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

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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)

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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.

an elegant dining interior at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, Quantum of the Seas
Order authentic Italian dishes at Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver.

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.

the entrance of ‘Alice in Wonderland’-inspired dining at Royal Carribean
Dine in your Alice in Wonderland fantasy.

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.

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7 Kimberley experiences that need to be on your bucket list

From thundering waterfalls to ancient Indigenous art, Kimberley’s raw beauty will take your breath away.

Wild, pristine, and shaped by nature, the Kimberley Coast is one of Australia’s most spectacular landscapes. A remote and rugged frontier that remains a bucket list destination for many travellers. Its most breathtaking attractions – including Montgomery Reef, King George Falls and Horizontal Falls – are accessible only by sea or air, making a guided expedition cruise aboard Silversea’s luxury expedition ship, Silver Cloud, the ideal way to explore it.

From its intricate intertidal zones to ancient rock art, extreme tides and rare wildlife found nowhere else in Australia – or the world – this journey offers an unparalleled exploration of one of Earth’s last true wildernesses.

Why Silversea?

Silversea offers a 10-day expedition departing Broome, or an extended 16-day expedition voyage from Indonesia, including landings on the hidden gems of Palopo Sulawesi and Komodo. Accompanied by expert guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology, guests gain a deeper understanding of the Kimberley’s dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage and extraordinary biodiversity.

Silversea offers one of the experiential travel industry’s leading crew-to-guest ratios. Along with all-suite accommodation (80 per cent with private verandah), 24-hour butler service, a swimming pool and four dining options. Silver Cloud also has an experienced crew of multilingual expedition guides and specialists in marine biology, history and geology to enhance your Kimberley Experience.

silversea cruise ship pool deck
Take a dip in the pool deck.

1. Koolama Bay

​​Before visitors see King George Falls, they hear them – a growing rumble in the distance, steady and foreboding as the Zodiac glides through the gorge, the sound echoing off sheer rock formations. At 80 meters tall, the twin cascades carve through the red cliffs, churning the waters below in a spectacular finale – but Koolama Bay holds secrets beyond its striking scenery.

Named after a ship that beached here following an aerial attack by Japanese bombers in World War II, the bay may seem desolate, yet it teems with life. With Silversea’s expert guides on their 10-day Kimberley itinerary, guests gain a sharper eye for its hidden wonders – rock wallabies darting across the cliffs, crocodiles lurking among dense green mangroves, and high above, the silhouette of a bird of prey circling the sky.

King George Falls at koolama bay excursion on Silversea Kimberley Cruise
Take a shore excursion to see King George Falls.

2. Freshwater Cove / Wijingarra Butt Butt

Connect with Country on a wet landing at Freshwater Cove, also known as Wijingarra Butt Butt. Considered one of the most special experiences on both the 16-day and 10-day Kimberley cruises, Silversea guests are welcomed by the traditional Indigenous custodians of the land, painted with traditional ochre, and invited to take part in a smoking ceremony.

Located on the mainland near Montgomery Reef, Wijingarra Butt Butt holds deep cultural significance to the local Indigenous community. Here, rock formations along the shore represent spiritual ancestors, and guests are guided to a nearby rock overhang filled with ancient art, where traditional owners share the stories and meaning behind these sacred paintings.

welcome to country on freshwater cove during silversea kimberley cruise
Take part in a smoking ceremony. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

3. Vansittart Bay (Jar Island)

Modern history, ancient culture and mystery converge in Vansittart Bay, which is also known as Jar Island. Here, the first thing to catch the eye is the dented, silver fuselage of a World War II-era C-53 plane – a striking relic of the past. Yet, the true cultural treasures lie just a short hike away where two distinct styles of Indigenous rock art – Gwion Gwion and Wandjina – can be found.

The Wandjina figures, deeply connected to Indigenous traditions, stand in stark contrast to the enigmatic Gwion Gwion (Bradshaw) paintings, which date back more than 12,000 years. Significantly different in form and style, the two different styles create a striking juxtaposition, offering a rare glimpse into the region’s rich and complex past.

aerial view of Vansittart Bay, See it in you Silversea Kimberley Cruise.
Explore ancient Gwion Gwion rock art at Vansittart Bay. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

4. Horizontal Falls

Part illusion, part natural phenomenon, the Kimberley’s much-lauded Horizontal Falls aren’t a waterfall, but a tidal and geographic spectacle that visitors have to see to comprehend. Known as Garaanngaddim, the phenomenon occurs when seawater rushes through two narrow gaps- one just twenty metres wide, and the other seven metres in width, between the escarpments of Talbot Bay.

With each tidal shift,  the force of the water creates whirlpools, furious currents and the illusion of a horizontal cascade as thousands of gallons of water are pushed and pulled in through the gap every six hours with relentless movement, making this one of the Kimberley’s most mesmerising natural wonders.

Horizontal Falls are described as "One of the greatest wonders of the natural world". They are formed from a break in-between the McLarty Ranges reaching up to 25m in width. The natural phenomenon is created as seawater builds up faster on one side of the gaps than the other, creating a waterfall up to 5m high on a King tide.
Watch whirlpools and furious currents collide. (Image: Janelle Lugge)

5. Montgomery Reef

As the tide turns in Montgomery Reef, magic happens. With the Kimberley’s legendary tides varying up to ten metres, at low tide the submerged reef almost appears to rise from the depths: exposing up to four metres of the sandstone reef.

The impact is otherworldly: as the water drains, waterfalls cascade on either side of the channel,  turtles left exposed scramble and dive, and fish leap in search of sanctuary in shallow pools. Meanwhile, the dinner bell rings for the migratory seabirds dugongs, reef sharks and dolphins that scavenge and feast in the area.

Using zodiacs, guests cruise through one of the world’s most significant inshore reef systems navigated by experienced guides, exploring the most intricate and fascinating parts of a 300-square-kilometre-wide biodiversity hotspot.

aerial view of boat going along Montgomery Reef
Witness seabirds, dolphins and reef sharks on the hunt.

6. Mitchell Falls by Helicopter

Experiencing the Kimberley by sea allows you to feel the power of the tides, but travelling by helicopter reveals the sandstone tapestry of the Kimberley, a landscape geologists believe is over 1.8 billion years old.

One of Silversea’s most popular optional excursions, guests who opt to fly into the interior from the onboard helipad soar up above the rust-coloured landscape of the Mitchell plateau, taking in one of Australia’s most scenic waterfalls: Mitchell Falls, a series of four emerald-coloured pools gently cascades into each other, before plunging down to the river below.

Seeing the landscape from above reveals a landscape weaved and shaped by the power of the freshwater wet season, juxtaposed to the constant lapping of the relentless and powerful tide on the coast.

aerial view of mitchell falls on silversea helicopter excursion
See emerald pools cascade into the river below. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

7. Indigenous Art Caves, Wandjina Art

The Kimberley Region of Western Australia is home to some of the most striking and significant

Indigenous rock art in Australia. Dotted throughout the landscape are caves, cliffs and rock overhangs depicting the striking, ethereal image of Wandjina, the rainmaker spirit and creation being central to many of the Dreamtime stories in this region.

Some of the paintings are regularly repainted by traditional custodians, while others are believed to be over 4,000 years old. Each artwork serves as both a cultural record and a living connection to the past, offering a rare opportunity to engage with the enduring traditions of the Kimberley’s Indigenous communities.

Freshwater Cover Rock Art the kimberleys
Walk among cultural records preserved in stone. (Image: Tim Faircloth)

See the best of this incredible part of the world on a Silversea Kimberley cruise. Book your 10- or extended 16-day expedition voyage at silversea.com