Anthem of the Seas Makes Spectacular Sydney Debut, Kicking Off a Landmark Summer for Royal Caribbean

Sydney Harbour just got even more dazzling as Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas sailed into its new homeport on 31 October 2025, marking its long-awaited debut Down Under and officially launching one of the cruise line’s biggest-ever Australian seasons.

The 168,666-gross-ton Quantum-class marvel will be homeporting in Sydney right through summer, offering Aussie holidaymakers a total of 24 cruises ranging from quick weekend escapes to epic adventures through New Zealand and the sun-drenched South Pacific. With accommodation for over 4,000 guests and packed to the rails with all the latest thrills, Anthem’s arrival signals Royal Caribbean’s ever-growing commitment to the region.

“We’re excited to welcome Anthem to Sydney and give Australian holidaymakers the chance to experience first-hand the innovative thrills, world-class entertainment, and signature flavours that have made this ship a global favourite,” said Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean Vice President and Managing Director Australia and New Zealand.

Cutting-Edge Fun at Sea

Australian cruisers can look forward to a slew of Royal Caribbean’s award-winning experiences, now available in local waters for the first time. There’s the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, 360-degree Sydney Harbour views from the North Star observation capsule, and the SeaPlex — the largest indoor activity space at sea, complete with bumper cars, sports courts and more.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there. This summer, Royal Caribbean has teamed up with beloved homegrown children’s group The Wiggles for an exclusive series of “Wiggly” sailings on both Anthem of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. Families can expect live Wiggles shows, character meet-and-greets, exclusive merchandise and a truly unforgettable cruising experience for pint-sized guests.

Sailings for Every Aussie Traveller

Anthem’s Sydney season kicked off straight after a 17-night repositioning cruise from Honolulu. The first Aussie sailing departed just hours after arriving, with a 3-night getaway to Eden on the South Coast. From there, itineraries span 7-night journeys to Noumea and Mystery Island, a 10-night voyage to New Zealand’s Fjordland, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington and Picton, and plenty more.

Meanwhile, Voyager of the Seas—arriving in Brisbane from 1 December 2025—will offer 22 departures ranging from 2- to 12-nights, visiting the Queensland coast and the South Pacific, before heading off to North America for the Alaskan summer.

More Than a Season: A Statement

With a total of 46 sailings this summer across two ships, and serious investment in the upcoming private island destination of Lelepa in Vanuatu (set for an early 2027 debut), Royal Caribbean is making it clear: Australia is a key focus for the future.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or setting sail for the first time, the arrival of Anthem of the Seas promises cutting-edge attractions, global dining, and family fun like never before—all backdropped by the iconic Sydney skyline.

For those keen to keep up with the latest cruise news or start planning a holiday, visit Royal Caribbean’s website or subscribe here for daily updates. And for super savings—including up to a $1,500 Visa gift card per cabin—find your cruise now!