mattymay

https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/virgin-voyages-pulls-out-of-australia/

Not sure, however I think that pretty much confirms that Anthem will be in Sydney.

Not sure, however I think that pretty much confirms that Anthem will be in Sydney.

I just finished my Sydney to Auckland cruise on Celebrity and had a wonderful time! For anyone from America is considering a similar cruise, I'm going to give a quick lessons learned.
1. Both Australia and New Zealand are beautiful countries with fun,  clean and safe cities. Both have extensive natural areas that are worth seeing.  Both are proud of their heritage and their native populations. Be sure to spend extra time there
2. Most places will take your credit card without issue. That's more true in Australia than New Zealand,  but you don't need a ton of local currency. 
3. I didn't see very many currency exchanges,  so bring some local currency with you.
4. People in both countries are very friendly and helpful.
5. Most of the New Zealand ports are industrial ports and require a shuttle bus to go ashore. On my itinerary the ones that required a shuttle were Dunedin, Wellington,  Napier and Christchurch.  Auckland, Bay of Islands and Tauranga did not require a shuttle.  On my cruise, the shuttle cost $10USD.
6. Do your research ahead of time.  Lots of stuff to do in each port, but you don't want to just wing it.
7. The plugs in Australia  and New Zealand are different than any other country I've ever experienced, but they are compatible with each other. Be sure to get the proper converters before coming on the trip.
I hope this helps someone.
To all the Aussies and Kiwis,  thanks for the great time!

Well there are OPT port bookings for 25/26, so hypothetically even if the captain of Independence was correct, he's talking at least 26/27 season. I'm sure lots can change in 3 years.

The only way there would be no RCL Quantum class sailing out of Sydney harbour is if something bigger were coming that couldn't fit there. 
3 Icon and 6 Oasis in the next few years, it's getting a bit top heavy in the northern hemisphere lol. You never know I guess!

April 8th.. mark it in your calendars! 

Slight re-arrangement for Quantum after the Ovation cancellation by the looks of it..
A one way to Sydney, then 21 day Transpacific available to book.

 
 

April 8th.. mark it in your calendars! 

April 8th.. mark it in your calendars! 

April 8th.. mark it in your calendars! 

April 8th.. mark it in your calendars! 

April 8th.. mark it in your calendars! 

This does not surprise me! Their itineraries are worse than Royal Caribbean. I mean who really wants to cruise to Burnie in Tasmania.
I did it to test out the ship, and it was great, but a chilly 17 degrees in the middle of summer is not what people want. 

This does not surprise me! Their itineraries are worse than Royal Caribbean. I mean who really wants to cruise to Burnie in Tasmania.
I did it to test out the ship, and it was great, but a chilly 17 degrees in the middle of summer is not what people want. 

Probably just more of the same South Pacific and New Zealand.
Not sure if it's a size thing or covid, but hopefully Voyager can get into some of the other ports - Lifou, Mare, Isle of Pines, Santo, Suva, Port Denarau, Dravuni Island. That would definitely interest me.

Stolen from same post... 😆

No idea to be honest.
But based on the number of dates for Sydney I am guessing only one ship.

Same for Brisbane, might not be Voyager like it states but is still only enough bookings for one ship.

Based off the information so far there are currently 4 ships in the mix:
Preceding Alaska season with Quantum, Anthem and Radiance.
Brisbane port bookings for Voyager.

It looks like Ovation is going North,it has a booking in Darwin.
 
https://portinfo.darwinport.com.au/webx/#

I'm on Spectrum right now. Of the 4,400 passengers, 1,100 are Aussies. That's a quarter! Next is Singaporeans with 550.
Coming from Perth, cruising from Singapore is no further than cruising out of sydney or Brisvegas. Can recomend.

I was just on Virgin last week out of Melbourne and it's a similar thing. The local P&O line doesn't, but not sure about the other Carnival brands.
 

https://www.dailypost.vu/news/vt2-billion-mystery-island-tourism-upgrade/article_dcd695b2-4d09-5006-bea4-ed3f482daa7c.html

I've solved the lack of variety issue by booking Star of the Seas for 2026. Used up the entire years cruise budget in one go! 😆

Stolen from same post... 😆