Royal Caribbean International today announced a record-setting winter 2012-13 Australia cruises and cruisetours season, offering vacationers three cruise ships in the region. Voyager of the Seas – the largest and most amenity-filled cruise ship to sail the Indian and Pacific oceans – Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will sail a mix of Australia and New Zealand itineraries, ranging from one to 18 nights, and cruisetours for up to 23 nights. Bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2012-13 Australia and New Zealand cruises and cruisetours open today.

“Royal Caribbean will offer more capacity in Sydney than any other cruise operator during the season,” said Betsy O’Rourke, senior vice president of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International. “Vacationers have the widest choice among the region’s most innovative ships, exclusive onboard amenities and compelling itineraries. Combined with our signature friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, Royal Caribbean’s Australia and New Zealand season is delivering the Royal Advantage to guests on an adventure Down Under.”

Vacationers also can choose among five cruisetour itineraries, which combine a cruise aboard one of the ships and an escorted multi-night land tour. Destination highlights on the land tour include visits to Ayers Rock, rising high above the Northern Territory’s dramatic desert plain, and enjoy a gourmet barbeque under the vast Outback sky; and cruise, swim, snorkel and dive in the Great Barrier Reef from Port Douglas. In New Zealand, guests will explore Auckland and Rotorua and enjoy a Hangi and Maori concert among many other activities. All Royal Caribbean cruisetours are escorted by a knowledgeable Adventure Specialist and include hotel accommodations, transportation and select meals.

Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide range of short cruises – one-, two-, and five-night itineraries – to longer, eight- to 18-night cruises in the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia. Vacationers also can choose a repositioning cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas from Singapore to Fremantle, departing October 22, 2012, and return on March 9, 2013. Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas both will reposition from Vancouver, British Columbia to Sydney, via Hawaii, in September 2012, and return in May 2013.