News Archive
2012
2011
Royal caribbean Announces Biggest Australian Season in Summer 2012-13
Tuesday July 12, 2011
Three RCI ships including megaliner Voyager of the Seas' debut season announced
JULY 8, 2011 - Royal Caribbean International has announced the much anticipated details of its summer 2012-13 program - including the maiden season of Australia's first megaliner, Voyager of the Seas – and confirmed that Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will both be returning to Australia, fresh from their multi-million dollar revitalisations in 2011 and 2012.
These three innovative cruise ships will make a total of 49 sailings, comprising 28 unique itineraries that range from 1- to 18-night cruises and call at 46 ports in 12 countries. More guests will sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise from Sydney than any other cruise line in summer 2012-13.
"This is truly the beginning of a new era in cruising from Australia. Voyager of the Seas will not only be the biggest ship based here but she also introduces unique concepts never before experienced at sea in the region. Together with Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas, they will offer Australians an unprecedented quality of innovative superliners, twinned with superb food and 'Gold Anchor' service from our friendly crew," said Adam Armstrong, commercial manager, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia.
"Our 2012/13 program is all about unprecedented choice and quality: superior ships, our widest choice of destinations, durations, accommodation types, dining and experiences; and onboard features that are simply unmatched in local waters."
Voyager of the Seas' maiden Australia and New Zealand season will feature New Zealand, South Pacific and Australia cruises sailing either from Sydney or Fremantle. Radiance of the Seas' season features voyages around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific while Rhapsody of the Seas provides itineraries to Queensland and the South Pacific.
Kicking off her Australia and New Zealand season in Sydney on 23 November 2012, Voyager of the Seas' summer season will feature 12 cruises. Highlights of her program include:
Four 14-night New Zealand cruises sailing roundtrip from Sydney
A new 14-night school holidays itinerary taking in New Zealand';s North Island as well as exotic calls in New Caledonia and Fiji
Shorter cruises to Tasmania (8 nights) and Fiji (9 nights) plus a 1-night Sampler Cruise
Two 18-night cruises between Fremantle and Sydney taking in key cities in southern Australia and New Zealand, including Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart and Milford Sound.
Two 14-night repositioning cruises between Singapore and Perth (Fremantle) book-ending the program including calls in Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
When she returns in spring 2012, guests on Radiance of the Seas will be able to enjoy new amenities thanks to a revitalisation program to fit Radiance with amenities offered in the Oasis Class of ships. In her second Australian season, Radiance of the Seas offers a wide array of itineraries, ranging from 2- to 18-nights, departing from Sydney and Fremantle:
An expanded range of cruises to the South Pacific islands of New Caledonia and Vanuatu – choose from 5 cruises ranging from 8 to 12 nights.
A new 10-night itinerary to Tropical Queensland over the Christmas and Easter holidays
Three 14-night cruises to New Zealand which include an overnight call in Sydney
A new 5-night Sampler Cruise to Newcastle and Brisbane
Two full circumnavigation voyages of Australia and New Zealand, available either as a 34-night cruise or in 16- and 18-night segments from Sydney or Fremantle
Repositioning cruises between Sydney and Hawaii taking in New Zealand and Tahiti
With five seasons already under her belt and a strong following amongst Australian cruises, Rhapsody of the Seas will return to her seasonal homeport of Sydney in October 2012. This will be her first full season after a multi-million dollar revitalisation in March 2012 where she will be enhanced with a host of new amenities and upgrades. Highlights include:
Twelve cruises to the South Pacific islands with an expanded choice of 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12-night itineraries – including Christmas, New Year and Easter sailings
Four 11-night cruises to Tropical Queensland – the only itinerary available in this market which includes 2 full days docked in downtown Cairns
A 7-night Tasmania cruise and a 2-night Weekend Sampler cruise
Repositioning cruises between Sydney and Hawaii taking in New Caledonia, Fiji and Samoa