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Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas makes maiden call to Wollongong, Australia

In:
31 Oct 2016

Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas arrived at the port of Wollongong in New South Wales, Australia, becoming Australia's newest cruise port.

The 2,200 guests on board arrived in Port Kembla at 8am and were welcomed with a special fly-over by a vintage Catalina flying boat, as well as thousands of excited locals waving the ship in from vantage points along the South Coast.

Guests were treated to a special "Welcome to Wollongong" marketplace at Lang Park organized by Destination Wollongong, which showcased local produce and products from the region. More than 400 local volunteers were also on hand throughout the day to help guests get the most out of their day in port.

"We have been working towards our call to Wollongong for quite some time. Guests onboard Radiance of the Seas had a wonderful day exploring the city and local area, making the dedication and hard work that’s gone into this project for the past two and a half years all worthwhile," said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Royal Caribbean Australia & New Zealand. 

Destination Wollongong General Manager, Mark Sleigh said: "When Councillor Leigh Colacino first approached Royal Caribbean to discuss bringing cruise ships to Wollongong, he promised that the community would look after their guests as well as any destination in the world.  I’m delighted that Wollongong more than delivered on that promise, and made the maiden voyage of Radiance of the Seas a day that Wollongong, and indeed our visitors, will never forget!"

This is far from the only stop Royal Caribbean will make at Wollongong.  Over the next 18 months, Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas will also call here, brining more than 16,000 visitors to the area by the end of the cruise season.

Seven different shore excursions also showcased the region outside of the city, with visits to scenic Bald Hill Lookout, Jamberoo Action Park, Kiama, Shellharbour Village, Symbio Wildlife Park and the tranquil Nan Tien Temple among some of the most popular.

"We are very proud to be the first cruise line to bring a ship to Wollongong and this historic milestone marks the beginning of a long-term relationship between Royal Caribbean and the region. We will continue to explore opportunities to utilize the port as an overflow to Sydney Harbor," Armstrong concluded.

Royal Caribbean named Australasia’s Leading Cruise Line at World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia

In:
22 Oct 2016

Royal Caribbean has won another impressive award this year, taking out Australasia’s Leading Cruise Line at the prestigious World Travel Awards Asia and Australasia, presented in Danang, Vietnam.

The award is determined from votes cast by travel and tourism professionals throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, as well as the general public.

"It’s been an incredible year for Royal Caribbean, and we are honoured to have such a prestigious international award under our belt," says Adam Armstrong, Managing Director of Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand.

"Australasia has really shown us the love since the arrival of our first ship down under nine years ago, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests back onboard our award-winning, innovative ships again this season – set to be our biggest ever."

Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas ready to begin new summer South Pacific season

In:
18 Jul 2016

Royal Caribbean fans down under can look forward to two Voyager-class ships offering cruises to the South Pacific this summer on Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

Both ships where revitalized recently from bow to stern, costing a total of $180 million, and will offer 2016/2017 summer cruise itineraries to destinations like Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu, and Noumea, Isle of Pines and Lifou (Loyalty Islands) in New Caledonia.

In addition, both ships will offer more stops than ever to Fiji, which has proven to be a real favorite port of call. Royal Caribbean will more than double the amount of Fiji calls year on year, with 34 visits across the season to two destinations, Suva and Lautoka. There will even be two Fiji overnight calls, when Explorer of the Seas stays the night in Suva during her repositioning voyages between Australia and Seattle.

Royal Caribbean Managing Director for Royal Caribbean International in Australia and New Zealand, Adam Armstrong, thinks these two ships will offer guests a lot of fantastic cruise options, "Since we arrived in Australia some eight years ago, we have been delivering Australians with the style of cruising they had previously been traveling overseas for. With two Voyager Class megaliners now sailing from Sydney, there’s double the opportunity to cruise on Australia’s most feature-packed ships, and double the fun."

Fares for a seven night roundtrip sailing on Voyager of the Seas start from AUD$1,009 for the first guest and AUD$549.50 for the second, when booked before 30 July 2016. The cruise departs Sydney 1 November 2016 and includes calls to Noumea and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia.

