Published on
August 22, 2025
The arrival of Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination at Lelepa in Vanuatu has been long anticipated by many in the Australian cruise community. Set to commence operations in 2027, this new private resort has the potential to significantly impact the way Royal Caribbean operates in Australia and New Zealand.
Royal Caribbean’s President and CEO, Michael Bayley, has revealed that the majority of the cruise line’s Australian itineraries may soon be heading to Lelepa, drastically changing the options available for local cruisers. In a recent interview, Bayley shared that once the Lelepa beach resort opens, it is anticipated that nearly 90% of Royal Caribbean’s Australian sailings will visit the private destination, much like how a majority of the cruise line’s Caribbean sailings visit private islands like Perfect Day and other beach clubs.
For Australian cruisers, this move raises significant concerns about the potential reduction in the number of sailings to traditional Australian and New Zealand destinations, and what that could mean for the cruise market and local tourism.
The Potential Impact of Lelepa on Australian and New Zealand Itineraries
The statement from Bayley that 90% of Australian cruises could eventually visit Lelepa highlights a significant shift in the focus of Royal Caribbean’s Australian operations. Currently, Royal Caribbean offers a range of sailings to popular South Pacific destinations such as New Zealand, Tasmania, and various parts of Australia.
For instance, during the 2026/27 season, Royal Caribbean’s ships Anthem of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas are scheduled for 49 sailings. Of these, 26 will visit the South Pacific, six will go to New Zealand, and 17 will stay within Australia. If 90% of these sailings are instead directed to Lelepa, that would leave only a handful of itineraries left for traditional ports in Australia and New Zealand.
The significant shift towards Lelepa could drastically reduce the availability of Australian cruises visiting local towns and New Zealand. As Royal Caribbean moves more towards private island destinations like Lelepa, some key port cities in Australia, such as Eden, Hobart, and Airlie Beach, may see fewer visits, which could have a substantial negative impact on local economies that benefit from the tourism generated by these cruise ships.
The Distance Challenge: Lelepa vs. Other Destinations
One major consideration for this change in itinerary is the distance between Lelepa and key Australian ports. Brisbane is located approximately 1,020 nautical miles from Lelepa, while Sydney is about 1,270 nautical miles away. This is a significant distance compared to destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Caribbean, which is just 215 nautical miles from Miami.
Royal Caribbean’s current South Pacific itineraries, such as those from Sydney, generally involve long journeys to ports like Noumea and Vanuatu, with several days spent at sea. With Lelepa being positioned as the first stop on many itineraries, it could replace these existing stops and significantly alter the structure of South Pacific cruises. For example, an itinerary that traditionally visits Noumea on day four could now visit Lelepa instead, potentially cutting out other popular ports in the region.
For cruises departing from Brisbane, which currently run seven-night South Pacific itineraries, Lelepa could be incorporated as the first port of call, replacing other destinations like Mystery Island or Port Vila, and limiting the variety of experiences available to cruisers.
The Economic Impact: What Less Visits to Australian Ports Means
With Royal Caribbean potentially focusing a large portion of its sailings on Lelepa, many of Australia’s cruise-dependent towns could see a significant loss of business. Ports like Eden, Hobart, and Airlie Beach, which have historically benefitted from the influx of tourists brought in by Royal Caribbean ships, could lose much-needed revenue.
For smaller towns like Eden, the economic impact could be especially severe. These communities often see a massive boost in local spending when cruise ships arrive, with tourists spending on everything from local attractions to shopping and dining. The potential reduction in visits could diminish these opportunities and have lasting consequences for these communities that depend on cruise tourism.
The Potential Decline in New Zealand Sailings
The shift to more sailings heading to Lelepa also raises concerns for New Zealand, which has already been seeing a decline in its cruise visitor numbers. Royal Caribbean has already reduced its capacity for New Zealand sailings, and if 90% of Australian sailings move to Lelepa, the remaining five to seven New Zealand itineraries could be cut back even further.
For many Australians, New Zealand has been a favorite cruise destination, and removing these itineraries could further hurt the local cruise tourism economy in New Zealand. Additionally, with Lelepa being a private destination, Royal Caribbean may be more inclined to direct its resources there, avoiding potential issues like those sometimes encountered with local regulatory environments in New Zealand.
What Could This Mean for Aussie Cruisers?
While Lelepa is being specifically designed with Australian cruisers in mind, as confirmed by Bayley, there is a question as to whether 90% of sailings to a private destination will meet the needs of Aussie travelers. Australians tend to favor varied itineraries and enjoy returning to different destinations each year, so a move towards repetitive itinerariescould prove challenging for loyal cruisers who prefer new experiences. Additionally, Australians often favor cruises that visit Australian ports and provide a distinctly local experience, rather than one that may feel more aligned with the American cruise experience.
If Royal Caribbean can successfully balance its new focus on Lelepa with a variety of itineraries that include Australian destinations, it may still find success. However, a shift too far towards a single private destination could lead to frustration among cruisers who value variety and local flavor in their cruising experiences.
Conclusion: The Future of Royal Caribbean in Australia and New Zealand
The impending introduction of Lelepa as a major destination for Royal Caribbean cruises could profoundly alter the cruising landscape in Australia and New Zealand. While the new private beach club may provide an exciting new option for cruisers, it raises important questions about the future of traditional itineraries to local ports. The economic impact on Australian towns and the potential further decline of New Zealand’s cruise industry will need to be carefully considered as the cruise line adjusts to this new model.
For Australian cruisers, the question remains whether this shift towards a private destination will ultimately enhance the cruising experience or limit their options for exploring the diverse and beautiful destinations that Australia and New Zealand have to offer.
