Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas

For the first time, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas will call Sydney home next cruising season.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class ship, Brilliance of the Seas is set to sail into Sydney, and home port in the Emerald City this upcoming summer season. If you love thrills, world-class dining and spectacular entertainment, this is the ship for you. Highlights include a 12-metre rock climbing wall, the Adventure Ocean youth programme and nine delicious dining options. All aboard for an unforgettable adventure.

Key dates: Starting in October 2023, the ship will sail on voyages out of Sydney for the summer season. On April 12, 2024 Brilliance of the Seas will depart Sydney for Hawaii.

Capacity: Brilliance of the Seas is a 2,543-passenger ship.

Best suited to: families. There’s the complimentary Adventure Ocean Programme available for children aged three to 17. Kids (and adults too) will love the arcade where classics such as Pacman and table hockey sit side-by-side with Guitar Hero, Fast and the Furious Drift. There’s also an outdoor children’s area Adventure Beach on deck 12 featuring a waterslide and pool.

Where does Brilliance of the Seas sail from?

Brilliance of the Seas will be based in Sydney for the Australian summer cruise season.

the view of Sydney harbour at night, Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas — The Brilliance of the Seas will sail from Sydney Harbour. (Image: Destination NSW)

Where does Brilliance of the Seas sail to?

There are a number of itineraries sailing out of Sydney including voyages to Tasmania, to Melbourne, and to Adelaide. Add to this, sailings to the South Pacific, to New Zealand and an Australian voyage through Queensland, Darwin and Western Australia which also takes in Indonesia.

Salamanca market in Hobart — Experience Salamanca Market, one of Australia’s most loved outdoor markets, when in Tasmania. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Sustainable practices

In 2016, Royal Caribbean partnered with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and has developed a series of programs and goals to help in the long-term health of our oceans and to protect some of its most iconic wildlife. WWF and Royal Caribbean’s work together focuses on three key areas: emissions reduction, destination stewardship and sustainable sourcing.

Some of these programs include 2,000 Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)-certified tours, and sustainable sourcing practices for coffee, tea and sugar – commodities with the highest environmental impact. Royal Caribbean is also working toward sourcing 90% of wild-caught seafood from Marine Seafood Council (MSC)-certified fisheries and 75% of farmed seafood from Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)-certified farms in North America and Europe.

the Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas sailing at sea — Sail across Australia aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas.

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

Dining

There are nine dining options onboard including a la carte table service at the main dining room and the global flavours of Windjammer, which come at no extra cost. For that special occasion, book into one of the specialty restaurants. Here are some of the highlights.

Giovanni’s Table

Enjoy Tuscan family-style dishes at this rustic Italian restaurant including house focaccia served with marinated artichokes, olives and pesto, fluffy gnocchi and veal osso buco paired with creamy cheese polenta, ripe tomatoes and sautéed greens. Dining here comes at an additional fee which is around US$25.

Chops Grille

Feast on prime cuts of steak at Royal Caribbean’s hallmark Chops Grille where the chefs will hand cut, season and grill each steak to your specifications. Far beyond a typical steakhouse, here you can also treat yourself to Maine lobster and other surf and turf delights. Dining here comes at an additional fee which is around US$35.

Izumi

Sit down for a Japanese-inspired dining experience at Izumi. Sample fresh sashimi and sushi as well as ramen and teriyaki. Dining with little ones? Ask for a kids’ menu, it’s got plenty of smaller-sized versions of Izumi’s delights. Dining here comes at an additional fee which is around US$35, though depending on what is ordered, it can be less.

Bars

There are nine bars and lounges onboard from cocktails at the Solarium to a pint at a traditional English pub. Here are some of the other highlights.

Vintages

Sample wines from the world’s renowned vineyards at Vintages. Perfect for a pre-dinner drink, here you’ll find the perfect drop of malbec, merlot, riesling, pinot grigio and more.

Schooner Bar

Head for nightcap at the nautical-themed Schooner Bar, where perfectly mixed cocktails and live entertainment come together. Be prepared for fun-filled singalongs around the grand piano.

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Viking Crown Lounge

The Viking Crown Lounge is the ultimate spot to soak up panoramic views while sampling your favourite cocktail. After the sun goes down, take to the dance floor and boogie to the band.

Activities and entertainment

By day, hit new highs by scaling 12 metres above deck on the rock climbing wall, then try your skills on a round of mini golf. Lounge poolside, sit back in a bubbly whirlpool and catch a movie, or head to the Vitality at Sea Spa and fitness centre for a treatment or a workout. Come nightfall, be entertained by singers and dancers showcasing their skills in the variety revue, Centre Stage and sing along to modern stage hits in Now and Forever. Keen to turn up the heat? The Tango Buenos Aires show slips into sultry rhythms and heart-racing beats.