Royal Caribbean announces six more Ovation of the Seas Australia sailings

In:
25 May 2016

Royal Caribbean announced Ovation of the Seas will extend her second Australian season by six extra cruises, spending a further five weeks home ported in Sydney during the summer of 2017/18.

New cruises in 2018 include

  • an eight-night South Pacific sailing departing February 18 priced from $1,449 per person
  • a five-night Tasmanian cruise departing March 8 from $1,049 per person
  • two 10-night New Zealand cruises departing March 13 and 26 starting from $1,819 per person
  • a three-night sampler departing March 23 priced from $669 per person; all roundtrip from Sydney
  • a 14-night repositioning cruise from Sydney to Singapore, departing March 26, 2018, which stars from $2,069 per person

This is the second time in a matter of months that Royal Caribbean has added new Ovation of the Seas sailings.  In late April, Royal Caribbean added four more sailings to the 2016/2017 cruise season.

“Such is the excitement and anticipation of Ovation of the Seas’ arrival that we’re extending her second season before she has even commenced her first in Australia,” said Adam Armstrong, managing director for Royal Caribbean in Australia and New Zealand.

“The really special thing about Ovation of the Seas is that she’s appealing to an incredibly wide range of travelers. Existing cruisers are excited about the new amenities she offers, but she’s also fascinating Australians who have never cruised before. She is redefining the concept of cruising and we are delivering an entirely new way to holiday,” Armstrong continued.

Royal Caribbean celebrates end of Australia cruise season

In:
25 Apr 2016

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas made her final call to Sydney on Saturday, officially marking the end of the summer cruise season for Australia.

Between Royal Caribbean and sister brands Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises, the three brands carried over 250,000 guests throughout the season from October 2015 to April 2016, an increase in passengers of 27 per cent year-on-year and representing an injection of more than $140 million in passenger spend into the Australian economy.

Two Royal Caribbean ships were introduced to the region in the 2015/2016 cruise season: Explorer of the Seas to Sydney and Legend of the Seas to Brisbane.

Explorer of the Seas made a dramatic arrival in Sydney for her inaugural season, reuniting with Voyager of the Seas in a historic harbour rendezvous – a meeting of the two most feature packed ships based in the region. Combined, the ships carried 10,000 passengers and crew and injected almost $1.6 million into the Sydney economy in passenger spend in one day alone.

Together with Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, home-ported in Brisbane for her inaugural season down under, the four locally-based ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet sailed 72 itineraries, making 371 port calls in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia.

“With our three brands and their six locally based ships in Australia, this was our biggest and most varied season to date. The substantial growth demonstrates the success of our strategy in delivering the newest, most feature-packed and the most technologically advanced ships to our doorstep,” said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd Australasia.

Royal Caribbean opens 2017-2018 Australia season cruises for sale

In:
20 Apr 2016

Royal Caribbean opened the 2017-2018 Australian summer season for sale, including Ovation of the Seas sailings.

To celebrate, Royal Caribbean is offering launch savings of up to $1,300 per person off the standard cruise fare when booked before May 31, 2016.

Ovation of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will offer 66 sailings ranging from two to 23 nights during the 2017/18 season. From September 2017 through to April 2018 the four megaliners will call at 46 ports across Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia and North America with departures from Sydney, Fremantle, Auckland, Singapore, Honolulu and Seattle.

Highlights of the season include family-fun sister ships Voyager of the Seas and Explorer of the Seas sailing predominantly South Pacific itineraries, while Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will cruise Australia and New Zealand. The 2017/18 season will see more overnights such as Adelaide for Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas, new destinations such as Wollongong, and more open-jaw itineraries like Radiance of the Seas’ sailings between Sydney and Auckland.

Royal Caribbean releases 2017-2018 Australia summer itineraries

In:
18 Apr 2016

Royal Caribbean announced its 2017-2018 Australia summer season itineraries.

Ovation of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will combine to offer 66 sailings ranging from two to 23 nights during the 2017/18 season. From September 2017 through to April 2018 the four megaliners will call at 46 ports across Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia and North America with departures from Sydney, Fremantle, Auckland, Singapore, Honolulu and Seattle.

Royal Caribbean remains the biggest cruise line in Sydney over the summer season – with bigger ships and more capacity than any other cruise line.

