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South Pacific Cruise Guide, Anthem of the Seas (9 Nights, February 2026)

South Pacific Cruise Guide, Anthem of the Seas (9 Nights, February 2026)

Tags
Destinations
Published
October 10, 2025

Sail into paradise with the Anthem of the Seas — a nine-night journey from Sydney through the heart of the South Pacific. From coral-ringed islands to turquoise lagoons, this itinerary blends adventure, relaxation, and culture across New Caledonia and Vanuatu. With multiple sea days to recharge and explore the ship’s world-class amenities, it’s the perfect balance of island escape and ocean serenity.

This comprehensive guide covers your route, pricing, ports, budget, and booking strategies  along with insider tips on how to track live fares and save using Track.Cruises.

Quick Overview

Detail
Information
Ship
Anthem of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
Duration
9 Nights
Departure Date
February 27, 2026
Departure Port
Sydney, Australia
Ports of Call
Nouméa, Port Vila, Mystery Island
Sea Days
6 Total
Markets Available
5
Track.Cruises Confidence
65% (Prices trending down)

Cabin Pricing (plus taxes & fees):

  • Interior: $1,669
  • Oceanview: $1,799
  • Balcony: $1,899
  • Suite: $13,298

In the Australia market, rates currently hover around 1,668.73 AUD, or approximately 185.41 AUD per night.

Use the Monitor tool on Track.Cruises to watch live price movements and receive alerts when fares drop.

Route & Itinerary at a Glance

Day
Port
Type
1
Sydney
Departure
2–4
At Sea
Relax & Explore
5
Nouméa
Port of Call
6
Port Vila
Port of Call
7
Mystery Island
Port of Call
8–9
At Sea
Scenic Sailing
10
Sydney
Return

A total of three unique island stops are framed by six sea days — the ideal rhythm for both exploration and deep rest.

Budget Breakdown (Per Person Estimate)

Category
Estimated Cost (USD)
Cruise Fare (Interior)
$1,669
Taxes & Fees
$200–300
Gratuities (9 Nights)
$160–180
Wi-Fi (VOOM)
$135–225
Shore Excursions
$100–200
Travel Insurance
$80–200
Pre/Post Hotel (Sydney)
$130–280
Airport Transfers
$50–100

Estimated Total: $2,300–$2,900 per person

You can monitor fare dips and compare cabin categories in real time using Track.Cruises, which also shows market-specific averages and trend confidence.

Port-by-Port Highlights

1. Nouméa, New Caledonia

Dock: Nouméa Cruise Terminal

Travel Time from Pier: 10–15 minutes to beaches

Top Experiences:

  • Amedee Island: Lighthouse, coral gardens, and local buffet lunch.
  • Tjibaou Cultural Center: Architectural masterpiece celebrating Kanak heritage.
  • Baie des Citrons & Anse Vata: City beaches with cafés and calm swimming.

Local Tip: Buy a baguette and local cheese near Place des Cocotiers for a relaxed seaside picnic.

Map Notes:

  • Cruise Terminal → Market & Taxis (immediate access)
  • City Center (10–15 min walk)
  • Beaches (Anse Vata) → Bus or taxi south, ~15–20 min

2. Port Vila, Vanuatu

Dock: Port Vila Cruise Pier

Travel Time from Pier: 15–25 minutes to most attractions

Top Experiences:

  • Mele Cascades: Waterfall climb through lush forest.
  • Blue Lagoon: Swim in a brilliant tidal pool at high tide.
  • Hideaway Island: Short boat ride for snorkeling and marine sanctuary visits.

Cultural Add-On: Visit a traditional village to experience local crafts and kava ceremonies.

Map Notes:

  • Pier → Transport Zone (taxis/minibuses)
  • Mele Cascades → ~20–25 min northwest
  • Blue Lagoon → ~40 min east

Travel Tip: Cash is essential here — local vendors and markets rarely accept cards.

3. Mystery Island, Vanuatu

Access: Tender port (small boats to shore)

Port Type: Uninhabited islet, managed by nearby village communities

Top Experiences:

  • Snorkeling: Clear waters with accessible coral straight from the beach.
  • Private Cabanas: Limited availability; book early on board.
  • Island Walk: Gentle loop trail under palms (30–40 minutes).

Map Notes:

  • Tender Pier → Market Stalls & Massage Huts (immediate area)
  • Snorkeling → Both sides of the island
  • Loop Track → Full circuit, shaded

Essential Tip: Bring cash, water, and sunscreen — there are no ATMs or shops beyond local stalls.

