Fremantle, in Western Australia, will be the first port on the continent to see the new Ovation of the Seas, when she overnights there this December.

“The Ovation will be the biggest cruise vessel to visit the port eclipsing the Queen Mary 2 record held since 2010,” said Thor Elliott, trade development manager for Fremantle Ports. “Preparations started 18 months ago when Royal Caribbean met with Fremantle Ports to start preliminary discussions about the proposed visit.  Since that time, ship modeling has been undertaken by our marine department and the pilots.”

Other maiden visits this coming season include the Maasdam, Sirena and Emerald Princess, while the Ocean Dream, L’Austral and Azamara Journey will make inaugural calls in the 2017-2018 season.

“Efficiency and effectiveness in everything we do is paramount to our success,” added Elliott.