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Royal Caribbean announces 3 ships for Australia’s 2027 summer – and it goes on sale in 5 days

Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
It’s time to start planning your 2027/2028 summer adventure.

In the mood to cruise into summer? Royal Caribbean has just announced its biggest summer cruise season in Australia, bringing three ships for the 2027/2028 summer season departing from either Brisbane or Sydney. And it goes on sale August 19.

What to expect onboard each ship

Ovation of the Seas

ovation fo the seas
Step onboard this groundbreaking mega-ship.

Sailing from Brisbane, Ovation of the Seas is a groundbreaking Quantum-class mega-ship. Expect plenty of industry-first entertainment onboard, including the North Star observation capsule that rises 90 metres above the sea, RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar and a versatile indoor SeaPlex activity space (complete with a full basketball court, bumper cars and roller skating).

Anthem of the Seas

anthem of the seas in sydney harbour
Holiday on this high-tech amusement park at sea.

Want a high-tech amusement park on the water? Anthem of the Seas is for you. This is another ship featuring Royal Caribbean’s ‘first-at-sea’ experiences, including the North Star, RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the FlowRider surf simulator and SeaPlex. Plus an incredible line-up of entertainment and dining. Discover more with our full ship review.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

AI Prompt

Voyager of the Seas

voyager of the seas
Enjoy a lot of ‘firsts at sea’.

Voyager of the Seas features many ‘firsts at sea’. It was the first ship in the world featuring an indoor Royal Promenade shopping boulevard (a multi-deck indoor “main street" running down the centre of the ship, lined with duty-free shops, cafes and pubs), an on-board rock-climbing wall and even a true ice-skating rink.

Which cruise would suit you?

Extended weekender:

airlie beach
Sail into Airlie Beach. (Credit: Nicolas Weldingh)

Jump aboard Ovation of the Seas in Brisbane for one of two long weekends of a lifetime on the four-night Whitsundays getaways to Airlie Beach. Enjoy the best of Queensland off ship, with all the entertainment onboard.

Really want to keep it short and sweet? Join Voyager of the Seas for a three-night Sydney escape, with two nights at sea so you can fully immerse yourself in cruise life. Or Ovation of the Seas for three nights from Brisbane.

Multi-gen trip:

Voyager of the Seas in darwin
Sail into Darwin. (Credit: Renato Marzan)

With activities that cover the needs of every member of your family, from the most energetic to the most in need of pampering, Royal Caribbean ships always tick all the boxes for a multi-gen holiday.

In the 2027/2028 summer season, kick it up a notch with the new 15-night itinerary onboard Voyager of the Seas from Sydney to Singapore via Airlie Beach, Darwin and Lombok and Celukan Bawang in Indonesia.

Or Anthem of the Seas’ 17-night adventure from Honolulu, crossing the Pacific and making gorgeous stops in French Polynesia along the way.

Want to see more of New Zealand? This ship will also feature nine- to 12-night sailings to iconic destinations including Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Milford Sound, with more ways to experience the country’s landscapes, culture and cuisine.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Family cruise:

Make the family Christmas particularly special by taking the family on Anthem of the Seas’ nine-night South Pacific Christmas holiday. Find a particularly festive atmosphere onboard and enjoy stops in New Caledonia, Vanuatu and exclusive regional beach escapes.

Visit Royal Caribbean for full details on the 2027-28 itineraries.

International itinerary highlights

Be amongst the first to experience Royal Caribbean's new and exclusive Lelepa Island
Be amongst the first to experience Royal Caribbean’s new and exclusive Lelepa Island.

Want to extend your summer holiday to the South Pacific? Be amongst the first to experience Royal Caribbean’s new and exclusive Lelepa Island – the first private island cruise destination in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, the aim is to give an authentic taste of its Vanuatu South Pacific location and culture. Think stunning nature, water activities and local flavours.

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Kassia Byrnes
Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
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How to spend a restorative weekend on the Central Coast

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Leave the frenetic pace of city life behind for a weekend of relaxation and entertainment on the Central Coast.

    Home to more than 40 idyllic beaches, an eco-certified wilderness and a burgeoning hospitality scene, the Central Coast is a favoured holiday destination for good reason. Located just 90 minutes north of Sydney, you can easily enjoy a day trip here. But with so much to offer, this coastal haven deserves at least a weekend of your time – especially when a stay at Encore by Mingara makes lingering so effortless.

    Here’s how to spend a memorable weekend on the Central Coast discovering its best offerings.

    Day 1

    Afternoon

    Modern, comfortable room interiors at Encore by Mingara, designed for a restful stay on the Central Coast.
    Savour a slow morning before heading home.

