Well, well, well… look who’s packing up their North Star and heading south for the season. Royal Caribbean is rolling out not one, but TWO of its Quantum-class behemoths for the 2026-27 cruise season—and they’re not just dipping their toes into the Pacific. No sir, they’re cannonballing in.
If you’re a cruise lover who enjoys 300-foot-high views, skydiving at sea, and dodging towel hogs by the pool deck, then grab your sunscreen and your sense of adventure. The 2026-27 Royal Caribbean cruise season is shaping up to be a floating buffet of excitement—and yes, I do mean buffet both literally and figuratively.
Meet the Muscle: Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas
Royal Caribbean isn’t playing around. They’re sending Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas, two of their most dazzling, gadget-laden ships, to Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. These ships are so full of bells and whistles they might as well come with their own parade.
Running from October 2026 to April 2027, the new itineraries range from a quick three-night escape to full-blown, 11-night odysseys. And if you think this is just your typical scenic jaunt to a beach or two—buckle up. We’re talking itineraries that crisscross oceans, touch down in French Polynesia, and offer North Star views that’ll make your Instagram followers weep.
Quantum of the Seas Returns to Brisbane—Finally!
Let’s start with the golden child: Quantum of the Seas is making its triumphant return to Brisbane after ghosting the region for two years. Stepping in for the Voyager of the Seas (bless its heart), Quantum is bringing the razzle-dazzle with 28 cruises departing from Brisbane.
This floating resort boasts a guest capacity of 4,222. That’s more than some small towns. And with itineraries ranging from three to eight nights, you’ll get a taste of everything: New Caledonia’s capital Noumea, the dreamy islands of Vanuatu, and Aussie staples like Airlie Beach and Cairns.
Oh, and let’s not forget the ship itself: the North Star observation capsule hoists you 300 feet above sea level—perfect for yelling “I’m the king of the world!” to strangers. And if you’re the type who likes to feel the rush of falling without actually falling, there’s RipCord by iFly, your onboard skydiving simulator. More of a surfing type? FlowRider has you covered—minus the sharks.
And yes, there’s a robot bar. Because of course there is.
Anthem of the Seas: Sydney’s Stylish Cruiser
Meanwhile, over in Sydney, Anthem of the Seas is polishing its hull for a grand return. This ship, which is essentially a modern luxury hotel that floats, will be offering cruises to Tasmania, New Zealand, and the South Pacific. It’s perfect for cruisers who want to live large but still have access to a Broadway-style show after dinner.
One itinerary not to miss? A 25-night repositioning cruise starting in Los Angeles. This bucket-list voyage will take you through Hawaii and French Polynesia before making landfall in Sydney. Basically, it’s like the travel version of a Greatest Hits album.
Once stationed in Sydney, Anthem will roll out a series of cruises from three to 11 nights. Explore the rugged beauty of Tasmania, marvel at the cinematic views of New Zealand, and sip something fruity on a beach in Fiji while pretending you don’t see your email notifications.
Onboard, Anthem serves up just as much wow-factor as its Brisbane-bound sibling. Think world-class dining, robot bartenders (because one robot bar isn’t enough, apparently), and enough entertainment to keep you too busy to notice you’ve been wearing flip-flops for a week straight.
Itineraries for the Mild and the Wild
Royal Caribbean clearly knows not every traveler is looking for the same experience. Some of us want short escapes where we do nothing but float and snack. Others want 11-night mega-adventures that involve zip-lining, reef snorkeling, and possibly getting roped into an impromptu dance competition.
That’s why the 2026-27 lineup offers a little something for everyone:
- 3-5 Night Cruises: Ideal for first-timers, commitment-phobes, or anyone who just really needs a break but has to get back to walk the dog.
- 6-8 Night Voyages: Great for families, couples, or groups who can agree on at least one excursion and what time dinner should be.
- 10-11 Night Journeys: Designed for the deep-dive traveler who wants more than just a tan—they want experiences, stories, and enough photos to crash their phone.
And let’s not forget the shore excursions: hikes, historic tours, snorkeling adventures, and, if you’re brave, traditional Polynesian tattoo sessions. Just remember: ink is forever. Bad sunscreen choices are only temporary.
The Bottom Line: Bigger Ships, Better Cruises, Bolder Memories
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to book that bucket-list cruise—or you just want to be able to say you went skydiving over the Pacific without leaving the ship—Royal Caribbean’s got you covered. With the Quantum of the Seas anchoring in Brisbane and Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney, the 2026-27 season is set to be one of the most ambitious and luxurious cruise lineups yet.
Between the tech-heavy ship features, bucket-list destinations, and flexible itineraries, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to cruise the Southern Hemisphere.
And if that’s not enough to entice you? Just imagine yourself sipping a piña colada, 300 feet in the air, while a robot makes your next drink order. If that’s not cruising in 2026, I don’t know what is.
Would you sail from Brisbane or Sydney aboard one of these high-tech floating cities? Or are you holding out for a different itinerary altogether? Drop your dream cruise in the comments—we want to hear where you’d go and what you’d do!
Leave a Reply