Royal Caribbean has officially revealed its plans for the 2027-2028 Australian summer season, headlined by the introduction of a new private destination and the return of two familiar ships to local waters. The schedule, which runs from October 2027 through April 2028, features a mix of short coastal hops and longer international voyages departing from Sydney and Brisbane.
The centerpiece of the upcoming season is the debut of Royal Beach Club Lelepa in Vanuatu. This marks the first time the cruise line has established a dedicated beach club in the Southern Hemisphere and follows a series of postponements after first being announced pre-COVID-19. Situated on Lelepa Island, the destination will be a staple on South Pacific itineraries departing from both Australian homeports starting in late 2027. The club is designed to offer two distinct experiences: a quiet retreat restricted to adults and a separate beach area tailored for families. Amenities at the site include ten bars, nature trails, and snorkeling opportunities, with island-style dining and beach equipment included for guests.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that there will be no change from the 2025-2026 ship offerings in the 2027-2028 season. Sydney will serve as the homeport for Anthem of the Seas, which is scheduled for 24 different sailings. These range from quick three-night weekend breaks to the traditional 17-night transpacific voyage. New Zealand remains a key focus for this ship, with itineraries between nine and 12 nights visiting locations such as Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Milford Sound. For the festive season, the ship will host a nine-night South Pacific cruise that places guests at Royal Beach Club Lelepa on Christmas Day, followed by a New Year celebration in the New Zealand Sounds.
Meanwhile, Voyager of the Seas will be based in Brisbane to service the Queensland market with 29 planned voyages. The ship’s schedule includes seven-night South Pacific trips that call at Royal Beach Club Lelepa, Noumea, Lifou, Mystery Island, Port Vila, and Luganville. For those looking for shorter trips, there are four-night getaways to Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. Voyager of the Seas will make its way to Brisbane through a lengthy 25-night transpacific journey starting in Seattle, with stops in Hawaii and French Polynesia.
Gavin Smith, the Vice President and Managing Director for Royal Caribbean in Australia and New Zealand, highlighted the significance of the new Vanuatu destination for local travellers:
As the most trusted holiday partner in Australia, Royal Caribbean continues to raise the bar on the ultimate family holiday with Royal Beach Club Lelepa : a first-of-its-kind destination in the Southern Hemisphere inspired by the natural beauty and spirit of the South Pacific region. We know Australian families love holidaying in the South Pacific, and Lelepa takes that to an entirely new level with an experience they won’t find anywhere else in the world. With an expanded lineup of weekend sailings, short escapes and longer ways to holiday, we’re giving travellers even more reasons to explore fan-favourite destinations across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
While it is a bit of a shame that the Australian market is still waiting on the arrival of the larger Oasis or Icon class ships, or even another ship in the mix, still it is good to finally see Lelepa offered as a destination.
Check out my recent review of Anthem of the Seas for more information about one of the two ships on offer this season.
