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| Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones |
Royal Caribbean International has announced it will return to home porting in Queensland with the 2400-guest Radiance of the Seas, to be based at the brand new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal at Luggage Point from November 2020, offering bold adventure and easy access to Queensland’s stunning beaches the idyllic South Pacific.
She will be the largest ship home ported in the sunshine state. During her inaugural Queensland season from November 2020 to April 2021, Radiance of the Seas will offer over 20 cruises and inject more than AUD $20million into the Queensland economy in passenger spend alone.
Known as Royal Caribbean’s culinary ship, Radiance of the Seas features nineteen restaurants, cafes, lounges and bars – including favourites such as Chops Grille for perfectly cooked steaks, Giovanni’s Table for Italian served family-style as well as Izumi, where talented chefs create Japanese-infused delights in an open kitchen. At 293m long, she boasts features like a rock-climbing wall, 9-hole mini golf course, self-levelling pool tables, indoor cinema and a sports court.
Radiance of the Seas will arrive to Queensland fresh from a multi-million makeover following a drydock in 2020, which will see a range of enhancements. More details to be announced.
Susan Bonner, managing director of Royal Caribbean International in Australia and New Zealand, said that returning to Brisbane was a central component of the company’s Queensland growth plans, which include increasing calls to the state by 20% for the 2020/21 summer cruise season.
“We’re thrilled to be returning to Queensland with our newer and larger megaliner, with even more features for families and couples alike,” she concluded.
Port of Brisbane Chief Executive Officer Roy Cummins welcomed Royal Caribbean’s announcement.
“The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal opens up a whole new world of opportunities for cruising in Queensland,” Mr Cummins said.
“Providing capacity for mega cruise liners like Radiance of the Seas means more investment in the region and more tourism jobs. RCI’s decision to homeport Radiance in Brisbane is a wonderful vote of confidence in our brand new facility, and we look forward to working with them further into the future.”
The development of the new International Cruise Terminal by the Port of Brisbane means all of Royal Caribbean’s fleet will be able to call at a dedicated cruise berth in the capital of the Sunshine State.
Radiance of the Seas arrives to Brisbane after a three year interval for Royal Caribbean International.
