RCI-Royal Caribbean International has confirmed that Quantum of the Seas will return to Australian waters in October 2026, joining Anthem of the Seas for what is positioned to be the line’s most expansive and dynamic summer deployment in the region to date. Marking her fourth consecutive season homeporting in Brisbane, Quantum of the Seas will be based in Queensland, while Anthem of the Seas will return to Sydney, offering a combined programme that spans short coastal cruises, South Pacific itineraries, and longer voyages to New Zealand.
Operating between October 2026 and April 2027, the two Quantum-class vessels will deliver a broad selection of itineraries ranging from 3 to 11 nights. Destinations include key Australian ports, the islands of the South Pacific—such as Noumea, Mystery Island, and Port Vila—and multiple cities in New Zealand, with select itineraries incorporating visits to Wellington, Napier, Dunedin and Milford Sound. The programme includes two 8-night festive cruises over Christmas and New Year, as well as newly introduced 9-night New Zealand itineraries tailored for families seeking a compact yet comprehensive exploration of the region.
From Brisbane, Quantum of the Seas will operate 28 departures, including a series of weekend and short-stay sailings designed for maximum flexibility. These include roundtrip cruises to Airlie Beach and Cairns, strengthening its appeal for domestic travellers looking to access Queensland’s tropical coastline. Meanwhile, Anthem of the Seas will offer 21 voyages from Sydney, including short breaks to Hobart and extended sailings to the South Pacific and New Zealand.
The ships themselves are equipped with a variety of amenities engineered to enhance the onboard experience. Both feature signature Royal Caribbean attractions such as the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, the FlowRider surf simulator, and the North Star glass capsule offering panoramic ocean views. Dining options range from casual family-style venues to specialty restaurants, including Izumi, Jamie’s Italian and Chops Grille. In the evenings, entertainment includes live music across multiple venues, theatrical performances such as We Will Rock You on Anthem of the Seas, and immersive multimedia experiences at the Two70 venue.
In addition to her regional schedule, Quantum OTS will also undertake a transpacific relocation voyage. Departing from Los Angeles, this 25-night itinerary offers a repositioning cruise that allows guests to sail across the Pacific to Australia, visiting Hawaii, French Polynesia and, for the first time on an Australian-bound itinerary, California’s Catalina Island.
This expanded deployment highlights Royal Caribbean’s ongoing commitment to the Australasian market, with both ships poised to offer enhanced access to iconic regional destinations while delivering the line’s established blend of innovation, flexibility and onboard amenities.