By Evelyn Uslar-Pietri | Republished on April 30, 2024
There is something about crossing an ocean that is irresistible to our inner adventurer. Maybe it's the thrill of wandering in the wake of some of history’s greatest explorers. Or maybe it’s a hankering for vast sapphire stretches and rare far-flung experiences. Whatever the reason, sailing across the Pacific is a bucket-list topper that travellers all over the world hold close to their heart.
Fortunately for our Australian guests, Royal Caribbean® Australian cruises include transpacific itineraries on two fan-favourite ships: Ovation of the Seas®, sailing from Sydney, and Quantum of the Seas®, cruising from Brisbane. These Quantum Class stand-outs are sure to make your 15-18 night crossing exceptionally enjoyable and memorable.
If you decide to bump your holiday up to the unparalleled Star Suite level, your VIP experience includes your own personal Royal Genie. Part concierge and part wizard, the Genie will see to your every need, arranging for dining reservations (even when a speciality restaurant seems booked), securing the best seats at the most popular shows, getting you to the front of the line on guest-favourite activities and other wizardly perks! From the moment of your arrival at the terminal – where you will be greeted by your Genie and promptly escorted to your suite – and throughout your transpacific cruise, this tireless helper is dedicated to creating a truly Royal experience.
With more than a dozen delicious eateries competing for your tastebuds, your palate is in for…a taste of paradise! Among all-inclusive options, the impressive multi-level Main Dining Room is the destination for foodies wishing to savour international flavours in an elegant setting. You may be torn between appetisers – such as the duck terrine or spiced aubergine tartare – or entrees – like Moroccan-spiced ahi tuna or mojo-marinated pork loin – but no worries, you can get as many selections from each course as you please. And of course, that means dessert too!
Other complimentary options include Windjammer, where the buffet is laden with mouthwatering dishes from around the world; Cafe Promenade and its round-the-clock craveable bites; Sorrento’s Pizza for an ooey-gooey slice of pizza; Dog House’s scrumptious sausages, and many other on-the-go yet oh-so-good treats.
On the speciality side of onboard dining, memorable contenders range from Chef’s Table, the most elevated epicurean experience on the fleet, to such family-favourites as Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver, a Tuscan-inspired trattoria fragrant with savoury spices and garlic. Next, there is Chops Grille℠, a haven for those who adore meat and where you can find some of the best steaks available on board.
Loved by couples and families alike, Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine offers a feast for all the senses, beginning with your eyes! Ravishingly beautiful creations build on five natural elements – Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice and Sun – delivering tantalising flavours that honour each premise.
In the mood for a far east feast? At Izumi Japanese Cuisine watching the chef expertly prepare your meal right in front of you is nearly as enjoyable as sampling the food itself. Selections from the teppanyaki menu include juicy chicken breast, tender beef tenderloin, sea scallops, lobster, NY steak and tiger shrimp.
So you’ve booked your Australian transpacific cruise, you’ve chosen your accommodations and made dinner reservations through the Cruise Planner or Royal Caribbean App. Now you may be wondering how to make the most of your sea days. The key is planning, becoming familiar with the many onboard offerings and prioritising those that you like best.
If your stateroom has a private balcony, our staff recommends starting your day in that idyllic oasis. Serenely sipping a cup of tea – brought to you by room service – while soaking up the surrounding ocean and reviewing the day’s activities. You’ll find classes, from dancing to folding artistry; art auctions; wine tasting events; game shows (that you can also compete in!); and many other enticing options.
Once you’ve narrowed down the list, consider heading to the adults-only Solarium for a morning swim. At this crystal-canopied haven, you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views along with several whirlpools, a relaxing lounge area, and of course, sparkling swimming pools.
Invigorated after your dip, adrenaline-amping action may be in the cards, such as the first-at-sea skydiving simulator, RipCord® by iFly®, or the FlowRider® surf simulator, another fleet innovation and a classic fan-favourite. While on the subject of first-at-sea-feats, both Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas boast North Star®, winner of the Guiness Book World Record for the tallest viewing deck on a ship. This glass enclosed observation capsule lifts you more than 90 metres for incredible 360-degree panoramas you won’t soon forget.
And if the need for speed is what gets your heart racing, head directly to SeaPlex® for nonstop bumper car thrills. At the enormous indoor activity space, you’ll also find a full-size basketball court and assorted games.
