royal caribbean cruise ship australia

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Royal caribbean reveals adventures for 2023-24 australia season.

SYDNEY, 22 March 2022 – Starting October 2023, a summer full of memories and untamed adventure is on the horizon as Royal Caribbean International announces its bold season of 2023-2024 Australia cruises packed with returning favourites, firsts and new itineraries. Ovation and Quantum of the Seas , among the world’s most ground-breaking cruise ships, return to Australia to sail from Brisbane and Sydney. The season also welcomes a big Down Under debut with the arrival of Brilliance of the Seas , touting new destinations and itineraries from Sydney.

Royal Caribbean’s action-packed line-up is now open and available on the cruise line’s website , and holidaymakers can celebrate with half-price deposits when they book from 23 March to 5 April.

Adventurers of all ages can experience the region’s spectacular beauty on varying itineraries that range from 2-night getaways to 19-night adventures. Guests can visit multiple destinations of 38 gems of the Southern Hemisphere from one day to the next, including locales along the rich coasts of Australia, the Land of the Long White Cloud and the postcard-perfect beaches of the South Pacific.

“It’s thrilling to welcome back two Quantum Class ships Down Under, demonstrating Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the region. Plus, because there’s always more room for adventure with Royal Caribbean, we’ve taken the opportunity to bring Brilliance of the Seas to Australia to offer unique sailings that visit new destinations we know our guests are excited to explore,” said Gavin Smith, managing director of Australia and New Zealand, Royal Caribbean International. “We look forward to even more guests, their loved ones and families creating memories while holidaying with us in several of the most spectacular places on earth.”

2023-2024 Highlights

  • Quantum of the Seas – Cruising from Brisbane Headlining the line-up in Australia is Quantum , returning for an encore after its first summer season sailing from Brisbane in 2022. Holidaymakers can choose from 3- to 13-night cruises to explore Queensland’s stunning coast, including destinations such as Airlie Beach and Cairns, Queensland ; or discover the untouched beauty of the South Pacific by visiting places like Port Vila, Vanuatu, and Noumea, New Caledonia.
  • Ovation of the Seas – Cruising from Sydney Ovation, one of the most tech-forward ships, will set sail on its fifth season in the region. Holidaymakers can choose from a mix of 20 cruises, including 9- to 11-night sailings that visit destinations along New Zealand’s rugged coastline like Milford Sound, Wellington and Bay of Islands. Guests can also pick from a series of 3- to 9-night getaways around Australia to visit Hobart, Adelaide and Eden ; as well as cruises to the South Pacific islands.
  • Brilliance of the Seas – Cruising from Sydney Highlights of Brilliance's  season in Australia include new destinations for Royal Caribbean: Kangaroo Island and Gladstone, Australia . Holidaymakers can escape to the South Pacific on 8- to 11-night sailings and visit Isle of Pines, Mare and Noumea, New Caledonia; Lifou, Loyalty Islands as well as Port Vila in Vanuatu. A series of special cruises are also on deck, including an 11-night South Pacific and Fiji Christmas cruise, and longer sailings of 16 and 18 nights to locales along Australia’s Top End and West Coast, such as Darwin, Exmouth and Fremantle . Guests can combine the two itineraries back-to-back to enjoy a 34-night Australia and New Zealand adventure. 

The 2023-2024 season will see Royal Caribbean capture the imaginations of families and adventurous holidaymakers alike. Sailing in style from one destination to the next on Quantum and Ovation , guests can catch waves on the FlowRider surf simulator, shoot hoops or battle it out on the indoor dodgems at the largest indoor activity complex at sea , SeaPlex. Brilliance’s debut will offer guests a wide range of accommodation options, and the ship is ideal for those who enjoy a more intimate cruise experience alongside destination-rich itineraries. With the option of three ships and a variety of domestic and international itineraries, there’s a line-up of new ways to explore and seek adventure for everyone next summer. 

To book the new 2023-2024 cruises, holidaymakers can visit www.royalcaribbean.com or contact their local travel advisor.

