Is Royal Caribbean the best cruise line for first-time cruisers?

Cruising for the first time can be daunting. We investigate if Royal Caribbean will make your maiden voyage a memorable experience, for all the right reasons.

You can do a short cruise to try before you buy

It’s no secret that cruising is not for everyone. But it has appeals that may surprise and delight more people than give it credit. In other words, cruising could be just your ticket.

Probably the most nerve-racking part of joining a cruise for the first time is the thought of being ‘stuck’ on a ship if you’re not enjoying yourself. Royal Caribbean’s sampler cruises are just the ticket to discovering if you’re a cruiser or not. Departing from Sydney, these two- and three-night cruises simply head out into the South Pacific Ocean and back to Sydney, giving you a couple of days to explore the ship and see what cruise life is all about. And if it doesn’t, er, float your boat, then you are back on land in no time. But for many, it’s the start of a whole new world of exploration and three nights is simply not enough! It’s important to remember that it gives you a taste of the experience but not the entire experience – it only gets better from these starter cruises when you get to explore different destinations and have more time to enjoy the entire ship experience.

You are never going to be bored when on board

Aerial view of Anthem of the Seas out at sea — *Anthem of the Seas* will be making its debut in Australian waters in 2025. (Image: Supplied)

Royal Caribbean’s fleet is the biggest in the world and has been at the forefront of turning the ship experience into a resort destination in its own right… and no, we’re not talking just bingo and buffets. In Australian waters, cruisers will get to travel on board Anthem of the Seas or Voyager of the Seas.

Anthem of the Seas debuts in Sydney in November 2025, offering 24 holidays from short getaways to longer journeys to New Zealand, South Pacific islands and beyond. It will be the largest ship in the Southern Hemisphere during the season. It is part of Royal Caribbean’s newest class of ships (Quantum Class), which takes the entertainment to an even higher level of wonder. The rock climbing wall, kid-friendly water park and FlowRider surf simulator are just the start. The North Star observation pod soars 90 metres into the sky, and then there’s the skydiving simulator RipCord by iFly. In the full-size indoor basketball court, you can jump into bumper cars, roller skating and trapeze circus school. Plus the tranquil adults-only Solarium, luxury spa facilities, the ‘We Will Rock You’ musical, and extensive dining and activity options. Bored? We think not.

The North Star observation pod provides breathtaking views of the ocean.

Voyager of the Seas returns Down Under in December, sailing from Brisbane with 20 different itineraries. The ship underwent a US$97 million refurbishment in 2019, adding several new features, including the Perfect Storm duo of racer waterslides – Typhoon and Cyclone – that is sure to keep kids entertained for hours. The reinvigorated Vitality Spa and redesigned kids and teens spaces, and 72 new inside and balcony staterooms, a Suite Lounge and outdoor area – exclusively for guests in Grand Suites and above.

Perfect Storm — The perfect storm is new to Royal Caribbean’s *Voyager of the Seas*.

You don’t have to cook and clean

In a world where holiday home rentals are all the rage, it’s nice to have a (real) holiday where all the boring day-to-day chores (i.e. cooking and cleaning) are done for you. Royal Caribbean prides itself on award-winning service. From the moment you board to the moment you disembark, you’ll be well looked after by your stateroom attendant who does a daily housekeeping and turndown service and your dedicated waiter in the main dining room who will know your dietary requirements and preferences. Of course, there are hundreds of other staff members onboard who are there to help you with any questions or needs during your cruise.

You will bond as a family

Bumper cars, Ovation of the Seas — *Anthem of the Seas* has a bumper car track, a full-size basketball court and a trapeze circus school space in one.

This is at the heart of the Royal Caribbean experience: giving families the time and choice of activities to have fun together. You are spoilt for choice with family-friendly activities onboard – and it’s all designed to make sure big kids and little kids will have fun.

Spend time splashing about in the different pools onboard; watch a film together in the dive-in movie theatre; let the kids burn energy at H2O Zone water park (Anthem of the Seas only); challenge each other on the rock climbing wall; play a round of mini golf; have fun with old-school arcade games; enjoy a Broadway-style show together; see who can stay standing the longest on the FlowRider; or partake in a number of fun classes such as jewellery making, cupcake baking, and the art of folding towels (into goofy-looking animals, not Marie Kondo-style).