The recently refurbished Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will sail predominantly to destinations like Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu as well as Noumea, Isle of Pines and Lifou (Loyalty Islands) in New Caledonia.

Meanwhile Radiance of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas will focus on Australia and New Zealand itineraries, sailing to ports around Australia like Hobart, Adelaide and Fremantle, as well as to the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Radiance of the Seas will also include calls to Fiji and Tonga on her 14-night Sydney to Auckland cruise, departing 3 January 2017.

Royal Caribbean guests will soon start to experience more overnight calls. Explorer of the Seas will make two overnight calls in Suva in Fiji on her repositioning voyages, at the commencement of the season and on her return to Seattle in 2018, allowing guests to enjoy a multi-day shore excursion or choose to stay overnight on land. Both Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas overnight in Adelaide. Radiance of the Seas will overnight in Adelaide during her nine-night Tasmania cruise departing on 13 December 2017 and Ovation of the Seas will follow suit during her eight-night Tasmania voyage departing 27 January 2018.

Explorer of the Seas will continue the work of Radiance of the Seas in opening up the South Coast of NSW to cruise tourism with a maiden call to Wollongong (Port Kembla) – as part of her seven-night Tasmania sailing departing 12 March 2018 – making her the largest cruise ship to ever call there.

2017/18 Itinerary Overview

Ovation of the Seas will offer nine sailings during her second local season with departures from November 2017 through to February 2018, including:

  • A 14 night repositioning voyage from Singapore to Sydney departing 23 November 2017 and calling at Fremantle, Adelaide and Hobart
  • A 10 night New Zealand sailing with scenic cruising to the Milford Sounds region, as well as calls to Dunedin, Wellington, Napier and Picton
  • A 12 night Christmas cruise to New Zealand departing 17 December 2017 and a 12-night New Year’s cruise to New Zealand that departs on 29 December 2017, calling in both the North and South Islands
  • A nine night New Zealand school holidays sailing departing on 10 January 2018
  • Calls to South Pacific favourites Mystery Island and Noumea during an eight night school holidays voyage departing 19 January 2018 (subject to port approval)
  • An eight night Tasmania voyage departing 27 January 2018 that includes a call to Hobart and an overnight stay in Adelaide
  • An extended 14 night New Zealand cruise departing 4 February 2018 which visits the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Picton, Dunedin and includes a scenic cruise to the Milford Sounds region.

Explorer of the Seas will specialise in South Pacific cruises ranging from three to 23 nights, including:

  • An epic 22 night repositioning cruise from Seattle to Sydney via  Honolulu, Lahaina, Suva (overnight), Mystery Island, Lifou and Mare departing 6 October 2017
  • Three 11 night South Pacific and Fiji sailings, including a combined Christmas and New Year cruise departing on 24 December 2017
  • A selection of seven, eight, nine, 10 and 12 night South Pacific sailings during the January school holidays
  • A three night Sampler cruise which departs 9 February 2018
  • A seven night Tasmania sailing departing 12 March 2018 which includes a maiden call to Wollongong, as well as calls to Hobart and Melbourne
  • Explorer of the Seas will depart Australia on 22 April 2018 with a 23 night Sydney to Seattle cruise visiting Noumea, Lifou, Mystery Island, Suva (overnight), Lahaina and Honolulu.

For her sixth consecutive season down under, Voyager of the Seas will join her sister megaliner Explorer in sailing predominantly South Pacific itineraries from October 2017 through to April 2018. Highlights include:

  • A 10 night repositioning cruise from Singapore to Fremantle departing on 18 October 2017 and calling at Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Phuket
  • Voyager of the Seas  will then sail a 16 night Round Australia and New Zealand voyage from Fremantle  to Sydney departing 28 October 2017 that includes calls to Adelaide, Melbourne, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington and scenic cruising in the Milford Sounds region
  • An eight night Queensland cruise departing 13 November 2017 with calls to Brisbane, Willis Island, and the Whitsundays
  • A choice of two 14 night South Pacific and Fiji sailings including a New Year’s cruise departing 30 December 2017
  • A choice of six 10 night South Pacific sailings visiting ports in Noumea and Vanuatu including a Christmas cruise departing 20 December 2017
  • Three 9 night sailings calling at ports in Noumea and Vanuatu
  • A choice of nine, eight and seven night South Pacific itineraries and an 11 night cruise departing on 5 April, which also visits Fiji
  • A two night weekend sampler cruise departing 1 December 2017 and a three night weekend sampler cruise departing 2 February 2018
  • Voyager of the Seas will conclude her local season with a 14 night Sydney to Singapore cruise departing 16 April 2018 and visiting Brisbane, The Whitsundays, Cairns, Port Douglas and Darwin.

