A new summer of new adventures in Australia is here. Marking the start of Royal Caribbean International’s biggest line-up of 2023-2024 holidays Down Under, the cruise line’s Brilliance of the Seas has arrived in Sydney for the first time. The new holiday begins a six-month season of 5- to 18-night cruises to unique and idyllic destinations, from Fiji and the Loyalty Islands to locales in Australia like Port Douglas, Melbourne and Kangaroo Island.

Holidaymakers can have their pick of 20 different immersive itineraries and 40 sun-soaked and culture-rich destinations this summer with Brilliance, where they will enjoy a more intimate experience as they go from one spectacular place to the next. In store are destinations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific that range from Port Douglas, Melbourne, Newcastle, Kangaroo Island and Gladstone, Australia; to Lifou, Loyalty Islands; Denarau and Suva, Fiji; plus Luganville, Vanuatu. Friends and families can also take exploration to the next level on 16- and 18-night holidays to even more far-flung destinations along Australia’s Top End and West Coast, as well as the New Zealand Sounds. What’s more, the two holidays can be combined to enjoy an epic 34-night Australia and New Zealand adventure.

Gavin Smith, vice president and managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International, said: “The start of Royal Caribbean’s Australian biggest summer season is officially here with the arrival of the intimate and unforgettable Brilliance of the Seas in Sydney. With such destination-rich holidays as well as the variety of dining, entertainment, ways to relax and more on board, Brilliance is a spectacular new way to explore top destinations in style and in great company with everyone in the family and group of friends. This is just the beginning of a bold summer as we look forward to a bumper season packed with three ships delivering the best family holiday experiences from Australia.”

With Brilliance’s striking 10-deck-high windows and ocean-facing glass elevators, travellers can take in breathtaking views as they sail to each destination and make memories across a variety of dining, entertainment, nightlife and more. The experiences for all ages on board vary from scaling Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall overlooking the ocean and playing mini golf with the family to sipping drinks with friends at the rotating Starquest bar with 180-degree views or the popular Vintages wine bar. Dining options are aplenty, including the family-style Italian trattoria, Giovanni’s Table, fresh sushi at Izumi and the intimate and exclusive multi-course Chef’s Table. When it comes to kicking back and recharging the mind, body and soul, there’s a full-service Vitality Spa, with everything from facials and bamboo massages to manicures and a salon.

Royal Caribbean Down Under
Royal Caribbean has even more celebrations in the pipeline for holidaymakers. After an unforgettable debut in Queensland last year, Quantum of the Seas will return on Saturday, Oct. 28, with 3- to 9-night holidays that offer the best family getaway from Brisbane to the picturesque islands of the South Pacific and the Queensland coast. The popular Ovation of the Seas is back in Australia’s iconic Sydney Harbour on Friday, Nov. 3, with a mix of 3- to 12-night getaways around Australia’s East Coast, the South Pacific and New Zealand’s rugged coastline for its seventh season in the region.