Royal Caribbean Partners with Brisbane Heat for 2025-26 Cricket Season

SYDNEY, July 1, 2025 — Royal Caribbean International has officially announced its partnership with the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Cricket as the Official Holiday Partner for the upcoming 2025-26 cricket season. This collaboration aims to enhance the experience of cricket fans and families during the Australian summer, known for its vibrant cricket culture and tourism opportunities.

The partnership will introduce a variety of family-oriented experiences and promotions for Brisbane Heat members, as noted by Gavin Smith, Vice President and Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand, at Royal Caribbean. Smith stated, “We’re excited to announce the coming together of two iconic brands, as we partner with the Brisbane Heat to create engaging and unforgettable fan experiences both on and off the field.”

This initiative is poised to maximize the Brisbane Heat's appeal during their summer season, coinciding with the peak travel period for families in Australia. The partnership will feature exclusive deals for Heat members, sneak peeks of Royal Caribbean products, and community events that enhance the cricket experience.

Pete Lock, General Manager of Commercial, Marketing & Corporate Affairs for the Brisbane Heat, echoed Smith’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the synergy between the two brands. “The Heat brings families together every summer. The start of summer holidays is when the Women’s Big Bash League and Big Bash League thrive, and it is a natural fit with Royal Caribbean,” Lock remarked, highlighting the mutual benefits of the partnership.

As part of their collaboration, Royal Caribbean will be featured prominently at the Gabba, Brisbane’s iconic cricket venue, serving as the presenting partner of the Gabba Park ‘Fan Zone’. Furthermore, fans can anticipate ‘The Royal Caribbean Countdown’, a pre-match event expected to become a fan favorite, beginning in December 2025.

Royal Caribbean, which has a storied history of providing memorable vacations for over 50 years, is preparing for a robust Australian sailing season. The cruise line will offer 45 getaways to the South Pacific, New Zealand, and the eastern seaboard from November 2025 to April 2026, catering to families looking for both adventure and relaxation.

To celebrate its role as the Official Brisbane Heat Membership Partner, Royal Caribbean is also hosting a pre-season competition for members to win a family holiday, alongside exclusive offers for the 2025-26 sailing season. Interested participants can find more details at www.brisbaneheat.com.au.

This partnership not only promises to create memorable experiences for cricket fans but also reflects the growing trend of collaborations between sports entities and tourism brands in Australia, particularly during peak travel seasons. As families increasingly seek integrated experiences that combine sports and leisure, such partnerships are likely to become more prevalent in the future.

About Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean, a part of Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL), is renowned for its innovative cruise offerings and has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 22 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. The cruise line operates over 300 destinations in 80 countries across all seven continents.

About Brisbane Heat: The Brisbane Heat is a founding franchise of the Big Bash League (BBL), Australia’s premier T20 cricket competition. Known for their passionate fan base and vibrant teal uniforms, the Heat plays its home matches at the Gabba, a venue celebrated for its electric atmosphere and rich history in cricketing excellence.