Australia farewells Royal Caribbean cruise icon

Australia farewells Royal Caribbean cruise icon

One of Australia’s favourite cruise ships will farewell Melbourne, Adelaide and Hobart for the last time this week after sailing the region for the past eight years.

Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas cruised into Australia in 2007, offering the first truly international style of cruise ship sailing in Australian waters.

She was the largest cruise ship of her time based locally with features including a rock climbing wall, world class dining, a rockin’ kids club and a completely new style of ship for Aussie guests.

The vessel has carried over 290,000 guests, bringing more than 26,000 people to Melbourne, 10,000 to Adelaide and 32,000 to Hobart during her eight seasons, many of whom were international tourists.

Rhapsody of the Seas truly lifted the bar for local cruise offerings when she first arrived in October 2007,” Royal Caribbean Australia’s commercial director Sean Treacy said.

“She was our first ship to be based in the region and really helped to kick start the cruising boom Down Under. We are proud of the contribution Rhapsody has made in the Australian market and for Royal Caribbean globally.

“While she will be missed, we are thrilled that her big sister Explorer of the Seas will be replacing her this coming season, more than doubling the number of guests on every sailing, and offering a huge range of amenities including the FlowRider surfing experience, ice skating and much more.”

Rhapsody of the Seas called at Melbourne for the last time yesterday, and will farewell Adelaide on Thursday February 12 and Hobart on Saturday February 14 as part of a 10-night Tasmanian Adventure sailing.

She concludes her final season in April, departing Sydney for Singapore on April 17 2015.

For the first time, Royal Caribbean International will homeport four superliners in Australia, when Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas are joined by recently revitalised Explorer of the Seas in Sydney, as well as the first Royal Caribbean ship to be based in Brisbane, Legend of the Seas, upping capacity by almost 50%.

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