Royal Caribbean’s Epic 25-Night Cruise From Los Angeles to Australia Is Still Open for Booking

Some cruise itineraries fade into the background after they’re announced. Others quietly become some of the most talked-about sailings in the industry, and Royal Caribbean’s 25-night voyage from Los Angeles to Australia falls firmly into the second category.

Sailing aboard Quantum of the Seas, this one-way Pacific crossing combines long, relaxing sea days with standout destinations including Hawaii and French Polynesia, before finishing in Australia. It’s the kind of itinerary that appeals to experienced cruisers looking for something bigger than a standard round-trip sailing.

While it was first revealed as part of Royal Caribbean’s 2026–2027 deployment plans, interest in this voyage hasn’t slowed, and bookings remain open for travellers planning well ahead.

Full Itinerary Overview – Los Angeles to Australia

The 25-night sailing departs Los Angeles on September 26, 2026, and sets out on a true Pacific crossing that gradually moves from the US West Coast to the South Pacific before arriving in Australia. Rather than rushing between ports, the itinerary is broken up with sea days that allow travellers to settle into the rhythm of life onboard.

After leaving California, the ship calls at Catalina Island, offering a relaxed start to the journey before heading deeper into the Pacific. The cruise then continues to Hawaii, with stops in Kona and Honolulu, where the ship remains overnight, a rare and popular feature on longer repositioning sailings.

The second half of the voyage focuses on French Polynesia, with visits to Raiatea, Papeete in Tahiti, and Moorea. These ports are a major reason the cruise stands out, as many transpacific itineraries include only one Polynesian stop, if any at all. The journey then continues south across the Pacific, finishing in Australia, where the ship begins its local cruise season.

What Makes This Sailing Different From Other Transpacific Cruises

Many transpacific cruises are designed purely to move ships between regions, often with long stretches at sea and very limited port stops. This itinerary feels more intentional, with destinations chosen to break up the journey and add genuine travel value along the way.

One of the biggest differences is the overnight stay in Honolulu, which allows far more time to explore Oahu rather than treating Hawaii as a brief stopover. The inclusion of multiple ports in French Polynesia also sets this sailing apart, as most Pacific crossings include just one stop in the region, if any at all.

It also helps that the voyage takes place on a modern, activity-packed ship. Rather than relying on quiet sea days alone, passengers have access to a wide range of entertainment, dining and observation spaces, making the long crossing feel like a destination in its own right rather than simply a means of getting from one place to another.

Check the details on Royal Caribbean’s website.

Shorter Cruises in Australia After Arrival

Once the ship arrives in Australia, the journey doesn’t have to end there. Quantum of the Seas will be based in Brisbane for the 2026–2027 season, offering a range of shorter cruises lasting between four and seven nights.

These sailings are designed for a very different style of holiday, focusing on easy getaways to nearby destinations rather than long-haul exploration. They’re particularly popular with families, first-time cruisers, and anyone looking for a shorter break without the commitment of a multi-week voyage.

For travellers arriving on the 25-night Pacific crossing, this also opens up the option to extend the trip further, either by staying onboard for an additional sailing or using Brisbane as a starting point for time on land before heading home.

Anthem of the Seas Sailing From Sydney (2026–27 Season)

The Anthem of the Seas cruise ship, part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, cruising on a sunny day with a clear blue sky overhead, showcasing its expansive decks and the unique North Star observation capsule extended above.

Alongside Quantum of the Seas in Brisbane, Royal Caribbean will also have Anthem of the Seas based in Sydney for the 2026–2027 season. From here, the ship will operate a varied programme of cruises ranging from short three-night getaways to longer voyages lasting up to eleven nights.

These itineraries focus on the South Pacific and New Zealand, offering a mix of scenic cruising and port-intensive routes. Popular sailings include New Zealand cruises calling at destinations such as Wellington, Napier and Dunedin, with Milford Sound often included as a scenic highlight rather than a standard port stop.

Having two Quantum Class ships positioned in Australia gives travellers more choice in terms of departure ports, cruise lengths, and destinations. It also reinforces Royal Caribbean’s longer-term commitment to the region, with options that cater to both short-break cruisers and those looking for more immersive itineraries.

Things to Know Before Booking

Because this is a one-way sailing, flights and onward travel are an important part of the planning process. Travellers will need to arrange flights either to Los Angeles before departure or home from Australia at the end of the cruise, which can affect overall cost and timing.

It’s also worth thinking about documentation well in advance. Visiting multiple countries across the Pacific may involve visa or entry requirements depending on nationality, so checking these early helps avoid last-minute surprises. Packing is another consideration, as the cruise spans several climates, from California and Hawaii to the warmer islands of French Polynesia and on to Australia.

Finally, the length of the voyage itself is a factor. A 25-night cruise offers plenty of freedom and flexibility, but it suits travellers who are comfortable being away from home for an extended period. For those who enjoy slow travel and settling into a routine, that time at sea is often part of the appeal rather than a drawback.

Final Word

Royal Caribbean’s 25-night cruise from Los Angeles to Australia stands out as one of the more distinctive long-haul itineraries planned for 2026.

Sailed on a modern ship designed for longer voyages, the journey balances extended sea days with memorable destinations, making it particularly appealing to experienced cruisers and those drawn to slower, more immersive travel. While it was first introduced as part of Royal Caribbean’s wider deployment plans, interest in this sailing has remained steady.

For travellers looking ahead and willing to commit to a longer adventure, bookings remain open, keeping this epic Pacific crossing firmly within reach rather than in the category of missed opportunities.