You won’t have to worry about the kids

Ovation of the Seas Wave Rider — The wave rider onboard Anthem of the Seas.

Happy kids, happy everyone, right? And let’s be honest, the kids want to do their own things without Mum or Dad from time to time. And if that can be guilt-free for mums and dads then that’s even better (if not the Holy Grail). Royal Caribbean’s kids’ programs are designed to give Mum and Dad a break while entertaining the offspring with fun and immersive activities.

Kids aged three to 11 will love the Adventure Ocean program, which blends fun with education through science, art, imaginative play, storytime and more. Teens won’t get bored in their own dedicated area that has a 3D theatre, an arcade with classics such as Pac-Man and table hockey, a lounge and a dance floor. Meanwhile, the Royal Babies and Royal Tots program is an interactive 45-minute session for your littlest loves, aged six to 36 months.

Trapeze, Seaplex, Ovation of the Seas — The trapeze onboard *Anthem of the Seas* in action.

You see a different destination every day without having to do anything

That’s the beauty of cruising. You only have to unpack once while visiting new places almost every day. Stick to the homeland with Australia-based cruises such as the Queensland coast, which stops in Brisbane and Airlie Beach, or head down south on a cruise to Tasmania, visiting Hobart and Melbourne.

Say hello to our neighbour with a cruise to New Zealand and wake up in places such as the picturesque ‘Sounds’ (Milford, Doubtful and Dusky), NZ’s only French settlement Akaroa and the capital Wellington. Or if you have more of a penchant for tropical weather, there are a number of South Pacific cruises, which include ports such as Noumea in New Caledonia, Mystery Island in Vanuatu, and Lifou in the Loyalty Islands.

You don’t have to spend any money on board if you don’t want to

Everything you need onboard is included: meals in the main dining room and the buffet; juice, tea and coffee; entertainment such as Broadway-style shows, live music and comedy, lounge games and contests; activities such as rock climbing, ice skating, mini golf and even the FlowRider; as well as access to the fitness centre and kids’ clubs.

But if you do, it’s really easy to keep track

All onboard expenses are charged to a SeaPass account, which you can monitor on the TV in your stateroom or at the guest services desk. It’s also best to pre-pay for your optional extras (shore excursions, spa treatments, even alcoholic drinks packages) beforehand.

You don’t have to dress up

The general dress code for Royal Caribbean is casual; you’re on holiday, so shirts, shorts and thongs are totally acceptable during the day. For dinner, take it up a notch to smart casual – i.e. no shorts or thongs. There are formal nights on each cruise, but this refers only to the main dining room and is a suggested dress code. Theme nights, such as toga, disco and masquerade, are also optional.

You can digital detox…. or not

Of course, there’s wi-fi onboard all Royal Caribbean ships (at a cost), and it’s considered ‘the fastest at sea’. Or you can go old-school and head to the internet cafe onboard. Alternatively, you can choose to live the life of a seafarer and disconnect completely. Some digital detoxing needs to be done on a cruise, right?

You will get some peace and quiet

Vitality Spa, Voyager of the Seas — The Vitality Spa onboard *Voyager of the Seas.*

Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships may look busy, but there’s definitely some chill-out zones where you can get some peace and quiet. The adults’ only Solarium is positioned at the front of every ship, and comprises swimming pools, whirlpools, a lounge area… and not a whippersnapper in sight. Or set some time aside and pamper yourself with a treatment at Vitality Spa – try a massage, facial, body wrap, or a more intensive medi-spa treatment. If you fancy curling up and reading a good book, head to the ship’s library – perfect for days when the weather’s not so good.

You can stay active while cruising

Your active life doesn’t need to be thrown overboard when you go cruising, and fitness fanatics won’t be disappointed onboard Royal Caribbean. Each ship boasts a fitness centre with a selection of group classes, including yoga and spin, as well as equipment to do your own thing. There’s also a running track on the top deck and rock climbing if you want some fresh air while working out. If you prefer to do something a little more fun, hit up the FlowRider surfing simulator; take a dance lesson; and choose more active shore excursions such as snorkelling, scuba diving, hiking or bike riding.

