Royal Caribbean has something special in store for Asia-Pacific. The cruise line is preparing for a season in which several ships will take on new roles and make a number of distinctive destination combinations possible.
Royal Caribbean is significantly expanding its Asia-Pacific offering for the 2027-2028 season. Voyager of the Seas will play a leading role, sailing from Brisbane, Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo between October 2027 and April 2028. Cruises range from short two-night getaways to longer journeys of up to 15 nights, visiting destinations across Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, China, Japan and South Korea.
The new programme forms part of what Royal Caribbean calls its biggest Asia-Pacific season to date. Alongside Voyager of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas will also operate in the region.
Voyager of the Seas Begins in Australia
For Voyager of the Seas, the new season begins in Australia. From October to December 2027, the ship will offer a range of cruises from Brisbane to destinations in the South Pacific. The sailings vary in length and will visit destinations including Mystery Island, Port Vila and Luganville in Vanuatu, as well as Nouméa and Lifou in New Caledonia.
Following its Brisbane programme, the ship will make a two-night coastal repositioning cruise to Sydney. From there, a new 10-night Christmas sailing to New Zealand is scheduled.
The itinerary visits Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin and also includes Milford Sound. The cruise combines several cities with the spectacular landscapes for which New Zealand is known.
From Singapore to Hong Kong
From January 2028, Voyager of the Seas moves to Asia. One of the new options is a five-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong, with a visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Phuoc An), Vietnam, along the way.
Hong Kong will then become an important departure port for the ship. Around Chinese New Year, seven four- and five-night cruises are planned to Ishigaki and Okinawa in Japan.
On selected sailings, the ship will stay overnight in Okinawa. This gives guests more time to explore the island, from its turquoise waters and local flavours to its distinctive Ryukyu culture.
Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, and Hue/Danang (Chan May), Vietnam, are also included in the programme from Hong Kong. Taipei offers access to the city’s lively night markets and renowned food scene. Chan May, meanwhile, provides a gateway to historic Hue and Danang, with their combination of cultural heritage, coastal landscapes and Central Vietnamese cuisine.
Japan During Cherry Blossom Season
From late February 2028, Tokyo will become Voyager of the Seas’ homeport. The timing coincides with Japan’s cherry blossom season.
Royal Caribbean has planned four cruises of 10 to 12 nights. The itineraries combine several Japanese destinations, including Osaka, Nagasaki and Kobe. From Shimizu, guests can also explore the area around Mount Fuji.
The programme is therefore not only focused on major cities, but also on the natural beauty and landscapes that make Japan particularly appealing in spring.
Fun and Entertainment Onboard Voyager of the Seas
Between destinations, Voyager of the Seas offers a wide range of activities. Guests looking for thrills can take on the FlowRider surf simulator, the Perfect Storm waterslides or the rock-climbing wall. At Studio B, passengers can also go ice skating on the onboard rink.
Families can enjoy Voyager Dunes, a nine-hole mini-golf course, and Laser Tag: Battle for Planet Z. Younger guests have their own activities and spaces at Adventure Ocean, while teenagers can spend time in the Living Room.
The dining options range from casual to more elaborate experiences. Giovanni’s Table serves Italian family-style dishes, Chops Grille focuses on hand-cut steaks, and Izumi offers sushi and Japanese-inspired flavours. For a more casual meal, guests can visit Windjammer and Café Promenade.
Ovation of the Seas Heads to Brisbane
Voyager of the Seas is not the only ship being deployed in Australia. From November 2027, the newly amplified Ovation of the Seas will also sail from Brisbane.
The ship will offer cruises of three to eight nights. It has recently undergone extensive enhancements, including a revamped pool deck featuring Splashaway Bay and private Casitas.
There are also new culinary options, including Izumi Teppanyaki and Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen. The Pesky Parrot has been added as a tropical cocktail bar, while Casino Royale has been expanded.
Another notable addition is Sound Cellar, a new venue focused on music and late-night dancing.
From Brisbane, Ovation of the Seas will also offer two four-night cruises to Airlie Beach, giving travellers the opportunity to visit the Whitsundays without having to undertake a lengthy journey along the Australian coast.
Navigator of the Seas Stays Longer in Singapore
Navigator of the Seas will also have a longer presence in Asia. Royal Caribbean is extending the ship’s inaugural season in Singapore, meaning Navigator of the Seas will sail from the city-state from October 2026 through October 2027.
The programme includes two- to five-night cruises to popular destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. A longer 12-night sailing from Tokyo to Singapore is also scheduled.
The extension means that Singapore will serve as a departure port for Navigator of the Seas throughout the year, allowing travellers to choose between short trips and longer journeys through Southeast Asia.
Anthem of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas Complete the Lineup
The new Asia-Pacific programme will also be complemented by Anthem of the Seas sailing from Sydney. Meanwhile, Spectrum of the Seas will continue sailing from Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Spectrum of the Seas will visit destinations in Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. Together with the other ships, this creates a network of different departure ports and itineraries across the region.
Royal Caribbean is targeting both short holidays and longer journeys combining multiple countries and destinations. With the expanded programme, Royal Caribbean aims to give travellers the opportunity to discover Asia in a way that suits their travel style, from a short getaway with family or friends to a longer journey visiting multiple destinations.
Pictures courtesy of Royal Caribbean
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