About Royal Caribbean International Royal Caribbean International , owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel that features the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveller. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to 240 destinations in 61 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay , the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 19 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards.  

Media can stay up to date by following  @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and @RCIaustraliaandnz on Facebook, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, holidaymakers can call their travel advisor, visit RoyalCaribbean.com.au or call 1800 754 500. 

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Royal Caribbean Is Headed Back to Australia — and You Can Start Booking Today

Sailings will begin in October 2023.

royal caribbean cruise ship australia

Royal Caribbean has announced a slew of Australian cruises for 2023 and 2024 a week after the country said it would lift its ban on cruise ships.

The cruise line will sail out of Brisbane and Sydney , embarking on everything from two-night getaways to 19-night voyages, according to Royal Caribbean . The Australia cruises, which will start in October 2023, will sail on the Ovation of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , and — for the first time — on the Enchantment of the Seas .

"It's thrilling to welcome back two Quantum Class ships Down Under, demonstrating Royal Caribbean's commitment to the region. Plus… we've taken the opportunity to bring Enchantment of the Seas to Australia to offer unique sailings that visit new destinations we know our guests are excited to explore," Gavin Smith, the managing director of Australia and New Zealand for Royal Caribbean International, said in a statement. "We look forward to even more guests, their loved ones, and families creating memories while holidaying with us in several of the most spectacular places on earth."

Sail along Queensland's coast, including a trip to Cairns, which is a jumping-off point for the Great Barrier Reef . Or use Sydney as your base to explore New Zealand's coastline , Hobart, Adelaide, or the stunning South Pacific islands.

Those who board the Enchantment's inaugural season in Australia can visit Kangaroo Island , New Caledonia, and Vanuatu, or plan to celebrate Christmas at sea with an 11-night South Pacific and Fiji Christmas cruise.

Travelers can book a Royal Caribbean Australia cruise starting Wednesday and will receive half-price deposits if they book before April 5.

Australia dropped its ban on cruise ships last week, allowing it to end when it expires on April 17, according to the government . Before the pandemic in 2019, Australia welcomed more than 600,000 cruise ship passengers.

"On the basis of medical advice and with the agreement of National Cabinet, lifting the cruise ban is consistent with the reopening of Australia's international border and shows that we have successfully navigated Australia's emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic," Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt said in a statement.

The decision also comes weeks after Australia opened its borders to vaccinated international tourists .

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

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World’s biggest cruise liner’s huge Australian move

Cruising has become a big deal over the past few years, even among Gen Z-ers, which is why this liner has made a big move in Australia.

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Cruising has become a big deal over the past few years even among Gen Z, with more Aussies hitting the seas than ever before.

To keep up with the demand, Royal Caribbean (RCL) has announced the debut of a new ship — Anthem of the Seas and after five years has brought back Voyager of the Seas with its new homeport of Brisbane, as it prepares for a wild summer season in Australia.

RCL is the world’s biggest cruise brand with 27 ships globally.

Royal Caribbean has announced the debut of a new ship, Anthem of the Seas, into Australia. Picture: Royal Caribbean

“We have many Australian guests who are returning cruisers on Quantum and Ovation, so we’re bringing in new ships to the region as a unique opportunity to provide our guests with fresh itineraries, while of course still being able to provide many of the signature favourites people know and love,” Gavin Smith, managing director for Royal Caribbean AUNZ, told news.com.au.

He said Anthem brings new experiences including the Queen inspired musical, We Will Rock You, and retro themed diner, Johnny Rockets, while Voyager offers guests three storey waterslides, ice-skating and minigolf.

It has also brought back Voyager of the Seas after five years as it prepares for a wild summer season in Australia. Picture: Royal Caribbean

“We’ve had a bumper year in Australia this season which was partially driven by young families as well as millennial and Gen Z passengers who have increasingly taken to cruising,” he said.

“Multi-gen families are also a key guest for Royal Caribbean in Australia driving the demand, as often we see the grandparents booking suites for themselves, and supporting with rooms for the rest of the group, which in turn introduces their younger family members to cruising.”

