Australia’s most innovative cruise company returns to local waters today with Radiance of the Seas’ first turn in Sydney – marking what will be yet another extraordinary season for Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara.
With more than 550 port calls from today until 25 April 2020, RCL will offer an incredible selection of 86 sailings on five ships during the 2019/2020 local season, boosting the Australian economy by approximately AUD$160 million.
Gavin Smith, RCL Managing Director said, “Our ships truly do offer something for every traveller, whether they are seeking memory-making adventures with their family on Royal Caribbean or prefer a modern luxury experience on Celebrity where every meal is a destination of its own. Azamara’s unique selection of sea voyages and immersive land programs will take guests further, visiting more incredible locations in 2019/2020.”
Royal Caribbean season highlights:
Royal Caribbean will offer 61 sailings on three extraordinary ships; the newly modernised Voyager of the Seas, Australia’s largest and most technologically advanced ship Ovation of the Seas, and Australian favourite Radiance of the Seas.
“We are ready for an amped up season full of jaw-dropping features never before seen in Australia to give guests more opportunities to create lifelong memories with their families,” Smith said.
Radiance of the Seas – the first ship to return to Australia – returns for her ninth season with 21 South Pacific and New Zealand sailings calling to destinations including Noumea, Mystery Island and Port Vila. Radiance of the Seas highlights include a three-night Sampler, an epic 18-night Bottom End itinerary from Fremantle to Sydney as well as six New Zealand getaways taking in the land of the long white cloud.
The bolder-than-ever Voyager of the Seas returns to Sydney on 30 November fresh from a USD$97 million amplification. Voyager will offer unforgettable holiday experiences for the whole family; from pulse-raising adventures down high-speed waterslides on The Perfect Storm or going head to head in Battle for Planet Z laser tag – both firsts for the Australian market – to unwinding and indulging in the new Vitality Spa. Royal’s first amplified ship for the South Pacific will call on local favourites including French-flavoured Noumea in New Caledonia, lively Lautoka in Fiji and Pacific gems, Isle of Pines and Mystery Island.
Ovation of the Seas returns for her fourth and longest season ever on 20 October, following a maiden season in Alaska. Ovation of the Seas will offer guests 21 local sailings – including five incredible New Zealand and South Pacific hybrid holidays, nine New Zealand voyages and new 18 and 19-night journeys between Sydney and Hawaii calling in Papeete, Moorea and Bora Bora in French Polynesia.
Recently named Best Domestic Cruise Operator at the NTIA Awards for the fourth year running as well as Best Large Ship Line in the South Pacific at the Cruise Critic Destination Awards, Royal Caribbean International returns with incredible experiences across New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific for the whole family to enjoy.
Celebrity Cruises season highlights:
Back by popular demand, local favourite – Celebrity Solstice – returns for her eighth season on 11 October, offering extraordinary destinations, delicious dining, intuitive service, stunning design and luxurious accommodation.
Travellers wanting to indulge in a truly spectacular dining experience can enjoy a wide range of specialty dining onboard, including Celebrity’s interactive dining experience Le Petit Chef for those looking for a little entertainment with their dinner.
Smith said, “Celebrity Solstice is alive with possibilities and full of innovative marvels that create life-changing memories for guests. Only on Solstice Class ships can you find a live tree hanging in the centre of the ship, real grass lawns and a bar made of ice. It is no wonder she is the highest rated ship to sail Australian waters.”
With 20 local itineraries, Celebrity Solstice will visit some of Australia and New Zealand’s most sought-after destinations, including Wellington and Milford Sound as well as Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne. Breathtaking new destinations include Eden on the New South Wales south coast, Port Vila in Vanuatu and home of the world’s largest lagoon, Mare in New Caledonia – a maiden call for Celebrity Cruises in 2019/2020.
Holidaymakers can escape to paradise with Celebrity Solstice’s popular Great Barrier Reef itinerary or enjoy three exhilarating South Pacific options, including a 13-night itinerary featuring Fiji. Guests travelling to New Zealand will embark on a culinary exploration with some of the world’s finest seafood while discovering a seemingly endless buffet of mesmerising sights, stunning landscapes and extreme experiences.
With more overnight stays and stays 12 hours or longer, Celebrity offers a world filled with possibilities for guests during the 2019/20 season.
Azamara season highlights:
Azamara Journey will mark the line’s fifth local season when she arrives in Gisborne on 1 February 2020 with five open-jaw sailings around New Zealand, Australia and Asia.
A boutique hotel at sea, Azamara Journey encourages travellers to explore further, with six new ports of call this season. In New Zealand, guests can experience New Plymouth’s Mount Taranaki or sail through the iconic Doubtful Sound. In the South Pacific Bora Bora’s iconic white sand beaches are calling while Moorea is a bucket list worthy destination and former retreat for Tahitian royalty. In the Cook Islands, Rarotonga is one of the most charming islands surrounded by flame-orange coral reefs. Finally, Papeete offers the very best of Tahiti with blue lagoons and lush tropical valleys.
What’s more, with the cruise line’s recent debut of more than 1,700 pre- and post-voyage land programs – the largest selection in the cruise industry – guests can now dive even deeper into the heart of a destination to go beyond the reach of average tourist experience.
Smith continued, “Azamara’s new land programs perfectly complements our unique itineraries, taking guests beyond the world’s most beautiful ports. Our voyagers can go deeper, diving into the history, culture and delights of the world’s greatest cities, countries and continents.”
It is this destination immersion and commitment to connect people to people, people with cultures and people with themselves that makes Azamara unique within the industry. With a range of immersive voyages this season, holidaymakers embarking on an Azamara adventure can look forward to unleashing their adventurous spirit, exploring further and experiencing the world in a different light.
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