You don’t have to eat at the buffet

Contrary to popular belief, onboard dining is not just buffets. Royal Caribbean’s dining offering spans different cuisines and styles, from the main dining room where you are served cuisine inspired by the destination you’re visiting to the casual Windjammer Cafe (AKA your buffet) to snacks such as hot dogs, pastries and sandwiches. There are also specialty restaurants (our favourites) where you can dine at an additional cost, including Izumi (Japanese cuisine), Chops Grill (American steakhouse), Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver (Anthem) and 1950s-style diner Johnny Rockets (Voyager).

Jamie's Italian, Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines — Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has opened his Jamie’s Italian restaurant onboard the Quantum class of ship (*Anthem of the Seas* in Australia).

You know your holiday is going to help the oceans

What can be better than cruising with a conscience? Royal Caribbean has partnered with WWF Australia to protect the Hawksbill turtle, a critically endangered species found in the Great Barrier Reef, among other coral reefs around the world. Royal Caribbean is working alongside WWF Australia to educate passengers, as well as working towards other sustainability goals to protect the world’s oceans.

What are you waiting for?

Check out the available itineraries from Royal Caribbean for Aussie cruisers. And make sure you have checked out our advice on how to book your first cruise.

From cabins to canvas, craft distillers to destination dining, Heathcote locals reveal their eco-savvy passions in ways that resonate with those seeking to travel lightly.

Heathcote , on traditional Taungurung Country in Central Victoria, is synonymous with its garnet-hued shiraz, but wine isn’t the only string to its bow. The town itself is sprinkled with heritage buildings from the gold rush era, and beyond that a growing collection of sustainable gastronomy and eco-friendly escapes. Nearby Bendigo, one of only 65 cities in the world recognised as a UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy, plates up an astonishing calibre of produce, wine and food for its size. Increasingly the entire region is taking up the challenge, though Heathcote in particular shines with its focus on sustainability.

Pink Cliffs GeologicalReserve — The dramatic landscape of Heathcote’s Pink Cliffs Geological Reserve. (Image: Visit Victoria/Emily Goodfrey)

The eco-stays bringing sustainability to Heathcote

Yellow BoxWood’s safari-style tents — Yellow Box Wood’s safari-style tents are nestled on 40 hectares of bushland. (Image: Emily Goodfrey)

Andee and Lisa Davidson spent years working in southern Africa before settling in Heathcote. “We had a vision of how this could be,” explains Andee. “We wanted a retreat, but one that was off-grid and environmentally sustainable.” Now, at Yellow Box Wood , two luxury safari-style tents are at the heart of 40 hectares of rolling hills and native bush, with kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, goanna and birdlife aplenty. It’s all solar-powered, wood for the fire is mainly fallen timber, and water is collected on the carport roof. No lack of creature comforts though – en suite with rain shower, espresso coffee maker, comfy seating, wood-burning fire all set to go. There’s also a solar-heated, mineral salt pool in a bush setting, walking tracks, and even a mini bush golf course. On my visit, I put the vision to the test. Cocooned in the plush four-poster bed I can glimpse the stars, while the heater casts a golden glow on the canvas. In the morning, I wake to a blush-pink sunrise, kangaroos feeding and a soundtrack of magpies.

If a tent is not your style, Stephen and Cally Trompp’s carbon-neutral Mt Ida Eco Cabin might entice with its generous deck and farmland views. Inside the cabin, corrugated iron walls as rusty as a shearing shed, gleaming (recycled) floorboards, timber truss ceiling (crafted by Stephen), wood-fired heater and an old-school turntable with a pile of vinyls to spin. It’s fun, and a little boho. “Everything is recycled. The cabin takes maximum advantage of the sun in winter. It’s all solar-powered. Don’t panic, though,” says Stephen, “you can still charge your phone and get 4G reception!” Settle into an Adirondack chair on the deck or pedal off on a mountain bike to suss out the wineries.

