Chris AshtonAustralia is one of the fastest growing cruise markets in the world, and you only need to look to Royal Caribbean to see that growth in action.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to climb aboard for a tour of Legend of the Seas – the first cruise ship to be based out of Queensland.
Legend of the Seas is the unprecedented fourth Royal Caribbean ship to be deployed in Australia, joining her sisters Explorer, Voyager and Radiance of the Seas who are already based out of Sydney.
During her five-month season in Brisbane, the ship is expected to inject over $24 million into the Queensland economy from passenger spending alone.
Speaking port side on the ship’s maiden visit, RCI Managing Director Gavin Smith said he was proud to welcome Legend of the Seas to Brisbane.
“The Australian cruise market is growing by annually by around 20 per cent,” he said. “We’ve now got a 4.2 per cent penetration rate, making Australia by far and a way the highest per capita cruisers in the world.”
When asked why Brisbane, he said it was thanks to Queenslander’s, who now represent the second biggest cruise source market in the country.
Legend of the Seas will embark on 15 itineraries in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific ranging from 2 to 18-nights before heading to Asia in April.
About Legend of the Seas
At 70,000 tonnes, Legend of the Seas is one of the largest Royal Caribbean ships that is able to navigate the Brisbane River and dock at Portside Wharf, Hamilton. After a US$50 million refurb in 2013, the ship boasts a Central Atrium where acrobats put on an incredible aerial show, an outdoor rock climbing wall, a mini golf course, and indoor adults-only swimming pool.
The ship also features six dining options including three speciality restaurants – a Japanese restaurant called Izumi, Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille and the 12-seat Chef’s Table private dining room.
Visit royalcaribbean.com/legendoftheseas for more info.