Mr Smith said cruising is shaking up the holiday industry in Australia as Aussies look for value and ease amid cost-of-living pressures.

@baileyparker__ cruise ships are absolutely wild #royalcaribbean #anthemoftheseas #cruise #fyp ♬ Che La Luna - Louis Prima
@cruisingwithcalandra Anthem Shining Bright.. @royalcaribbean #anthemoftheseas #cruising #travel #dronevideo #drone ♬ Stars - BCD Studio 9ver

“We’re anticipating the next season will bring high levels growth led by younger guests, we’re looking forward to a rise in cruise converts as more Aussies will get a true ‘something for everyone’ holiday experience.”

He said they’re also seeing strong demand from first time cruisers who are “really embracing and understanding the benefits” to this style of holiday.

@cruise.blog Have you sailed on Voyager of the Seas? #cruise #cruiselife #cruiseblog #cruiselife #cruisewithme #royalcaribbean #voyageroftheseas #royalcaribbeancruise #voyager #cruisereview #galvestoncruise ♬ Calm Down X Love Nwantiti - DJ Drek

“On a cruise, all of your needs are met from the moment you step on board. Where else can you visit multiple countries and only unpack once without the need to spend precious holiday time in airports or pay for expensive hotels in peak summer periods?”

But it’s shorter cruise adventures that are currently the most attractive among travellers.

“Guests are taking shorter holidays, but more of them for example a family may take a 7-night holiday to the South Pacific, plus parents also enjoy an adult only wellness weekend with friends,” Mr Smith said.

He said on Anthem, there’s more weekend getaways than ever before so groups of friends can enjoy getting away for a wellness retreat and indulge in “adults only spaces and spa”.

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royal caribbean cruise ship australia

The ship will makes its debut in Australia when it arrives to Sydney in November 2025 with 24 holidays ranging from three to 18 nights across New Zealand, the sunny Australian coast and islands of the South Pacific.

Voyager will sail from Brisbane for the first time from December 2025, with 20 holidays to choose from and a new destination in the line-up – Luganville, Vanuatu.

Sailing is between November 2025 and April 2026.

One of Australia’s most popular islands has made a move that’s left Aussies furious with some even vowing to “boycott” the hotspot.

An American social media star promises he is a Milo pro now after being absolutely roasted by Aussies for making this hilarious mistake.

A major airline has slashed airfares to a holiday destination that more than a million Australian holiday makers flock to every year.

Cruise Passenger

Revealed: The two new Royal Caribbean ships coming to Australia

Royal Caribbean has listed Voyager of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas as new ships sailing out of Brisbane and Sydney.

While the line has been tight-lipped about what’s going to happen in season 2025/26, a search of the Royal Caribbean website shows Voyager of the Seas departing Brisbane and Anthem of the Seas departing Sydney.

Two itineraries were available on Royal Caribbean’s website, but have been promptly taken down. A nine-night South Pacific cruise on Anthem of the Seas and a four-night Queensland cruise on Voyager of the Seas , in March and February 2026 respectively.

royal caribbean cruise ship australia

Earlier this week, YouTube cruising couple, Deb & Matt Chat .

Currently onboard Quantum of the Seas , the couple not only shared that they were told by staff that Anthem and Voyager would be coming to Australia, but also spilled the beans on another big reveal. The couple speculated that Royal Caribbean could be sailing year-round out of Brisbane from 2025/2026.

Fresh from a chat with the staff onboard, Matt says: “I am comfortable to put money on Royal Caribbean going from 2025/2026 year-round out of Brisbane. I am pretty, confident.

“ We could be wrong but it looks like the 2025/2026 will have Voyager and Anthem .”

Deb added: “We were given some soft acknowledgment of that.”

We put the couple’s coup to Royal Caribbean and are still waiting a response.

All will be officially revealed when Royal Caribbean announces their 2025/2026 Australian deployments on April 10, a press representative from the line said to Cruise Passenger .

Royal Caribbean though, did not confirm whether Anthem or Voyager would be sailing in Australia. Or if the line would be sailing year-round from Brisbane.

