It was during a relaxed evening chat over a bottle of red wine that my husband and I made a spontaneous decision. "Bugger it, she's only going to be a kid once," we declared, leading to a phone call to a travel agent and, eighteen months later, our family singing Hot Potato on a cruise ship alongside Henry the Octopus and Dorothy the Dinosaur. Our former coolness had officially been traded for a whimsical adventure on Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas.
Setting Sail on a Wiggly Voyage
We embarked from Sydney Harbour in November for an eight-night Wiggles-themed cruise to Vanuatu, joining thousands of passengers and many young children. Our three-year-old, dressed as a Wiggle, was among a minority in costume, as the branding was surprisingly subtle. No Wiggles logo adorned the ship's side, and characters weren't greeting guests during boarding, which slightly dampened the initial excitement compared to more immersive experiences like Disney cruises. However, with fourteen Wiggles-themed events scheduled, there was plenty to keep a toddler entertained.
The Wiggles Experience Onboard
The sail away party set the tone, featuring Dorothy the Dinosaur spinning energetic versions of classics like Fruit Salad and The Wheels On The Bus. Wags the Dog, Henry the Octopus, and Captain Feathersword—a skilled impersonator—joined in, along with "Wiggly Friends" performers who energized the crowd. Notably, the actual Wiggles members weren't present, but the costumed characters and two "green Wiggles" delivered polished performances, even handling a stage invader with grace.
Events included two Wiggly Disco Parties in the SeaPlex sports court, perfect for burning off energy, and a dance class with Dorothy that offered signed certificates. Photo opportunities with characters were popular but required early arrival due to long queues. Paid extras, like a $100 character breakfast visit or cupcake decorating class, felt pricey, especially since meals were already included.
Destinations and Dining Delights
Our itinerary included stops at Noumea, Port Vila, and Mystery Island, all offering stunning snorkelling and beaches. In Port Vila, tender boats were used post-earthquake damage, causing delays but rewarding us with a Waterfalls Beach Escape to Mele Cascades and a picturesque beach reminiscent of a screensaver.
Dining was a highlight, though we learned to avoid the busy Windjammer buffet at breakfast. Main dining rooms provided quieter table service, while Wonderland restaurant dazzled with Heston Blumenthal-inspired dishes, like candy floss starters, that thrilled our daughter.
Hygiene and Challenges
Hygiene was a priority, with enforced hand-washing stations and staff swiftly addressing incidents, like a pool vomiting event that led to immediate draining. However, the Wiggly Family Balloon Drop became a pain point, cramming hundreds into an arcade for a chaotic 45-minute wait with inappropriate music, leading to tantrums and frustration. Royal Caribbean has since shortened this experience for future sailings.
Essential Tips for Families
Toilet Training: Lifeguards are strict about swimming nappies, redirecting children to splash pools and barring them from kids' clubs.
Currency: All purchases, including Wiggles merchandise and drinks, are in US dollars, so budget accordingly.
Photo Packages: Buy early for discounts to avoid high checkout prices for keepsake photos.
Balcony Rooms: If possible, upgrade for views of dolphins, flying fish, and Sydney Harbour sunrises.
Future Sailings and Promotions
Royal Caribbean has eight more Wiggly-themed sailings scheduled from Sydney and Brisbane between February 2026 and March 2027, ranging from four to nine nights to destinations like Queensland and the South Pacific. A promotion for summer 2026-27 offers free trips for children under six named Dorothy, Henry, or Shirley, adding a playful incentive for fans.
Overall, this inaugural cruise was a wiggly success, blending family fun with tropical escapes, though with room for refinement in event management.