    Holiday mode can be switched on as soon as you check into Encore by Mingara, a centrally located boutique hotel in Tumbi Umbi. Loved for its sleek rooms, diverse offerings and unbeatable location, in 2026 the property even received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award. Taking cues from its coastal surrounds, the hotel’s design is luxurious yet welcoming. A sophisticated palette of ocean blues, ochre and sand tones is complemented by light joinery and punctuated by abstract artworks by the hotel’s artist in residence, Sarah Isbel Hill.

    As the hotel is conveniently found in the Mingara Destination Precinct, you can spend a leisurely afternoon exploring the property’s impressive offerings. Energise the body at Mingara Recreation Club – complete with a world-class gym and Olympic-sized swimming pool – or pop into one of many restaurants or bars. You can also grab a wine from the bottle shop to imbibe in the comfort of your luxurious Harmony or Bravo suite; these generously sized rooms feature plush king beds, separate lounge spaces and dedicated working areas.

    Evening

    couple dining inside restaurant at encore by mingara
    Treat yourself to an evening of great food and cocktails.

    There’s no need to venture out when your hotel gives you access to fantastic dining options. Allow plenty of time to savour the culinary dishes at modern Australian restaurant, Hadley’s. Helmed by chef Peter Streckfuss, the relaxed eatery’s menu spans rib-sticking bites such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana through to premium meats and fresh seafood. Pair them with the solid line-up of Australian and international wines.

    Mosey over to Hadley’s Bar for a post-dinner nightcap. The stylish cocktail lounge’s mixologists shake up masterful tipples using the bar’s extensive spirit collection, as well as pouring local craft beers and fine wines.   

    Day 2

    Morning

    Waterfall along the Girrakool Loop Track, at the Brisbane Water National Park, on the Central Coast.
    Explore the Central Coast’s great outdoors. (Image: Destination NSW)

    With so much happening onsite, it’s tempting to stay put, but early birds can start their day by catching the sunrise at nearby Toowoon Bay, where a vivid display of warm tones is reflected in the calm waters.

    Back at Mingara Recreation Club, top up your caffeine levels and try treats including scrolls, cakes, scones and tarts at The Roasted Berry. Or settle in for smashed avo or a mushroom bruschetta.

    Fuelled and ready to go, spend some time exploring the Central Coast’s natural beauty. The region is a playground for outdoor lovers who can discover the Brisbane Water National Park, a haven for hiking, cycling and fishing. The 12,000-hectare reserve features stunning waterfalls, including the three-tiered Somersby Falls, and vantage points such as the Staples Lookout, which offers panoramic vistas of Brisbane Water and Woy Woy Bay.

    Afternoon

    Friends enjoying a tour through Distillery Botanica, Erina.
    Sip the flavours of Distillery Botanica. (Image: Destination NSW)

    A well-deserved lunch in the garden at Distillery Botanica awaits just a 20-minute drive away. The brainchild of herbalist and master distiller Philip Moore, this innovative distillery is found in a lush landscape and produces a range of botanically infused craft spirits. Tuck into bruschetta, toasted sandwiches and charcuterie boards, paired with standout concoctions like the Framboise Martini with Botanica Vodka or Botanica Raspberry Liqueur, vanilla, lime and pineapple.

    Evening

    Head back to Encore by Mingara to freshen up for dinner at the onsite restaurant, Ming Dragon. The Chinese eatery offers a traditional yum cha experience with succulent favourites such as sweet and sour pork and steamed prawn dumplings.

    End the night on a high note with entertainment at Mingara Recreation Club. The jam-packed schedule includes live music, major touring acts and big-name tribute band performances, such as Live Baby Live: The INXS Tribute Show.

    Morning

    Breakfast at The Roasted Berry encore by mingara
    Enjoy breakfast at The Roasted Berry.

    The dreamy rooms at Encore by Mingara make sleeping in a little too easy, so take the morning at your own pace with a lie-in and a final swim or a yoga or pilates class. Amble down to The Roasted Berry for another delicious breakfast before your departure.

    Afternoon

    Guest examining a freshly farmed pearl on a tour of the Broken Bay Pearl Farm, Mooney Mooney.
    End your escape with a pearl farm visit. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Another highlight of the Central Coast is the Broken Bay Pearl Farm on the Lower Hawkesbury River, a must-visit on your way home. Head to their ‘shellar door’ and join a tour out on the water, where you’ll discover their working oyster leases and indulge in the freshest Australian Akoya, Angasi and Sydney rock oysters. You’ll also get to witness a live pearl harvest and learn the fine art of pearl grading. Those with an appetite can also enjoy a gourmet grazing lunch while soaking up scenic river views. Commemorate the weekend with an elegant pearl memento from the farm’s shop.

    Start planning a Central Coast weekend at your own pace at encorebymingara.com.au.