The A$1.3bn megaliner will be based in Sydney from December 2016 for the Southern Hemisphere summer.
Royal Caribbean International’s commercial director Australia and South East Asia, Sean Treacy, said itineraries are still being finalised for the 168,666gt Quantum-class ship currently under construction in Germany.
‘We hope to release information in the coming months as we know how eager Australians are to learn more,’ Treacy said.
He said Ovation will not only be the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home, with almost 5,000 passengers and 1,500 crew, it will also be the most technologically advanced. The newbuild will put the latest sea-going attractions, like simulated sky-diving, bumper cars and robotic bartenders, on Australia’s doorstep.
Treacy said people should continue to register interest to be first to receive details about Ovation’s sailings as soon as they are available.
Meantime, following the announcement that Australia accounted for more than one million passengers last year and has the world’s highest market penetration rate, Royal Caribbean has announced that a record 2016/17 season Down Under will go on sale May 28.
Treacy said Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas will again call Australia home for the 2016/17 season.
He said the four ships will offer 71 cruises ranging from three to 24 nights calling at 51 ports across Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, Asia and North America, with departures from September 2016 through to April 2017.
There are launch savings of up to A$1,000 off the full brochure fare for bookings made by December 31, 2015.
