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Royal Caribbean announces 3 ships for Australia’s 2027 summer

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’s on sale now.

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 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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Two of the best festivals are coming to Ballarat: here’s how to plan for them

(Credit: Tony Evans)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    Come for a couple of unmissable festivals, stay for a long, leisurely weekend of wining, dining and exploring all the heritage-rich glory Ballarat has to offer.

    Far from a sleepy town, the historic city of Ballarat is an unexpectedly vibrant cultural and culinary destination. Year-round, it hosts a roster of events and experiences – including the upcoming Ballarat Heritage Festival, a celebration of the city’s past, and the new Ballarat Craft and Design Week, a must for fans of all things handmade and thoughtfully designed.

    Beyond the festivals, there’s a bevy of things to see, do, eat and drink – making a weekend in Ballarat an absolute no-brainer.

    Plus, just 90 minutes away from Melbourne by car along the Western Freeway or an easy train ride from Southern Cross, getting here is simple and stress-free.

    Day 1

    Morning

    Perridak Arts ballarat
    Peruse works by local First Nations artists at Perridak Arts. (Credit: Tony Evans)

    Start your Ballarat jaunt at Johnny Alloo, a beautifully restored cafe harking back to the 1870s with original details and contemporary touches. Order a seasonal plate from the all-day brunch menu alongside a cleverly reimagined ‘cup of tea’ – the cafe’s very own Earl Grey-infused early bird spritz.

    Next, head to Perridak Arts, a First Nations-owned and operated gallery filled with powerful works by local First Nations artists. Your next stop is Hop Lane, an alleyway crowned by a floating canopy of technicoloured umbrellas and centred on Hop Queen, a striking mural of a commanding female figure.

    Afternoon

    The Pottage ballarat
    Create your own artworks at The Pottage. (Credit: Mass Motion)

    Cobb’s Coffee is a firm favourite for consistently good coffee and thoughtful food, making it a solid lunch spot. The cafe’s signature sandwiches and toasties are well worth trying as you take in the heritage surrounds.

    While away your afternoon at The Pottage, where Ballarat ceramicist and social media favourite Shelby Sherritt has just moved into brand-new digs. Try a throwing workshop, or pick a piece of pottery to paint from the extensive collection (the team will post it to you once it’s fired).

    Now it’s time to check into Hotel Vera, the newest boutique accommodation in the city’s already-impressive line-up. The hotel presents a modern spin on Ballarat’s gold rush-era past – think design-led rooms, gold detailing and a curated art collection. There are only seven suites, each as beautifully finished as the next, with high-quality linens and plush furnishings.

    Evening

    Babae hotel vera ballarat
    Sit down to a seven-course feast at Babae. (Credit: Einwick)

    Treat yourself to a pre-dinner drink at Grainery Lane. The saloon-style bar has rich, period-inspired decor (including an original bar top sourced from Chicago) and drinks reminiscent of 1900s classics, crafted with local ingredients.

    Head back to Hotel Vera for a seven-course feast at Babae. This intimate dining room serves up a refined, ever-evolving menu made with exceptional produce and is a truly memorable experience.

    Day 2

    Spencer & Nick Ballarat Craft and Design Week
    Spend the day at Ballarat Craft and Design Week. (Credit: Klapper Films)

    Linger over a slow breakfast at Hotel Vera. You’ll graze your way through a spread of locally sourced treats, from toasted granola and pastries to seasonal fruit, and will need a strong coffee before a busy day at the main event: Ballarat Craft and Design Week.

    This year marks the event’s inauguration, a celebration of artists, makers, designers and manufacturers. It’s a testament to Ballarat’s position as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art.

    The festival features a thoughtfully curated roster of events and activities, including free talks, hands-on workshops where you can craft your own keepsake, displays, studio tours and more. The central theme is Bound, with a flagship exhibition hosted in Ballarat’s grand and iconic Mining Exchange. The exhibition brings together five immersive projects designed to be touched, explored and experienced.

    Afternoon

    Pancho ballarat
    Discuss your favourite artworks over lunch at Pancho. (Credit Einwick)

    The Craft and Design program continues at The Unicorn Collection. The gallery is hosting Why Are You Here?, an installation presented by artists from the community that centres on the meaning of Ballarat as home.

    Recharge with lunch at Pancho, which turns out vibrant food from across Central and South America. Make sure to order from the specials board, often featuring dishes from more far-flung locations.

    For a top-up of local craftsmanship, a visit to Wootten is a must. This workshop and retail space is a Ballarat institution, making and selling made-to-order and customised footwear alongside a selection of handcrafted leather goods.

    Evening

    Mr Jones restaurant in Ballarat
    Ballarat’s streets contain incredible dining options. (Credit: Tony Evans)

    Book a table at Mr Jones, headed by chef Damian Jones, who’s worked in Michelin-Starred restaurants around the globe. The modern Asian menu changes weekly, but you can always expect the very best ingredients cooked with precision and restraint.

    Finish off your day of art and exploration with a nightcap (and maybe a cheeky late-night snack) at Renard. This intimate and atmospheric cocktail bar does clever drinks alongside French-leaning small plates – we love the smoked trout pate and goat’s cheese doughnuts.

    Day 3

    Morning

    Black Cat Truffles
    Stop into Black Cat Truffles before heading home. (Credit Einwick)

    It’s your final morning in Ballarat (that is, until you inevitably return), so it’s worth making it an unhurried one. Turret Cafe is your best bet for a relaxed and satisfying breakfast, with a produce-driven all-day menu and excellent coffee inside a character-filled setting.

    A wander around the leafy Ballarat Botanical Gardens, followed by an excursion to Ross Creek Gallery, is the ideal way to stretch your legs after your morning feast. The gardens are replete with seasonal flower displays and heritage-listed trees, while the gallery is hosting a group exhibition centred on printmakers from across the region as part of Craft and Design Week.

    Farewell your weekend escape – and fuel up for the journey home – at Black Cat Truffles. True to its name, the restaurant serves truffle-infused dishes (alongside regular fare) and the surrounding farm hosts truffle hunts and experiences. Pair your meal with a drop from the on-site Meredith Wines cellar door.

    Can’t make it for Ballarat Craft + Design Week? Time this itinerary for the annual Ballarat Heritage Weekend, returning 21-24 May, or the magical Ballarat Winter Festival, 27 June – 19 July. Start planning at visitballarat.com.au.