However, the couple do appear to be on the right track, with the Royal Caribbean website already shows scheduled local cruises for Anthem and Voyager in 2026, but no destinations.

A screen shot of the Royal Caribbean website listing the two ships, Anthem and Voyager.

What we know so far

Currently, Royal Caribbean’s local upcoming seasons have had big question marks over what or how many ships are sailing our waters. Quantum and Ovation are currently sailing here, but have different deployments listed for 2025/2026. That leaves Aussie cruisers wondering as to which ships will be sailing here. Some loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers have felt the line is neglecting Aussie cruising. However, if the rumours surrounding the year-round deployment in Brisbane are true, these worries would be dispelled. Royal Caribbean has never sailed year-round in Australia. It would also be a significant milestone for the local cruise industry. It would also acknowledge the success of the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal .

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Progress on the private island of Lelepa

Deb and Matt were told that work is also progressing on Lelepa, Royal Caribbean’s private island in Vanuatu. While Royal Caribbean has Perfect Day in CocoCay in the Caribbean, Lelepa is set to become the Pacific equivalent.

The day club is proposed to open for up to 4500 passengers per day to begin. The couple were told staff familiarisation trips have already begun, with construction already having begun on the island.

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Voyager and Anthem

Voyager of the Seas looks a possibility for Australian waters, with no sailings scheduled past October 2025. The ship will be sailing in the Mediterranean until then, creating an interesting repositioning cruise if it were to redirect to Australia.

Voyager started sailing in 1999, leading Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class ships. The ship takes 3602 guests across 15 decks.

Anthem of the Seas is more modern, starting its sailings in 2013, as part of Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class ships. Anthem has scheduled sailings up until September 2025 in Alaska, leaving it open to potentially pivot to Australia for the 2025/2026 season.

First pictures: Voyager of the Seas unveils new look

We were told by one of the RCI cruise directors before COVID hit that RCCL were planning to sail all year round from Australia. He also told us that their new island on Vanuatu would be opening in about 12 months. Unfortunately COVID must have delayed their plans so it’s good to know that everything is back on the drawing board again.

The issue RCCL face is that while the bigger newer ships can berth at Brisbane and Sydney (if they can get a slot there!), but they struggle for ports of call that can accommodate them elsewhere so a lot of port calls are tender only. Thats problematic when you have to offload and reload 4000 passengers on tenders that hold 100 at a time…

When is Australia going to get an Oasis Class ship? I know for a fact that Vanuatu, mainly Port Villa, has been measured to take these size ships, we just need a dedicated port to take them. Let’s look outside the box we have had enough Quantum Class ships out here, even though I will be booking on Anthem next season.

Will the oasis class of royal caribbean cruise ships come to Australia or is it limited to the size of quantum class ships.

I just watched the YouTube video of the voyager of the seas, i’m so disappointed, looks dated, main areas are awful, reviews of food are 2/5 not a good replacement of the beautiful Quantum

This is what I’m wanting to know so if Royal Caribbean proposes all year round cruising from Brisbane for the 2025/26 cruise season and all year round. What would that mean for celebrity Cruises which is also owned by Royal Caribbean

Post covid Australia now gets treated poorly in the number of ships and different itineraries by Royal. Despite it being Alaska and Europe off-season, the Wonder and new Icon available. Australians sailing in high numbers, with a lot of first time cruisers. Sadly there will only be 2 ships operating out of Australian for 24-25 and it appears the same for 25-26. Doesn’t make sense, considering they have a 3rd ship Brilliance for 23-24, that will not be back or replaced.

As someone who only discovered the joy of cruising since everything reopened after covid, I am going to be so sad if we get Voyager out of Brisbane! Quantum was my first (and only) ship and I love her so much, the idea of going on a much smaller, dated ship with less to offer seems so backwards to me.

As stated, the new terminal out of Brisbane is a hit (albeit we desperately need transport options other than taxis and ubers) and it can handle the bigger ships, so why bring in a smaller one?

