Royal Caribbean Quantum Of The Seas

The largest and most technologically advanced ship to ever call Brisbane home has something for everybody.

Looking for thrills, spills and a good dose of chilling? Let the adventure begin on Quantum of the Seas. The ship features ‘first-at-sea’ experiences including the RipCord by iFLY skydiving simulator, the FlowRider surf simulator and SeaPlex which has a full basketball court, bumper cars and roller skating. Add to this, the best vantage point at sea on the North Star observation capsule, as well as an incredible line-up of entertainment and dining, and you’re in for a voyage to truly savour.

an overhead shot of the North Star observation capsule, Royal Caribbean — Capture 360-degree sea views on top of the North Star observation capsule.

Key dates: Quantum of the Seas sails back into Brisbane October 28, 2023 for the first voyage, a seven-night South Pacific cruise. She will be in Australian waters until April 4, 2024, when she departs Brisbane for a cruise to Honolulu.

Capacity: 4905 guests

Best suited to: Families and multi-gen cruisers. The Adventure Ocean kid’s programme is located on decks 11 and 12 and offers an array of activities and entertainment for children and teens aged three to 17. While they’re having supervised fun, Mum and Dad, and Nan and Pop might want to spend time at the Vitality Spa, the Solarium or dine at a specialty restaurant.

an aerial shot of the Quantum of the Seas ship sailing — Embark on a cruise adventure across Brisbane to Honolulu onboard Quantum of the Seas.

Where does Quantum of the Seas sail from?

Quantum of the Seas sails from Brisbane’s new International Cruise Terminal. For a streamlined embarkation, download the Royal Caribbean mobile app. By completing check-in with the app, scanning passport information and uploading a selfie security photo, guests can generate a mobile boarding pass and qualify for an expedited boarding process.

Where does Quantum of the Seas sail to?

There are a number of different itineraries ranging from three-night sampler ‘cruises to nowhere’ to South Pacific sailings and cruises along the glorious Queensland coast.

a palm-fringed lagoon at Airlie Beach — Stroll along the palm-fringed shore of Airlie Beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Sustainable practices

The Royal Caribbean Group has a ‘Blue Green Promise’ embracing their responsibility to protect the oceans they sail. The Blue Green Promise is a commitment to support sustainable and resilient ocean communities all over the world by working to ensure their health and vitality for generations to come by protecting and restoring ecosystems; reducing marine pollution; advancing sustainable seafood and supporting biodiversity.

Royal Caribbean has also partnered with the ocean communities they visit to ensure their continued cultural and economic vibrancy by supporting small businesses and local entrepreneurs. Royal Caribbean also invests in educational resources, supporting conservation education and providing skills training. For example, Royal Caribbean International has partnered with Amaro Primary School on Lelepa Island, Vanuatu, to provide needed educational resources to local students. The cruise line worked with the school and the local community to provide renovation and repair support to the school, new desks and chairs for the students, equipment such as computers and printers, and teaching resources such as books and stationery supplies.

The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas navigating the sea at dusk — The Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas is designed with sustainability in mind.

Dining on Quantum of the Seas

With a choice of over 18 dining options, there’s a vast array of flavours from around the globe to sample aboard Quantum of the Seas. Complimentary dining options include the main dining room for a la carte service, Windjammer Cafe for an assortment of global cuisines, Sorrento’s for New York-style pizza, the Dog House for a choice of hotdogs, the Solarium Bistro for lighter options, and cafes. For a special occasion, book into a specialty restaurant. Below are some of the highlights onboard.

a fine-dining setup at The Grande, Royal Caribbean — Indulge in full-course meals at The Grande. (Image: SBW Photo)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver

Sit down to a delicious meal in this specialty restaurant where the menu, devised by celeb chef Jamie Oliver, features handmade Italian favourites using fresh produce and free-range meats. Royal Caribbean uses “dynamic pricing" so each ship/sailing may see different pricing for specialty restaurants. Expect to pay around US$30 for lunch and US$45 for dinner.