Sea Day Strategy: How to Maximize Time Onboard

The Anthem of the Seas is as much a destination as the islands themselves. With six sea days total, balance activity and rest with these tips:

Morning (7–10 AM):

  • Enjoy uncrowded North Star views.
  • Have breakfast in the main dining room for calm service.
  • Take early spa or gym sessions.

Midday (10 AM–2 PM):

  • Lounge in the Solarium (adults-only sanctuary).
  • Attend enrichment sessions or try bumper cars in SeaPlex.
  • Sample specialty dining for lunch.

Evening (5–9 PM):

  • Pre-book theater shows via the Royal Caribbean app.
  • Opt for a balcony dinner at sunset.
  • Visit Two70 for immersive performances.

Motion Tip: Choose mid-ship cabins on lower decks for the smoothest sailing.

When to Book and How to Save

Based on Track.Cruises data, price swings for this itinerary over the last 30 days ranged from 965.9 to 1,192.9 EUR, finishing at 1,027.9 EUR on October 10, 2025.

Current trend: slightly downward, with moderate booking confidence (65%) and ample lead time before departure.

Smart Booking Playbook

  1. Monitor Prices: Use Track.Cruises’ “Monitor” button for automatic alerts when fares drop.
  2. Set Your Target: For an interior cabin, aim for under $1,600 before taxes.
  3. Compare Categories: If the balcony price difference is under $150, it’s worth the upgrade for sea days.
  4. Re-check After Booking: If your market allows price adjustments before final payment, keep tracking.

Quick Takeaway: Patience pays — early watchers on Track.Cruises often catch dips between October and December for February sailings.

Packing Essentials for February in the South Pacific

  • Lightweight tropical clothing (humidity-friendly fabrics)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen
  • Water shoes or reef shoes (for cascades and coral beaches)
  • Snorkel mask (own gear fits better)
  • Dry bag for tender rides
  • Mosquito repellent (especially for Port Vila)
  • Portable charger & travel adapter
  • Rain jacket for tropical showers

Sample Daily Plans

Nouméa (Active & Cultural)

Morning: Visit Tjibaou Cultural Center.

Midday: Lunch at Baie des Citrons.

Afternoon: Relax at Anse Vata before heading back.

Port Vila (Adventure & Nature)

Morning: Mele Cascades hike.

Midday: Blue Lagoon swim and picnic.

Afternoon: Browse local markets by the pier.

Mystery Island (Relaxation)

Morning: Early tender and beach setup.

Midday: Island walk and market browsing.

Afternoon: Snorkeling or massage hut retreat.

Cabin Selection Tips

  • Interior: Best budget choice; ideal if you’ll spend most time exploring.
  • Oceanview: Great middle ground with natural light.
  • Balcony: Adds a private retreat — highly recommended for sea-day-heavy itineraries.
  • Suite: Premium experience for groups or celebrations.

Pro Tip: Midship cabins minimize motion and noise. Avoid directly below night venues.

Sustainability & Respectful Travel

The South Pacific’s beauty depends on mindful tourism:

  • Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral ecosystems.
  • Support local artisans at markets rather than imported souvenir stalls.
  • Dress modestly during village visits.
  • Always return to the ship well before the last tender.

Visual Route Overview

Use the interactive route map on Track.Cruises to preview each port and zoom into real port locations before sailing.

The map visually connects Sydney → Nouméa → Port Vila → Mystery Island → Sydney, helping travelers plan excursions and sea-day pacing.

Why Use Track.Cruises for Planning

Track.Cruises isn’t just a listing site — it’s your real-time price intelligence tool.

Here’s how it elevates cruise planning:

  • Live Market Comparison: See fares from all five available markets.
  • Confidence Metrics: Know if prices are trending up or down.
  • Automatic Alerts: Be notified when fares drop to your target.
  • Navigator Upgrade: Unlock a year of price history to find the best booking windows.

Plan smarter, sail further.

Track every South Pacific cruise price movement and secure your perfect cabin at the best rate with Track.Cruises.

Final Word

A South Pacific cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas is more than a getaway — it’s a voyage across cultures, colors, and calm seas. With smart planning and live price monitoring through Track.Cruises, you can sail confidently, knowing you’ve booked at the best time for the best value.

Ready to plan your next voyage?

🌐 Explore routes, compare fares, and track prices live at Track.Cruises.