I know it can navigate to ports more easily, but I couldn’t imagine doing 14 nights on a Voyager class. Unless the prices are alot cheaper than they are on Quantum I fail to see the appeal. I know the staff and food will be lovely, but the lack of space and activities as a young, child free adult really puts a damper on the thought.

And I have 0 problems with kids on board, I honestly love seeing the families and how much fun they have too, that’s what’s so great about Royal – it really caters to everyone! But I just don’t see how Voyager will have the space, even the Solarium is minuscule in comparison to Quantum and it was hard to find spa or pool space on her most days!

Sorry for the rant I’m just really passionate and disappointed. I’m happy to get a new ship out of Brisbane but I don’t see how downgrading is a good option. And I can’t even imagine trying to go to New Zealand on Voyager, if Quantum was rough than I imagine it’ll feel like sailing through a washing machine!

Love the Voyager class. They have a promenade, perfect for the Aussie way of life and party attitude on ships with still plenty of quiet areas for those stick in the muds that want a quiet cruise.

Not fussed on Quantum Class to convoluted and terrible for party nights and parades.

Would prefer the Freedom class though (Voyager on Steroids)

RC needs to expand it’s port options similar to PO. There are many fantastic locations to cruise to in South Pacific. In 2020 senior RC maanagement were quoted about an Oasis class ship for Bris. Where has this plan evaporated to RC ????? IF Voyager stays year round in Brisbane this would be some small compensation but if just doing 3 island pots like Quantum it would soon run out of return cruisers. Hope RC staff are reading all comments.

I would rather have Voyager of the Seas come back to Sydney. It has waterslides for the kids, mini golf, rock climbing, more pools and other good activities for us young families with children.

Yes Ovation is newer but most of the items on the ship are for the older kids to use.

They need to bring a different style ship anthem is the same as ovation.

I’m sick of the same ship after doing 8 cruises on it

I was on Voyager years ago when it was sailing out of Sydney, the food was absolutely disgusting. Main course, sux pieces of calamari served on cut up iceberg lettuce. Another night lamb chop with congealed gravy. A big disappointment as we had not long returned from an RCI cruise around Caribbean which had fabulous food. Terrible ship.

Talking about cruising out of Brisbane,The new terminal is a great facility,But the location is terrible with no public transport and very difficult to get to, The government has to improve this situation ASAP.

Bring voyager back to Sydney I love this line and explorer. I rather these ships then ovaition come to Sydney

Was not the Legend of the Seas based in Brisbane year round a few years ago until they sold it to Tui cruises?

Voyager was the first of RCL’s Voyager class to sail in Australia, so it’s a return for her.

If Anthem comes across, we’ll have had 3 of their newer Quantum class here, which is more than any of their other classes.

Yes I agree also with the itinerary. It needs to be expanded. We have Papua above us, local islands in the north and lower reef, Norfolk and Lord Howe Island and the Solomon Islands. Can they not take the amount of people?

Why is it that Australia; in particular Brisbane, gets the oldest class of ships. Especially when we hear and see how successful the QLD port is with Year round cruising possible (apart from the odd cyclone or storm). I am point this direct at Royal Caribbean, NCL, HAL and Princess. I mean Voyager 1999??

The deployment of Voyager of the Seas to Brisbane represents a significant backward step by RCCL. It is much older than Quantum and quite rundown by comparison. I agree with others that RCCL is neglecting Aussie cruisers. So much so that we’ve decided to only book Celebrity for the foreseeable future.

I welcome Voyager coming to Australia. We were meant to go on Voyager in January 2021 for our son’s 21st, but we all know what happened in 2021. However Anthem is just another Quantum class ship similar to Ovation and Quantum, both of which we have sailed on already. Plus it appears to be the same boring South Pacific itinerary visiting only Port Vila, Mystery Island (if you get to disembark, we didn’t), and Noumea, where every South Pacific cruise stops.

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A cruise turned into a nightmare for people aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas when a young man jumped overboard shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday.

The 18-story ship was sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island when the as-yet-unidentified man jumped off one of the decks.