Radiance of the Seas will offer departures from Sydney, Auckland and Fremantle for the 2017/18 season with itineraries ranging from eight to 18 nights to New Zealand, Queensland, Tasmania and around Australia, including:

  • An 18 night transpacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney departing 19 September 2017 which calls at French Polynesia and New Zealand
  • A circumnavigation of Australia, where guests can choose to sail a 16-night ‘Top End’ cruise from Sydney to Fremantle which calls at Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Bali, Port Hedland and Geraldton or a 17 night south coast and New Zealand sailing that calls at Esperance, Adelaide, Melbourne, Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton, Wellington, as well as scenic cruising to the Sounds, or choose to combine the two cruises into one majestic 33-night voyage
  • A nine night Tasmania cruise departing on 13 December 2017 that calls at Hobart and Melbourne and includes an overnight stay in Adelaide
  • Visit Queensland during an eight night sailing departing on 29 March 2018 that calls at Newcastle, The Whitsundays and Brisbane
  • Radiance of the Seas will also offer a 14 night Sydney to Auckland cruise calling in New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga, departing 3 January 2017. This cruise can be combined with the following 14 night New Zealand sailing from Auckland to Sydney to create a 24-night South Pacific and New Zealand cruise
  • Celebrate Christmas and New Year on a 12 night New Zealand cruise departing 22 December 2017
  • Choose from a selection of 11 night, 13 night or 14 night cruises to New Zealand which visit the North and South Islands and the majestic Milford Sounds region
  • Radiance of the Seas departs the region on 17 April 2018 with a 17 night Sydney to Honolulu repositioning sailing visiting Picton, Wellington, Papeete and Bora Bora.

Royal Caribbean extends Ovation of the Seas' maiden season and announces return in 2017/2018

In:
04 Apr 2016

Royal Caribbean announced today that the brand new Ovation of the Seas will extend her maiden Australian and confirmed she will return for the 2017/18 summer season.

During Ovation of the Seas' first season down under, the ship will now offer four extra cruises during this forthcoming summer 2016/17 season.

In addition, it was confirmed that Ovation of the Seas will return for a second season in summer 2017/18 due to, "the extraordinary demand for the ship from Australians."

Final deployment details for the additional sailings and 2017/2018 season will be released later in April.  Royal Caribbean Australia is offering a newsletter to get more information when they do become available.

“The level of interest for Ovation of the Seas has exceeded all of our expectations; we’re currently over 90 per cent sold for next summer’s sailings,” said Adam Armstrong, managing director, Royal Caribbean Australasia.  “She is a true game-changer and such was the high demand for the ship that we’ve been able to secure four extra cruises from Sydney, which will extend the season into late February 2017.

“This extension of her maiden season – plus her subsequent return in summer 2017/18 – reaffirms Australia’s position as one of the most significant cruising markets in the world and Royal Caribbean’s position as Sydney’s leading cruise line,” Armstrong continued.

“We are delivering Australians the most modern style of cruising from their doorstep – a style they previously had to travel overseas for.  Australia has asked for more and we will deliver; four more cruises, a return at the end of 2017, and more opportunities to experience a brand new era of cruising on Ovation of the Seas, purpose-built for the Asia Pacific market,” Armstrong concluded.

Royal Caribbean announces new shore excursions for Australia, the South Pacific and New Zealand

In:
06 Mar 2016

Royal Caribbean has launched a range of new shore excursions for Australia, the South Pacific and New Zealand, many of which are only available only on Royal Caribbean.

“Our new and improved offering means there’s something for everyone; whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first timer, we’ll take you off the beaten track and show you a new side to a range of Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific destinations,” said Adam Armstrong, regional commercial director, Royal Caribbean.

There are 18 new shore excursions and here is a look at some of them.

