Today, Royal Caribbean celebrates the arrival of Quantum of the Seas to Airlie Beach, the ship’s debut sailing to the port is set to be lucrative for local tourism operators and inject $5 million into businesses across the region. The maiden port of call marks the beginning of the cruise line’s long-awaited passage to the Whitsundays region. Having sailed from her new homeport in Brisbane on November 18, Quantum’s call at Airlie Beach offers guests onboard the chance to explore the Queensland coast’s unique offerings and stunning views of the Whitsundays and World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor, Julie Hall, says the cruise line’s inaugural port of call to Airlie Beach provides an opportunity for local industry that will be widely celebrated. “This is a great moment for cruise tourism in Airlie Beach, we are delighted to welcome one of the most exciting and innovative ships to Shute Harbour and are looking forward to introducing more of Royal Caribbean’s guests to the beauty of the Whitsundays. Royal Caribbean’s new port of call for Quantum of the Seas will also provide a much-needed boost to local businesses and a wealth of local job opportunities for residents.’
Dave Humphreys, director of sales at Royal Caribbean International Australia and New Zealand says cruises to Airlie Beach have already been proving hugely popular for Australian and international guests. “This is an exciting time for Royal Caribbean guests and Queenslanders alike. Cruises that explore the spectacular Queensland coast have always been extremely popular with our guests due to the combination of bucket list shore excursions on offer including exploring the Great Barrier Reef or the spectacular national parks where the rainforest meets the ocean and of course the world-class hospitality of the Airlie Beach locals.”
On Quantum, travellers can maximise every minute of their getaway with a line-up of memorable experiences as she sails from one idyllic destination to the next. For adventure seeking travellers, there is the one-of-a-kind North Star, an all-glass observation capsule that holds a world record as the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship and RipCord by iFLY skydiving experience. Guests can look forward to catching waves on the FlowRider surf simulator, scaling the 12-metre rock-climbing wall, and enjoying family fun on the bumper cars.
Travellers can unwind at the indoor or outdoor pools, the Vitality Spa or as they have a sip of a cocktail or mocktail and have a bite to eat at more than 20 restaurants, bars, and lounges. There is a world of flavours to explore for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including American steakhouse Chops Grille, the Asian-inspired Izumi and family-style Italian favourites at Jamie’s Italian. Guests can finish the night with live music and showstopping original entertainment in the state-of-the-art Royal Theatre and Two70, the transformational multilevel venue that merges artistry and cutting-edge technology.
For more details about Quantum and other sailings from Australia, holidaymakers can visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com.
Royal Caribbean Down Under
Ovation of the Seas arrived in Sydney on Oct. 29 while sister ship Quantum of the Seas arrived in Brisbane Nov. 1. The Australian summer season will offer guests sailings across Australia, New Zealand and islands of the South Pacific. Next year, Royal Caribbean’s 2023 to 2024 Australia Summer Season will be packed with returning favourites, firsts, and new itineraries across three award-winning ships. Accompanying Ovation and Quantum of the Seas returns to Sydney and Brisbane Brilliance of the Seas will debut Down Under, touting new destinations and itineraries from Sydney.
For more details about sailings from Australia and to New Zealand, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.