deck 4 houses the Royal Theater, the venue for the ship’s spectacular stage productions.

Deck 5 is the heart of the ship’s social and retail scene, featuring the Royal Esplanade. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with an array of shops, cafes, bars, and entertainment spots, serving as a central meeting point and transit area.

The upper decks are dedicated to recreation and adventure. Deck 14 is home to SeaPlex, the expansive indoor activity center offering a diverse range of pursuits from bumper cars to circus arts. Deck 15 is the aquatic hub, featuring multiple swimming pools, including an indoor pool with a retractable roof, and the adults-only Solarium, offering panoramic ocean views.

The pinnacle of adventure can be found on Deck 16, where the North Star observation capsule and RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator are located, offering unique and thrilling experiences.

Staterooms are distributed across various decks, ensuring proximity to different onboard attractions. The innovative Virtual Balconies in interior cabins provide a unique viewing experience, overcoming the traditional limitations of inside accommodations. To aid navigation, the ship is equipped with touchscreen wayfinders on every deck, ensuring guests can easily locate their desired destinations, from dining venues to entertainment hotspots.

Bar and Nightclub Scene: From Relaxed Sips to Energetic Nights

Anthem of the Seas boasts a vibrant and diverse bar and nightlife scene, catering to every mood and preference. Whether seeking a tranquil evening with a cocktail or a night of energetic dancing, guests will find ample options.

Live Music and Themed Venues:

• Music Hall: A dynamic two-story venue that serves as a focal point for live music, hosting everything from rock tribute bands to DJ nights, fostering a lively atmosphere for dancing and socializing.
• Boleros: This lively bar is dedicated to Latin music and dance, offering a vibrant ambiance and expertly crafted mojitos and other tropical cocktails.
• Schooner Bar: Evoking a classic piano bar feel, Schooner Bar provides a more relaxed setting with live piano music, sing-alongs, and a sophisticated cocktail menu.
• Vintages: A haven for wine enthusiasts, Vintages offers an extensive selection of wines from around the world, complemented by small bites and a refined atmosphere.
• Michael’s Genuine Pub: This establishment offers a casual and cozy setting for enjoying craft beers, whiskeys, and classic pub fare.

Innovative Mixology:

• Bionic Bar: A cutting-edge venue where robotic bartenders craft personalized cocktails, offering a futuristic and entertaining experience.

Nightclub:
When the evening progresses, the ship’s dedicated nightclub comes alive, with DJs providing the soundtrack for late-night revelry, ensuring the party continues into the early hours.

The variety of bars and lounges ensures that guests can find the perfect spot for any occasion, from a quiet pre-dinner drink to a lively celebration.

Entertainment: A Spectacle of World-Class Performances

The arrival of Anthem of the Seas brings to Australian waters a caliber of entertainment previously unseen, featuring Broadway-caliber productions and immersive experiences.

Main Stage Productions:

• We Will Rock You: This internationally acclaimed musical features the iconic music of Queen, set in a dystopian future where rock music is suppressed. The energetic performances and beloved songs make it a crowd-pleasing spectacle.
• The Gift: An original Royal Caribbean production, this show tells a compelling story of a family brought together by a mysterious gift, exploring themes of discovery and unity through captivating performances.

Unique Venue Entertainment:

• Two70: This multi-functional space transforms into a vibrant entertainment hub after dark. It features advanced audiovisual capabilities, including robotic screens and projections, to host immersive shows.
• Spectra’s Cabaret: A signature production at Two70, this show blends live music, dynamic dance routines, and cutting-edge multimedia elements to create a unique and captivating theatrical experience.

Live Music and Themed Lounges:
Beyond the main stage shows, the ship offers a variety of live music and themed entertainment options:

• Schooner Bar: As mentioned, this is the ship’s premier piano bar, ideal for sing-alongs and a relaxed evening.
• Vintages Wine Bar: Offers a sophisticated setting for enjoying fine wines and light snacks, often accompanied by mellow background music.
• The Brass & Bock Pub: This traditional English pub provides the most extensive selection of beers on the ship and frequently hosts live music performances, adding to its convivial atmosphere.

The integration of high-tech elements with live performance ensures that entertainment on Anthem of the Seas is always dynamic and engaging, offering something for every taste.

Ship Facts: A Technological Marvel at Sea

Anthem of the Seas stands as a testament to modern cruise ship engineering and design, belonging to Royal Caribbean International’s innovative Quantum class.

• Gross Tonnage: 168,666 GT
• Length: 1,141 feet
• Width: 136 feet
• Guest Capacity (double occupancy): Up to 4,180
• Total Staterooms: 2,090
• Crew Complement: Approximately 1,300
• Passenger Decks: 16

The ship’s substantial size allows for the integration of numerous amenities and attractions, creating a self-contained destination. The high number of staterooms, including a significant proportion with virtual balconies, highlights the ship’s capacity to cater to a large number of guests while offering diverse accommodation options. The dedicated crew ensures that the vast operation runs smoothly, providing high standards of service. The 16 passenger decks are strategically designed to house distinct zones for accommodation, dining, entertainment, and recreation, making the ship accessible and easy to navigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of charger do I need?
Anthem of the Seas is equipped with both North American (110V) and European (220/230V) outlets. While most modern electronic devices are dual-voltage, Australian travelers should bring an adapter for their specific plugs. Many cabins also feature USB ports, which are convenient for charging smaller devices like smartphones and tablets.

How does onboard spending work?
All onboard purchases are conducted in US Dollars (USD). Guests are provided with a SeaPass card, which functions as their onboard wallet. This card can be linked to a credit or debit card for automatic charging of expenses, or it can be pre-loaded with cash. For Australian Dollar (AUD) transactions, the ship’s onboard currency exchange rate will apply, and potential fees may be incurred. It is generally advisable to use a credit or debit card with low foreign transaction fees for convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Is The North Star experience free?
The availability of complimentary rides on The North Star varies. Typically, rides offered during port days are free of charge. However, rides during sea days or for special scenic experiences may incur an additional fee. It is recommended to check the daily schedule or inquire with guest services for specific pricing and availability.

Will I be seated with strangers at dinner?
When selecting a set dining time in the main dining rooms, guests may be assigned to shared tables with other passengers. For those who prefer a private dining experience, it is possible to request a dedicated table in advance through Royal Caribbean or your travel agent. While every effort is made to accommodate such requests, table assignments are subject to availability.

What entertainment is available on a 2-night cruise?
Even on shorter itineraries, Anthem of the Seas provides a full schedule of entertainment options. This typically includes activities such as trivia contests, bingo, live music performances, and various themed events. While the main stage shows may vary, there are always onboard activities designed to engage guests. Passengers are encouraged to consult the daily Cruise Compass or the Royal Caribbean app upon boarding for the most up-to-date entertainment schedule.