Airlie Beach: ‘Gone Fishing’

Join an expert skipper for small-group reef and bottom fishing adventure around the Whitsunday Islands. Catering to all levels of experience, guests can test their fishing skills in the sparkling blue waters sheltered by the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, rich with reef fish like coral trout and red emperor.

Cairns: ‘Tropical Jet Boating’

A jet boat captained by a Cairns local takes guests for a wet-and-wild ride on the Cairns waterfront and into the Trinity Inlet. The captain will take the time to let passengers know all about the beautiful location – with lush green mountains, rich wildlife and beautiful waterways only accessible by boat – plus demonstrate some of the tricks and maneuvers the jet boat can do. In the tropics, this ride is a great way to escape the humidity, get ready for lots of spray and water!

Hobart: ‘Mt Wellington Descent by Bike’

Experience an exhilarating guided mountain bike ride down the 4,000-foot Mt. Wellington. The tour will take guests to the top of the mountain for panoramic views to the city of Hobart, followed by a gentle, scenic bicycle tour through the magnificent alpine forest and terrain.

Port Hedland ‘FIFO Mining Experience’

For anyone who’s ever wondered what FIFO (fly-in fly-out) working life is really like. Port Hedland is the center of the iron-ore industry in Western Australia. Here, thousands of workers fly to mines to work for a number days at a stretch. The tour visits Gateway Village, where guests will don their high-vis gear and hardhat and take part in a prestart meeting (a pre-shift, crew-wide safety meeting) as well as tour the facility. Head to the crib room for refreshments, plus see where miners spend their time after their shifts at the worker accommodations. The tour also includes a stop at Redbank Bridge, which passes over some of the world’s longest trains, carrying iron ore and solar salt from Port Hedland to the rest of the country.

Port Hedland ‘Historical Town Tour’

Peel back the layers of history of Port Hedland with this tour that takes in the historic West End, where large-scale street art meets a colorful market teeming with arts, craft and foot, as well as Koombana Lookout, where the huge bulk carriers move in and out of the harbour as they have for more than a century. Then take a look at the mining equipment and rolling stock used in years past, and see how much the industry has changed at the Don Rhodes Open-Air Mining Museum. Plus, trace the pioneering heritage of Port Hedland on an exclusive tour of the Dalgety House Museum with members of the local historical society. Built in 1903, the house is one of the few examples left of early 20th-century architecture.

Port Hedland ‘Pretty Pool Discovery with Tea’

Explore Port Hedland’s famous Pretty Pool, a coastal area with an incredibly important ecosystem. Guests will learn about how mangroves help support the flatback turtles, who make this beach their home each year. These turtles rely on the protection the mangroves give to the nests they’ve dug in the sand. Afterward, head to local restaurant, Pretty Pool Provedore for tea, coffee and an array of scrumptious treats.

Suva ‘Kila Eco Trek’ (FIJI)

Immerse yourself in Fiji's pristine rainforest at Kila Eco Adventure Park. The tour departs the Port of Suva, the capital’s large maritime gateway. Suva, which is situated on a hilly peninsula, is the most cosmopolitan city in the South Pacific.  Your tour leaves the bustling urban center and proceeds along a scenic route to Kila Eco Adventure Park. You’ll explore the Park’s beautiful scenery on your eco-walk, which includes views of the expansive valley and mountainous terrain.  Walk through jungle paths, past flowing waterfalls, and the colorful flora and Fiji’s only linear botanic garden as you roam the virgin lowland tropical rainforest. The walk takes guests past several varieties of flowering trees and plants like coconut, giant baka, mango and palm.

Auckland ‘Tamaki Hikoi Maori Volcanic Walking Tour

Join members of the Ngati Whatua tribe on a guided walk of their lands, exploring the heart of Auckland at Mt. Eden, a dormant volcano. For hundreds of years, Maori of this local tribe have passed down through generations their tribal history and traditions. On this tour, take advantage of their knowledge and wisdom as you make your way to Mt. Eden, once the site of the largest fortified Maori pa (fortress) in New Zealand.