Wonderland

Be prepared for a feast for all the senses at this ‘Alice in Wonderland’-inspired dining experience where Royal Caribbean chefs twist their culinary kaleidoscopes to invent a dreamscape of never-before-seen fare. Choose dishes based on five natural elements – Earth, Sea, Fire, Ice and Sun. The dishes (and cocktails) here are designed to tantalise your taste buds. Save room for the dreamy desserts. It’s priced from around US$60.

Chef’s Table

Join up to 14 guests at a private table for the ultimate intimate dining experience: a five-course wine-pairing dinner hosted nightly by an Executive Chef and Sommelier. Dinner with wine pairings comes at around US$120.

Bars on Quantum of the Seas

There are 11 bars and lounges onboard Quantum of the Seas. Find a few highlights below.

Bionic Bar

Be prepared for a unique mixology experience. The two robotic bartenders at the Bionic Bar know how to shake, stir and mix your cocktail to perfection.

Boleros

This Latin-themed club is perfect for an after-dinner mojito or caipirinha. Sip on cocktails while enjoying the sound of a six-piece band playing salsa, cumbia, merengue and samba.

Schooner Bar

Singalong to your favourite tunes by the grand piano at this nautical-themed lounge. Perfect for a nightcap, Schooner Bar offers live entertainment and an impressive drinks menu.

Activities and entertainment on Quantum of the Seas

Expect extreme highs aboard Quantum of the Seas; ascend 91 metres above sea level with the iconic North Star observation capsule. Then there’s RipCord by iFLY simulated skydiving and the FlowRider surfing simulator. The 12-metre-long wave machine allows you to carve like a pro.

an overhead shot of FlowRider, Quantum of the Seas — Try your luck surfing while at sea.

Come evening, enjoy unique shows and revues in the Royal Theater. More one-of-a-kind experiences come to life for guests in transformative venues, such as Two70, offering 270-degree views of the ocean by day and transforming into a theatre at night.

a magical performance at Two70 Royal Theater — Catch magical performances like Two70 at the Royal Theater.

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Cabins

There’s a stateroom to suit every cruiser’s adventure with a choice of interior, ocean view, balcony or suite. Quantum of the Seas has 2094 staterooms. Located in the middle of the deck, interior cabins are a great budget-friendly option. Royal Caribbean came up with the genius idea to introduce a ‘virtual balcony’ with floor-to-ceiling HD display screens that shows live-action footage of the sea.

To get a feel of the ocean, choose an ocean-view stateroom, and for extra space, and the perfect perch to enjoy the view, choose a balcony stateroom. Those staying in the spacious Royal Suite Class staterooms have access to complimentary services and amenities, plus personalised attention.

a superior ocean view room at Royal Caribbean, Quantum of the Seas — Wake up to sweeping sea views from your superior room.

Deck plan

The cruise ship features 16 passenger decks with a top deck featuring a solarium for adults, an outdoor pool, an indoor pool featuring an operable roof system and an H2O Zone kids’ aqua park.

Itinerary highlights

On a six-night or seven-night Queensland sailing, Quantum of the Seas sails to both Airlie Beach and Cairns offering opportunities to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef twice.

Snorkellers with Divers Den - AquaQuest in Cairns — Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef on your Cairns shore excursion. (Image: Tourism Tropical North Queensland)

Shore excursion highlights

At Mystery Island, Vanuatu, hop on a quick boat ride to the nearby inhabited island of Aneityum for an adventure. From there, you’ll be given a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) and a quick beginner’s lesson on how to use it. Enjoy the remainder of your time by SUPing around the bay in cool island style. Aneityum is uninhabited and untouched by modern society.

Scene of Mystery Island, Aneityum, Vanuatu. — Explore the nearby inhabited island of Aneityum for an adventure.

How much does it cost to go on Quantum of the Seas?

A three-night sampler cruise starts at $546 per person, a five-night Queensland cruise starts at $702 per person and a seven-night South Pacific cruise starts at $828 per person. For more information on costings and sailings, visit Royal Caribbean International.

For more cruising inspiration, tips, and news, visit our Cruising in Australia guide.

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis, Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa, organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano, traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina.

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore. Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater, a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas – everything you need to know

The largest and most technologically advanced ship to ever call Brisbane home has something for everybody.

Where does Quantum of the Seas sail from?

Where does Quantum of the Seas sail to?

Sustainable practices