Cabins

Brilliance Of The Seas has 1075 staterooms including Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suites. Suite staterooms offer more space and comfort as well as additional perks such as concierge service, priority boarding and departure privileges, and dedicated entertainment seating, that is, the best seats in the house. Enjoy an everchanging vista every day in your balcony or ocean view stateroom, or retreat to your interior stateroom, and use the rest of the ship as your loungeroom with a view.

Deck plan

Brilliance of the Seas is made up of 13 decks, on the very top is the ‘Fairways of Brilliance’ mini golf course, the rock climbing wall, and the Viking Crown Lounge.

Itinerary highlights

The five-night Tasmania sailing visits Hobart but the seven-night Tasmania cruise also takes in the New South Wales ports of Newcastle and Eden. Also recommended is the six-night Melbourne and Hobart cruise. There’s also a nine-night Melbourne and Adelaide cruise, an eight-night, 10-night and 11-night South Pacific cruise and an 11-night sojourn taking in the best of Queensland. See the sights of the North and South islands on a 12-night New Zealand cruise itinerary. For a longer voyage, step aboard for the 16-night ‘All-Out Australia and Indonesia’ sailing from Sydney, north to Queensland, Darwin, Indonesia and then down the west coast of Australia, disembarking in Fremantle.

Shore excursion highlights

On New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, you can fly through the sky on a parasailing trip to see the 144 islands from above. Go tandem with the skydiving instructor and take in that magnificent view.

How much does it cost to go on Brilliance of the Seas?

A five-night Tasmania cruise starts at $671 per person, a 12-night New Zealand cruise starts at $1601 per person and the 16-night ‘All-Out Australia and Indonesia’ starts at $5999 per person. (Note: Prices are correct at time of publication. Please check the website for price changes.)

a scenic view of the towering peaks of Milford Sound in New Zealand, Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas — Stare in awe at the towering peaks of Milford Sound in New Zealand.

A world away from the hustle, bustle and chaos of the big smoke – yet with a distinct sense of familiarity – Victoria’s Wimmera Mallee region is an incomparable place.

Victoria’s Grampians are a visual feast, a seemingly endless vista of craggy cliffs, rolling valleys and untamed bushland. But they’re also much more than a scenic mountain landscape. Diverse and storied, each region within the range has its own rhythm. The Wimmera Mallee – a pocket in the state’s north-west, stretching from Horsham to near Mildura – is one of the most captivating.

Once known as Victoria’s agricultural heartland, the Wimmera Mallee has evolved in recent years into a dynamic, slightly offbeat hub. It buzzes with a creative hum and welcoming energy, and harbours an eclectic mix of long-time locals and tree-changers. Once you encounter its unmistakable charm, feel its warm country hospitality and taste its nationally celebrated vanilla slice, you may find yourself lingering longer than planned.

Eager to explore? These must-visit spots let you experience the inimitable spirit of this special part of the world.

Wimmera Mallee’s quirky attractions

The Dimboola Imaginarium, Wimmera Mallee victoria — Step into the whacky Dimboola Imaginarium. (Image: Denis Bin)

If you’re after something a little more unconventional, the Wimmera Mallee delivers in droves.

The Dimboola Imaginarium – located in a historic bank building in its namesake town – is a gift shop and boutique accommodation in one. Shop for unique and whimsical keepsakes, stay overnight in an elegant themed room, and lose yourself in one of the Imaginarium’s interactive experiences.

Also in Dimboola, just a short drive from the Imaginarium, is a menagerie of utter delight. Tiny Goats and Co. is home to a herd of miniature goats, with the farm offering group visits and special events like goat yoga and cuddle sessions.

Arcade aficionados should visit the Australian Pinball Museum in nearby Nhill. Here, you’ll find the biggest selection of playable pinball machines in the country, featuring modern models and classics dating all the way back to 1931.

Arts and culture in Wimmera Mallee

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed — Step into history at the Stick Shed. (Image: Visit Vic)

As a thoroughly creative community, it’s no wonder the Wimmera Mallee has a host of venues focused on its rich arts and culture scene.

Wander Trickbots Metal Art & Sculpture Garden in Nullawil, a winding trail filled with unique and quirky creations fashioned from metal odds, ends and scrap. A walk through the garden is inspiring enough, but consider buying a piece to take home and treasure.

The town of Nhill also has a significant Karen-Burmese refugee community, who make up 10 per cent of the local population. Discover the artistry of this vibrant culture at Paw Po, where you can purchase traditional hand-woven and textile products. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted homewares, fashion and dolls.