According to onlookers, his father and brother watched helplessly as he leaped over the side.

Some passengers said it appeared to be an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision. 

Liberty of the Seas

“I had hung out with him and his brother in the hot tub until 3:30,” passenger Bryan Sims tells The Post. ” It was standing room only. He sat right beside me the whole time.”

“He was pretty drunk,” Sims continues.

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.” “When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.” 

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” another passenger,  Deborah Morrison, told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”

“It was insane,” says Sims. “It was just surreal.” 

In a statement to The Post, Royal Caribbean said its crew immediately sprang into action following the incident.

“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search,” the statement reads.

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”

News of the apparent suicide attempt quickly spread among the guests — and many of them tried to help in any way they could.

Decks of Liberty of the Seas

“The early morning was definitely somber as so many people came out of their cabins to stare at the sea, hoping to be able to aid in finding the person,” said Amy Phelps Fouse, a passenger on the ship.

“Royal Caribbean has been excellent at communicating updates throughout the day,” Fouse continued. “They have asked that people act with compassion in light of the tragic situation.”

Overboard incidents on cruise ships are rare.

According to the Washington Post , about 386 people were reported to have gone overboard on the major cruise lines between 2000 to 2020.

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The incidents, whether accidental or intentional, are often deadly.

In the past few years, most cruise lines have enacted onboard safety measures and surveillance systems to help reduce the risk of overboard deaths.

The Coast Guard confirmed to The Post it is still conducting a search and rescue operation in the waters off Cuba. The man has not yet been found.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to  SuicidePreventionLifeline.org .

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Award-Winning Actress & Performer Hannah Waddingham to Serve as Godmother of Stunning Sun Princess

Newest “love boat” to be officially christened in star-studded ceremony in barcelona on april 23, 2024.

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FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. , (April 8, 2024) - Award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham will serve the time-honored, maritime tradition as the official Godmother of Princess Cruises’ newest “Love Boat” Sun Princess. The star-studded naming ceremony will take place at the Port of Barcelona on April 23, 2024. 

Waddingham joins an esteemed group who have served as Godparent to Princess ships: Diana, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 1984), Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales (Royal Princess, 2013); Audrey Hepburn (Star Princess, 1989); Sophia Loren (Crown Princess, 1990); Martha Stewart (Crown Princess, 2006), among many notable celebrities.

British actress and singer, Waddingham is beloved for her role as Rebecca Welton in Apple TV+’s “Ted Lasso,” in which her performance garnered a Primetime Emmy, Critics Choice Television Award and Screen Actors Guild Award, as well as two individual Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations. She will next be seen in the highly anticipated Universal film “The Fall Guy” opposite Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt in theaters on May 3, 2024. Earlier this year, Waddingham earned a BAFTA TV Award nomination for her own Apple TV+ holiday special “Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas.” Waddingham made her worldwide hosting debut in April 2023 at The Olivier Awards (she returns as host for the 2024 ceremony on April 14) followed swiftly by the BBC Eurovision Song Contest 2023, for which she has gained her second BAFTA TV nomination and won The Royal Television Society award for “Best Entertainment Performance” in 2024. Her upcoming films include Sony Animation film “Garfield” out May 24, 2024 and in 2025 “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two.”

“We’re delighted to welcome the illuminous and elegant Hannah Waddingham to serve as Godmother for our sensational new Sun Princess,” said John Padgett, Princess Cruises president. “Just like Sun Princess, she exudes sophistication, beauty and wonderment through her inspiring work as a talented and award-winning actress and performer. We’re truly honored Hannah will officially name our most impressive, luxurious and stunning Love Boat ever created, and join an esteemed group of Princess Godparents including members of the Royal family.”

The new 177,882-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess introduces an innovative new ship platform designed exclusively for the world’s most iconic cruise brand. A true engineering marvel, Sun Princess officially started the inaugural cruise season on February 28, 2024, and currently is sailing a series of Mediterranean voyages before debuting in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., in October for the ship’s first Caribbean season. 

