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Royal Caribbean International returns to Australia for second consecutive season

Royal Caribbean International returns to Australia for second consecutive season

Travellers can now choose from over 50 distinctive itineraries to 56 different ports of call in the South Pacific from three of Royal Caribbean International’s innovative ships with cruises on offer between September 2013 and April 2014.

Voyager of the Seas, the recently revitalised Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will sail in the South pacific region with many cruises departing from Sydney’s iconic harbour.

“There’s no better way for families and adventurers to experience Australia and New Zealand than with Royal Caribbean International,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing for Royal Caribbean International. “Unpack once, visit multiple destinations in this fascinating region and delve deeper into an unforgettable Australia adventure.”

Voyager of the Seas will sail from Singapore to Sydney on a 14-night cruise on 24 October 24 2013, which begins with an overnight in Singapore and calls at Kuala Lumpur (Port Keland), Malaysia, and Darwin and Brisbane, Australia. The ship then homeports at Sydney to offer nine sailings to New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia, ranging from nine- to 14-night itineraries.  A nine-night Tasmania cruise, sailing 4 February 2014, features an overnight at Hobart on this one-off itinerary. At the end of the season, Voyager of the Seas will sail a spectacular 18-night Australia and New Zealand itinerary to Perth, and return to the Far East on a 14-night sailing on 27 March to Singapore, via Bangkok.

Exclusively offering the DreamWorks Experience in the Far East and South Pacific, Voyager of the Seas offers holidaymakers the most innovative Australia and New Zealand cruise experience. Popular DreamWorks Animation characters such as Po the Warrior Dragon from Kung Fu Panda, Shrek and Fiona, Alex the Lion and Gloria the Hippo from Madagascar will delight guests in Character Breakfasts, themed activities, surprise appearances, and plenty of unforgettable photo opportunities.

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The ship is the first among a class of ships that revolutionised the industry including debuting the first ice-skating rink and rock-climbing wall at sea. The ship also features the Royal Promenade, an interior boulevard that runs nearly the ship’s length; flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques; and where parades and evening street parties are held.

Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas also will be homeported at Sydney from October 2013 to early May 2014, offering travellers a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from seven to 15 nights to Australia’s Tasmania and Queensland, New Zealand, Fiji and New Caledonia. Radiance of the Seas also will circumnavigate twice around Australia – comprising a 16-night north coast and 17-night south coast and New Zealand sailing each – departing 24 October 2013 and 14 February 2014.

Trans-Pacific crossings between Vancouver, British Columbia and Sydney begin and end both ship’s winter 2013-14 Australia season, comprising a 12-night Hawaii and a 16- or 17-night South Pacific sailing, departing 13 September 2013 and 10 April 2014 on board Radiance of the Seas, and 6 September 2013 and 18 April 2014 for Rhapsody of the Seas.

In between exciting ports of call, just-revitalised Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas offer guests a wide spectrum of the most contemporary dining and entertainment options. Radiance of the Seas was revitalized in 2011 to offer eight restaurants – Park Café, Boardwalk Dog House, Chef’s Table, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi, Rita’s Cantina, Samba Grille and main dining room – and the new Quill & Compass Pub.

Rhapsody of the Seas features a new high-flying Centrum entertainment experience, where aerialists glide through the five-story atrium as guests enjoy a cocktail in the new 60’s-themed R Bar, or catch a small bite in the new chic Viking Crown Lounge in the evening. Both ships also newly feature an oversized LED video screen overlooking the main pool, the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, bow-to-stern WiFi service, and completely refreshed staterooms with new flat-panel interactive TVs, and a Concierge Lounge and Diamond Club for suite and Crown & Anchor Society member guests.

Younger guests can join in informative and entertaining programming from morning to late night in the cruise line’s award-winning Adventure Ocean and Kids programme. College-accredited counsellors lead kids in stimulating activities designed for five age groups, 3-5, 6-9, 10-13, and 14-17 years, where teens have their own dedicated space to hang out with peers.

A Queensland fly/cruise including return flights from London Heathrow to Sydney and one-night’s pre-cruise hotel accommodation in Sydney costs from £2,480 per person. Price includes an 11-night cruise on board Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas departing Sydney and calling at destinations throughout New South Wales and Queensland including Newcastle, an overnight stay in Cairns, Airlie Beach and Brisbane.

Travellers can also choose a Royal Caribbean Australia Cruisetour and add an escorted pre- or post-cruise land tour to their holiday. Guests have opportunities to explore the Great Barrier Reef; come face-to-face with the awesome Ayers Rock; walk Australia’s Great Outback; or delve into New Zealanders culture and landscapes on more than four itineraries, all escorted by a dedicated Royal Caribbean Adventure Specialist who knows what to see and where to go. Royal Caribbean International takes care of all the planning, premium hotel accommodations, included activities, all coach and air transportation, selected meals, and time for independent exploration and shopping for a stress-free Australia adventure.