After refuelling with a hearty lunch, you may be in the mood for a little chill time. Like indulging in some duty-free shopping and browsing through fine jewellery, Swiss timepieces, designer fashion and liquors, to name a few. Then pamper yourself with a relaxing massage followed by a rejuvenating beauty treatment at the spa.
A nap or simply resting in your stateroom is a good mid-afternoon option – keep in mind that there is much to discover after the sun sets! Catch top Broadway shows or spectacular original productions, like Starwater, featuring game-changing fusions of live performances and technology. Swing by the Bionic Bar® where robotic bartenders will craft your drink. Dance the night away with live cover bands at Music Hall.
Whatever you elect to do during your days at sea – and seemingly infinite choices vie for your time! – you’ll find the moments onboard every bit as unforgettable as those you will experience in your ports of call.
Home to gorgeous golden beaches, picturesque walking trails and an abundance of wildlife – including penguins, whales, dolphins, marlin and other sea creatures – Bay of Islands is a stunning subtropical micro-region encompassing 144 islands. Get your fill of its serene natural beauty before debarking at the vibrant urban hub that is Auckland.
In this bustling city an amazing array of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops await you. Head over to the beautiful waterfront precinct of Viaduct Harbour for a memorable meal overlooking sailboats and superyachts. Stroll through Auckland Domain – the city’s oldest park, graced by an extinct volcano – or enjoy a spin along the seaside promenade of Mission Bay Beach.
Of course, no visit to New Zealand is complete without learning about its superb wines. Waiheke Island – dubbed the “island of wine” – has 30 wineries and vineyards that produce some of the best labels in the country. Easily accessed via a quick ferry ride from Auckland, this is the place to pick up the palate-pleasing red varieties for which the region is known.
Papeete, Tahiti, is nothing if not postcard-perfect. Combining beautiful beaches, cascading waterfalls and lush rainforests with a delightful city and rich culture, the capital of French Polynesia is an irresistible destination.
To get a good feel for its people, artefacts and local colour, the Papeete Market (Le Marché) is an institution that has been going strong for the last century and a half. Vendors from all over Tahiti congregate in this bustling centre, selling their fruits, vegetables, wood carvings, handicrafts and other treasures.
Continue immersing yourself in Tahitian culture at the waterfront Place Vaiete where food trucks known as “roulettes” offer a variety of yummy bites. Not only will you nibble your way through traditional tastes – like Poisson Cru, raw fish served with coconut milk and fresh vegetables – but you will have unrivalled views of the water.
An amazing destination for snorkelling, lovely Moorea boasts the Lagoonarium de Moorea, an enclosed lagoon brimming with neon-coloured coral, inquisitive fish and friendly turtles. More underwater adventure can be found in the Moorea Dolphin Centre where you can swim with these exceptionally smart mammals and learn more about them.
You’ll get a bird’s-eye-view of the island, at Tiki Parc, the ultimate treetop adventure destination. Ziplines, walking nets, hanging bridges, rope ladders and other thrills are part of several courses with varying degrees of difficulty.
At Tiki Village you are in for a special treat: a traditional Polynesian show complete with pounding fire dances, Tahitian songs, and Tamure dances. It all weaves its magic into your heart, compelling you to come back and visit again soon.
The warm aloha spirit is strong in Oahu, your ultimate destination and port of disembarkation. This, the most populous of Hawaii’s islands and in the opinion of many, the most beautiful, is a wonderful place to extend your holiday. In Honolulu, there is much to explore, beginning with Iolani Palace, the official residence of the Hawaiian Kingdom’s last two kings.
Also well worth a visit are the Honolulu Museum of Art and Shangri-La, the spectacular cliffside home of heiress Doris Duke. If a better handle on Hawaii’s history is what you’re after, the Bishop Museum, with its millions of artefacts, is the place for you.
Oahu also offers a tempting food scene with eateries ranging from seafood shacks and farm-to-table restaurants to world-class culinary temples. A perennial favourite for its beachside location, tiki-hut vibe and fresh, expertly prepared offerings – including grilled Hawaiian mahi-mahi – is the Hula Grill Waikiki.
Spectacular beaches. Legendary surfing. Nature reserves. Wonderful restaurants and shopping. You will find it all in Oahu – a fitting end to your unforgettable transpacific cruise from Australia.