Anthem of the Seas Begins First Winter Season in Australia

The Anthem of the Seas has made its debut in Australia ahead of its first winter deployment in the South Pacific.

After repositioning from Alaska, the 2015 built ship reached Sydney in late October, launching a program of two to 18 night cruises tailored to the Australian market.

The season features itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

“We’re excited to welcome the Anthem to Sydney and give Australian holidaymakers the chance to experience firsthand the innovative thrills, world-class entertainment, and signature flavors that have made this ship a global favorite,” said Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean’s vice president and managing director for Australia and New Zealand.

“The return this season cements Royal Caribbean as Australia’s trusted holiday partner to deliver unrivaled experiences for every kind of traveler,” he added.

Royal Caribbean noted that Anthem’s schedule includes short coastal sailings of two to four nights and extended cruises to destinations such as Hobart in Tasmania.

During its nine to 12 night voyages to New Zealand, the ship will call at Bay of Islands, Picton, Dunedin and other ports.

The Australian season concludes in mid April with an 18 night transpacific voyage ending in Hawaii. From there, the vessel will operate an open jaw sailing to Seattle before beginning its summer season in Alaska.

Royal Caribbean is also deploying the Voyager of the Seas in Australia this year. The 1999 built ship is currently on a repositioning itinerary around Africa and is scheduled to arrive in Brisbane, its seasonal homeport, in early December.

Before heading to Alaska for the summer, the Voyager will operate more than 20 cruises from Australia, including two to 12 night sailings to Queensland and New Zealand.