Legend of the Seas to operate from Brisbane

Royal Caribbean announces Queensland deployment for Legend of the Seas

Royal Caribbean International is continuing its rapid growth in the Australian market, having just announced that it will deploy Legend of the Seas down under for a five month season in 2015/16.

The 2000-passenger ship will be based in Brisbane, which becomes Royal Caribbean’s second Australian home port. The cruise line said the deployment, alongside the other recent announcement that Explorer of the Seas will replace Rhapsody of the Seas, would boost its Australian capacity by a whopping 47%.

The Brisbane deployment aims “to meet the growing demand from Australian and international guests wishing to experience world class cruising to Queensland and the South Pacific,” the company said.

“As a global cruise brand, international guests are expected to drive an increase in inbound tourism by travelling to Brisbane to experience Legend of the Seas, with an estimated economic impact in the region of $25-$30 million,” a statement added.

Itineraries will see the ship visit Cairns and Airlie Beach a total of ten times combined, while Radiance of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas will also make 27 Queensland port calls in 2015/16 at Cairns, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Willis Island and Port Douglas.

The 70,000 ton vessel is one of the largest superliners which is able to navigate the Brisbane River and dock at Brisbane Cruise Terminal at Portside Wharf.

Legend of the Seas underwent a $50 million revitalisation just last year and offers a central atrium with an acrobatic aerial show, a rock climbing wall, mini golf, an indoor swimming pool, a babies nursery and multiple specialty dining venues.

Royal Caribbean’s regional vice-president Asia Pacific, Gavin Smith, said the move follows strong demand from both local and international guests, “and represents another major investment by Royal Caribbean in the Australian cruise market”.

More online at www.cruiseweekly.com.au.