A taste of Spain in Central Victoria

Another person with a vision is Evan Pritchard at his Three Dams Estate where the wines reflect his deep love of Spain and of Spanish-style grapes, such as tempranillo. Afternoons in the ‘wine shed’ or cantina are matched with music (flamenco is a favourite), Spanish bites from tapas to paella (with Evan on the pans!) and views to Mount Alexander. Sustainability is also a passion. “You don’t need to buy anything. We decided to be off-grid from the start, but it is a lifestyle change,” he says. “You need to think about it and be careful.” Everything here is recycled, reassembled, refurbished. Evan has an electric car (with solar-powered charger), solar-power for the winery, and even a jaunty little electric tractor/forklift. “I love the idea of all the things you can do using the sun.” Sipping a crisp rosado (a Spanish rosé) with Evan in the sunshine, I couldn’t agree more.

The vineyard redefining sustainable winemaking

Silver Spoon winery — The Silverspoon Estate winery is completely off-grid. (Image: Graham Hosking)

On the other side of Heathcote, Silver Spoon Estate demonstrates sustainability on a more extensive scale. Tracie and Peter Young’s winery, cellar door, award-winning restaurant and their own house are all solar-powered and off the grid. Sustainability is intrinsic to everything they do. The property sprawls across 100 hectares, with 20 hectares under vine – shiraz, viognier, grenache, tempranillo. As the climate has changed, so too has the approach. These are dry-grown vineyards. “We prune for drought. That means lower yields but more intense flavours,” says Peter. The fine-dining restaurant offers sweeping views, a wood-burning fire and a deck for languid lunches. Head chef Ben Hong sources regional, sustainable ingredients and weaves estate wines into the menu – think crispy wild mushroom arancini, viognier-infused chicken breast.

Silver Spoon’s award-winning restaurant.

Heathcote’s other hidden gems

Not all local wineries have a cellar door, but I find local treasures at the Heathcote Wine Hub , a petite 1855 timber church in the main street, lovingly returned to life by Karen Robertson and Carey Moncrieff. “Carey is a scrounger,” says Karen. “He doesn’t throw a single thing away.” He does, however, craft things into something quite special. Heritage floors, light-filtering lancet windows and shelves of regional wines create the perfect ambience for wine tasting. Or order a glass and linger over a cheese platter.

Heathcote is not all wine, of course. Nathan Wheat and partner Vanessa Curtis run Envy Distilling with a committed sustainable ethic – and a serious love of gin. Their small-batch distillery produces grape-based gin, and soon brandy. Distilled water is reused in an ingenious cooling system. All waste is treated on site. They buy excess wine from winemakers to distil and buy recycled barrels. “Distilling with the sun,” as Nathan says. Each Envy gin has its own story. Spicy, award-winning The Dry, is designed to capture the region’s dry, rugged nature. Pull up a stool at the bar (reclaimed timbers and tiles, of course), order a Gin Flight, or kick back with a cocktail and let Nathan share his eco journey.

Envy gins — Sample gins at small-batch distillery Envy.

A traveller’s checklist

Getting there

It’s less than two hours’ drive from Melbourne. The scenic route we take goes past Sunbury, then along a splendid country road through Romsey and the magic, boulder-strewn landscape of Lancefield. Watch for kangaroos on the road!

Staying there

Go off-grid in style at Yellow Box Wood for glamping or try Mt Ida Eco Cabin for a couple’s weekend hideaway.

Eating there

French dishes at Chauncy — Award-winning French restaurant Chauncy.

At award-winning Chauncy , French chef Louis Naepels and sommelier wife Tess Murray have created a tiny, elegant pocket of rural France. Meticulously restored 1850s sandstone building, sun-drenched dining room, impeccable service, a menu suffused with local flavours and thoughtful wine pairings.

Fodder is both cafe and social hub. Chef Mo Pun and sister Lalita serve classic Aussie breakfast-to-lunch fare, though their Nepalese heritage sneaks through.

Playing there

Sanguine Estate ’s cellar door and terrace overlook bucolic vineyards. Its award-winning, dry-grown wines include the distinctive D’Orsa Blanc dessert wine, reflecting the family’s Swiss-Italian heritage. Order a charcuterie board and stay a while. Keep it carbon neutral by cycling some (or all) of the 50-kilometre O’Keefe Rail Trail to Bendigo.

At Bridgeward Grove , learn about the property’s Old Mission Grove heritage olive trees, do a sommelier olive oil tasting, and stock up on sustainably grown olives and oil. Explore the unique landscape, wildflowers and wildlife of pink cliffs geological reserve.

Is this the best cruise line for first-time cruisers?