Princess ships are renowned for offering spacious venues and Sun Princess takes that to the next level. Sun Princess debuts new eye-catching experience venues including The Dome, a groundbreaking geodesic, glass-enclosed structure at the top of the ship inspired by the terraces of Santorini. The outward and suspended Sphere Atrium, the namesake of this new class of ship, takes the central Piazza hub of the ship into a new dimension. Here guests are enveloped with expansive ocean views and an open concept, inspired to deliver the desired lifestyle of relaxed indoor and outdoor living.

Sun Princess offers an extraordinary cruise experience with not-to-be-missed culinary, entertainment and luxury accommodations, including: 

The Greatest Foodie Destination at Sea

Sun Princess serves up 30 inviting restaurant and bar venues with an unprecedented collection of celebrity collaborators, high-end ingredients and culinary experiences from: 

Spellbound by Magic Castle : Blending the captivating world of magic with the art of culinary and mixology to create an extraordinary, innovative and immersive dining experience, steeped in magic and adventure. 

Makoto Ocean : Reshaping traditional sushi with a creative approach, the Master of Edomae-style sushi, Chef Makoto Okuwa brings his 25 years of experience with a new concept crafting playful, exquisitely presented dishes paying tribute to Japanese traditions. 

Love by Britto : A high-end boutique restaurant with the most romantic view from the ship celebrating love and art from world-renowned artist Romero Britto. 

The Butcher’s Block by Dario : A new specialty pop-up restaurant from the world’s most famous butcher Dario Cecchini, guests enjoy perfectly prepared beef and steak, including Cecchini’s signature cuts. 

The Catch by Rudi : An exceptional dinner concept from renowned Chef Rudi Sodamin showcasing delectable treasures from the sea. 

Good Spirits at Sea with Rob Floyd : Destination-inspired, one-of-a-kind cocktail creations from celebrity mixologist Rob Floyd.

Debuting a three-story dining room with endless aft views, inaugural menus have been created in collaboration with the Culinary Institute of America. While retaining what guests love about Princess, the ship also features favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s and Crooners with new design elements to impress.

Showstopping Entertainment in Technically Advanced Spaces

The Princess Arena is the most technologically advanced theater at sea, offering showstopping and original productions including performances in the round. At night, The Dome astonishes audiences with acrobatic Cirque Éloize performances while the Piazza dazzles with a retractable stage and immersive Champagne Waterfall. 

Elevated & Welcoming Areas & Accommodations

Sun Princess also features the cruise line’s largest casino, two-story Lotus Spa, and an expanded retail environment with more than 200 premium brands. The retail space also includes several firsts a sea including an upscale showroom dedicated to luxury horology showcasing TAG Heuer and Breitling and more than 25 new brands available to cruise guests like Italian handbag brand, Pinko and athleisure favorites Beyond Yoga and Varley. 

The first-ever family activity zone, Park19, offers multi-generational fun from the top deck. Within decks 19, 20 and 21, guests can experience everything from the Sea Breeze, a glider ride that offers panoramic views of the ocean and breathtaking ports of call to the Coastal Climb, an engaging climbing structure where guests can take in the gorgeous views.

With diverse accommodations to suit every preference and more than 1,500 cabins with balcony views, Sun Princess’ re-imagined staterooms include exceptional suites and new Cabana Mini-Suites with extra space for secluded outdoor relaxation.

Rooted in sustainability, Sun Princess is the first LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessel for the cruise line, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and features ingenious energy recovery systems for eco-conscious cruising. 

Sun Princess cruises to the Mediterranean and the Caribbean are on sale now. More ship details can be found at  www.princess.com/sunprincess . 

Additional Sun Princess assets can be found here .

More information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-Princess (1-800-774-6237) or by visiting  www.princess.com . 

Media Contacts

Contact information for members of the media

Negin Kamali, +1 661-753-1539, [email protected]

Briana Latter, +1 661-753-1538, [email protected]

About Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world’s most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Additional media information is available at princess.com/news

Not a member of the media? 

Contact us at: 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237) or 1-661-753-0000

More contact information is available on our Contact Us page

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