Take in the natural and cultural history of the volcano while overlooking spectacular views across of the city below. Learn about Maori culture and heritage, finding out why Auckland was so fiercely contested, how the tribe co-existed with the land, and the impact of colonization on its indigenous people. After your walk, enjoy coffee, tea and delicious scones.

Bay of Islands: Glow Worm Caves and Kauri Forest

Enjoy the serenity of the Puketi Kauri Forest and explore caverns lit by twinkling glowworms. Get up close to the ancient and majestic Kauri trees during an educational guided walking tour of Puketi Kauri’s sub-tropical rainforest, rich in native flora and fauna. Next, be surrounded by luminous glow worms in the natural underground wonderland of the Kawiti Caves, and take in its unique stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Tauranga: ‘Coastal Cuisine Tour’

Get ready for the ultimate dining experience in the stunning colonial coastal town of Tauranga and its scenic surrounding region. This 'foodies tour' introduces you to the unique and delicious bounty of the Bay of Plenty. The rich soils and gentle climate have produced ideal growing conditions for both the Maori and European gardeners. Citrus fruit, avocados, wines and more have been cultivated in this region, which makes for a delicious coastal cuisine tour. You’ll travel to lush farmlands, beaches, and into Tauranga to try a wonderful assortment of foods. Sample specialty breads made from wheat, wholemeal and rye at the Artisan Bakery. Try different types of salami made by natural curing and wood smoking. Experience a wide range of fresh seafood and fish dipped in a crisp batter at the Fish Market. Enjoy the delicious, top quality Manuka honey products. Then, tour a kiwi orchard when you climb aboard the KiwiKart. While here, you’ll learn why the kiwifruit is among the most healthiest fruits in the world, and how this unique fertile land, climate, and geography make it an ideal location for growing the kiwifruit compared to other places in the world.

Wellington: ‘Craft Brewery Tour’

Beer lovers can go on a tasting tour of Wellington’s finest craft brews. An array of breweries in the heart of the city are an integral part of the capital's vibrant cultural scene. This tour visits four different locations so you can sample an amazing assortment of quality of beers.  Your guide explains the workings of the breweries and describes different  beers produced. Find out how malts, hops and some other New Zealand grown ingredients formulate these traditional, high-quality beverages.  You’ll get to learn what innovations are used to derive some of the country’s most delicious beers. Watch as the frothy beverage is poured, savor the aroma, and quench your thirst with a delightful sip or a great big gulp. Discover new flavors as enthusiastic brewers share some of their new recipes. Introduce your taste buds to a spectrum of award-winning, bold, seasonal, and crisp beers. Enjoy the chance to sample limited runs. Fill your flagon or take a bottle home.  

Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand sees record-breaking month of cruise bookings

In:
29 Feb 2016

Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand experienced a record-breaking first month of the year. January 2016 has seen the biggest month for sales since the company opened its local offices, eight years ago.

Bookings for its three brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises – reached an all-time high, with an increase of 50 per cent in new bookings compared to the same period last year.

January 2016 also outperformed Royal Caribbean's previous record breaking month for bookings – June last year, when Australasia’s first ever new-build and the biggest ship to ever be based in Australia, Ovation of the Seas, went on sale – by 30 percent. 

In particular, the last week in January saw Royal Caribbean bookings almost double year-on-year.

“We said it would be a record-breaking summer and we’re excited to see booking volumes beat our own projections. Australia’s appetite for cruising with us continues on a very positive trajectory, driven by strong early booking offers and the biggest and best ships in the region,” said Adam Armstrong, regional commercial director for Asia/Pacific.

“In response to the increasing demand, this season we introduced three new ships – Explorer of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and Azamara Quest – as well as a brand new cruise line in Azamara Club Cruises; so for the first time, we have our trifecta of three brands sailing down under. All up, that represents 20% of RCL’s worldwide fleet – a very significant number and a testament to the strength of the Australian cruising market,” Adam continued.

Bookings on international sailings have shown substantial increases year on year; Alaska cruise bookings grew by more than 25% and Asia sailings increased by 10% when compared to the same month last year. But the most significant increase is reflected in local sailings – in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific – where bookings increased by more than 65% in January 2016 compared to January 2015.

The arrival of Explorer of the Seas made a big impact, with it and sister-ship Voyager of the Seas recording a third of all bookings created in January.

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