Sunsetz
If you are a frequent cruiser, I am sure you have already seen many of the ports in the Caribbean and Alaska. Cruise lines all have the same itineraries, you might think when you’re looking for a new cruise to book.
Well, this does not apply to an extraordinary new cruise that has just been announced by Royal Caribbean. As you may have already read from the headline, it will be a 25-day cruise from Los Angeles to Australia, certainly not an ordinary, common route.
In this article, we will uncover all the interesting details about this cruise. Departure dates, ports of call, and of course, the price!
Which Royal Caribbean Ship Will It Be?
This cruise will be carried out on Quantum of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s most beloved and high-tech ships.
As you can imagine, it’s a highlight of the cruise line’s 2026–2027 deployment, repositioning the ship to a new home port in Australia.
This kind of cruises are quite rare for Royal Caribbean; typical cruises are around 7 nights (with longer ones usually topping out at two weeks), so a 25-night itinerary is an exception and if you combine it with the unusual itinerary it’s even more of a unique thing.
Itinerary Highlights
With over three and a half weeks at sea, Quantum of the Seas will bridge the gap between North America and the South Pacific, calling at a string of remarkable destinations en route to Australia.
Los Angeles (Departure)
The cruise will depart on September 26, 2026, from Los Angeles.
The temperature should be perfect, neither too hot nor too cold, and in a short time you will be heading toward the open Pacific, leaving the California coast behind.
Catalina Island
Before you can go too far, the first stop will be at Santa Catalina Island, a tiny slice of paradise just off Southern California’s coast.
Catalina is known for its retro seaside town of Avalon and natural wonders.
You’ll stroll past the iconic art deco Catalina Casino (a historic landmark and ballroom, not a gambling casino) and relax on the beaches of this “little paradise” before continuing your cruise. It’s a rare treat to visit Catalina on a long cruise, but as we’ve already seen, this cruise is anything but ordinary.
Kailua-Kona (Hawaii)
After several days at sea, the ship will reach Hawaii. In Kona on the Big Island, you’ll find year-round sunshine and world-famous coffee farms on the volcanic slopes.
Here you can sample some local Kona coffee, explore the rugged lava fields, or snorkel in the clear waters of Kealakekua Bay that are full of beautiful colored fish.
Honolulu (Overnight)
Next stop will be Honolulu, Hawaii’s capital. The positive thing is that you’ll have plenty of time to explore because it’ll be an overnight stay in port.
This means extra time to immerse yourself in Hawaii’s capital, which is a true, vibrant tropical metropolis.
If you’ve been there, you already know that there are a lot of things to do and see. By day, you can go to the world-famous Waikiki Beach or hike up Diamond Head for panoramic views.
By evening, simply enjoy Honolulu’s nightlife or a sunset luau, since you’ll have the luxury of remaining docked overnight, a rarity that only a few cruisers have.
French Polynesia
After cruising further across the vast Pacific (and likely crossing the Equator and the International Date Line along the way!), you’ll arrive in the South Pacific paradise of French Polynesia.
The first call here is Raiatea, an island considered by Polynesians to be sacred. In fact, Raiatea was the center of ancient Tahitian culture and religion, home to complex temple sites (marae) that are some of the best-preserved in the region.
Here you could explore these UNESCO-recognized historical sites or move to the island’s famous mountains and coral reefs. Raiatea is less visited, and probably less visited than its neighbor Bora Bora, but it gives an authentic experience of Polynesia’s natural beauty and heritage.
Another stop in French Polynesia will be Moorea, often acclaimed as one of the most beautiful islands on Earth. With its jagged green volcanic peaks and brilliant blue lagoons.
Papeete (Tahiti)
Papeete on the island of Tahiti will also be a port of call. It’s quite a small city, but it offers a perfect mix of French and Polynesian cultures.
I recommend a walk through the public market to shop for local handicrafts and then an excursion into Tahiti’s interior to see the beautiful waterfalls and tropical gardens.
Brisbane (Arrival)
After 25 nights and many ports of call, the cruise will end in Brisbane, Australia.
You’ll basically arrive on the sunny east coast of Australia. Brisbane is Queensland’s capital city, a hub of outdoor lifestyle and full of interesting Aussie attractions.
You can continue your travels in Australia for a few days or head home from there. Brisbane airport has direct flights in North America to Dallas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
Why This Cruise Is Truly Unique
As I was saying earlier, this will be a repositioning cruise, meaning it’s a one-way rute taking the ship to a new home region (in this case, repositioning Quantum of the Seas from North America to Australia for the summer season).
Repositioning cruises are rare, one-off events, since ships only change regions a couple times a year, so you have to grab the opportunity when it comes.
And because they’re not part of the regular schedule, such cruises often visit unusual ports (like Catalina or Raiatea) and include lots of sea days. For travelers, this means a unique itinerary that you literally cannot find on a recurring basis.
How Much Does it Cost?
Right now, the only 25-day Royal Caribbean itinerary from Los Angeles to Australia (Los Angeles to Brisbane, 26 Sep 2026) starts just over $2,200 per person for an inside cabin.
Expect to pay about $2,400 for a window cabin and about $2,500 for a balcony cabin. Remember that since this is a once-a-year repositioning cruise, cabins tend to sell steadily, so locking in early usually secures the best price and cabin choice.
When booking, remember to avoid these common money-wasting mistakes and have a look at these tricks to save money on every cruise.