Step into the Wimmera Mallee’s storied history at the Stick Shed, the only WWII emergency grain store still standing today. This National Heritage-listed structure takes you on a journey through the region’s agricultural past and is a dramatic sight with its towering and eerily striking timber poles.

Nature escapes around Wimmera Mallee

pink Lake Tyrrel, Wimmera Mallee, Victoria Australia — Take in the pink hues of Lake Tyrrell. (Image: Visit Vic)

Much like the majestic beauty of the wider Grampians, the Wimmera Mallee is a mélange of serene and spellbinding nature escapes.

Victoria’s pink lakes are famed nationwide, and two of them are found right here. See the flamingo-pink hues of Loch Iel, particularly vivid after a heavy downpour, or the vast and ancient Lake Tyrrell, which turns pink during wet and warm conditions.

The Snowdrift dunes in Wyperfeld National Park are ideal for adventurers. Set amid the area’s semi-arid landscape, the dunes are expansive mounds of sand deposited around 40,000 years ago. Hike or sandboard them and make sure to visit at sunset, when the sand glows golden.

And while some travellers chase the highest peaks, you can see the most modest in the Wimmera Mallee. Standing a mere 43 metres above the surrounding terrain, Mount Wycheproof is considered the smallest registered mountain in the world. Courtesy of its relatively gentle inclines, it’s a lovely spot for a walk and a picnic.

Culinary adventures in Wimmera Mallee

border inn in the Wimmera Mallee — Meet the locals at Border Inn.

As a region rich in agricultural bounty, it’s little surprise the Wimmera Mallee has such a robust and vibrant food scene. The community is fiercely proud of its local produce, showcasing the flavours and heritage of the area.

The Border Inn in the village of Apsley is a quaint country pub and meeting spot for the local community, featuring a classic country menu and warm hospitality.

The Horsham Golf Club is a popular spot for golf buffs with an adjoining bistro and bar. Try a modern twist on hearty favourites while taking in views of the green. For a taste of the area’s vintages, head to Norton Estate Wines – a boutique wine producer and cellar door open weekends.

A Wimmera Mallee jaunt wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famed Sharp’s Bakery in Birchip. Here, you’ll find a velvety vanilla slice that’s been crowned as Australia’s best seven times.

Wimmera Mallee accommodation

Fulham Homestead in wimmera mallee — Escape to Fulham Homestead.

If you’re enjoying an extended trip, you’ll need somewhere to rest. After a day tackling Wyperfeld’s epic dunes, visit Pine Plains Lodge, also in the national park. Built from reclaimed timber planks and logs, and anchored by rugged stone fireplaces, the lodge is a rustic and cosy hideaway.

For a refined yet relaxing escape, head to Fulham Homestead – a gorgeously restored guesthouse on an idyllic working farm, complete with farm animals and scenic vistas. Built in the 1840s, it has all the elegance and charm of its heritage, plus contemporary comforts like a modern kitchen, wi-fi and air-conditioning.

The Hermitage Hotel is Victoria’s oldest inland pub and an equally delightful blend of old and new. The restored rooms are perfectly appointed and adorned with period furnishings and high-quality linens. The pub itself is a favoured food and wine spot among locals and travellers alike.

If camping is more your style, the Lake Lascelles Cabins and Camping (formerly Mallee Bush Retreat) is a sprawling oasis with powered and unpowered sites and snug cabins. The setting is stunning too, the pristine Lake Lascelles sitting right in its centre.

Annual events

Wimmera Mallee Nhill Aviation Museum — Time your visit to Nhill Aviation Museum for the annual air show.

You may not need an excuse to revisit the Wimmera Mallee, but these annual and bi-annual events will almost certainly have you returning again and again.

Each year, the Lake Chalegrark Country Music Marathon takes over the town for a spectacular line-up of musicians from around Australia. The event is easygoing, family-friendly, and set in scenic surrounds on the shores of Lake Charlegrark.

Every two years, the region holds colourful events like the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, a raucous celebration of 19th-century steampunk culture with a different theme each time; the Nhill Air Show, which features jaw-dropping aerial stunts, aircraft displays, music, activities and more; and the Nati Frinj, a festival of art, culture and performance showcasing the many talents of the Natimuk community.

From the quirky to the tasty, start planning at visitwimmeramallee.com.au

Royal Caribbean Brilliance of the Seas – everything you need to know

For the first time, Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas will call Sydney home next cruising season.

Where does Brilliance of the Seas sail from?

Where does Brilliance of the Seas sail to?

Sustainable practices