CRUISE OF AUSTRALIA AND
NEW ZEALAND
APRIL 12-23, 2027
RAINBOWS
ARE A SPECTACULAR SIGHT IN DOUBTFUL SOUND
AS WE CRUISE THROUGH
FJORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
WATERFALLS ARE A
BREATHTAKING SIGHT IN MILFORD SOUND NEW ZEALAND
WILDLIFE SIGHTSING ARE COMMON IN EDEN AUSTRALIA
VISIT
THE STUNNING SCENERY AND QUAINT FILM LOCATIONS FROM THE EPIC LORD OF THE RINGS
MOVIES OUTSIDE OF LYTTLETON NEW ZEALAND
CRUISE
THROUGH STUNNING FJORDS, WATERFALLS AND RAINBOWS IN FJORDLAND NATIONAL PARK NEW ZEALAND
SEE WILDLIFE IN THEIR OWN NATURAL
HABITATS IN FJORDLAND NATIONAL PARK
ENJOY
AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE A SCENIC TRAIN RIDE IN NEW ZEALAND’S LUSH COUNTRYSIDE
WITNESS
THE AMAZING NATURAL PHENOMENON OF THE “GLOW-WORMS” INSIDE CAVES OUTSIDE
TAURANGA NEW ZEALAND
ENJOY BREATHTAKING VIEWS OVER LAKE ROTORUA
RIDING A GONDOLA UP MOUNT NGONGOTAHA AND THEN WITNESS GEYSERS SPOUTING
NATURALLY AT TE PUIA IN NEW ZEALAND
ENJOY
A WINE TASTING EXCURSION TO THE YARRA VALLEY OUTSIDE MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA AND
VISIT A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY TO GET UP CLOSE WITH NATIVE AUSTRALIAN KOALAS AND
SEE THE UNIQUE HABITATS OF KANGAROOS.
VISIT THE ISLAND OF TASMANIA, OFF THE
AUSTRALIAN COAST, WHERE YOU CAN SEE THE UNIQUE TASMANIAN DEVILS, ONE OF THE
MOST UNIQUE SPECIES OF WILDLIFE.
Admire the gorgeous natural beauty of Cradle
Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, passing ancient rainforests, sub-alpine
lakes and jagged Mount Ossa, the highest point in Tasmania.
The scenery along the way will be absolutely
stunning, as it is some of the wildest, most undisturbed terrain in the
country. You can expect even more natural wonders upon arriving at Cradle
Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park, which is within the Tasmanian Wilderness
World Heritage Area.
This is a land of icy streams cascading out of
rugged mountains, endemic King Billy pines reflected in glassy lakes, and
fascinating wildlife such as Tasmanian devils, quolls and platypus.
Visit several spectacularly
scenic villages that rim the deep-blue waters of the Sapphire Coast on our port
day in Eden Australia
Lastly,
CRUISE UNDER THE FAMED SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE AND STAND IN AWE IN FRONT OF THE
MARVELOUS SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE IN SYDNEY AUSTRALIA,
Cruise Itinerary Quick View
Day 1: Auckland,
New Zealand Embark at 4:00
PM
Day 2: Tauranga,
New Zealand 9:00 AM - 8:15 PM
Day 4: Lyttelton, New Zealand 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Day
5: Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Day
6 (Part 1): Dusky Sound, New Zealand
Day
6 (Part 2): Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
Day
6 (Part 3): Milford Sound, New Zealand
Day 9: Melbourne,
Australia 7:00 AM - 5:00
PM
Day 10:
Burnie (Tasmania), Australia 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Day 11: Eden,
Australia 10:00 AM - 4:30
PM
Day 12: Sydney,
Australia Debark SHIP
CRUISE ITINERARY DETAILS
Day 1: April 12, 2027 Auckland, New
Zealand Embark our cruise at 4:00 PM
Auckland, New Zealand
Surrounded by tranquil golden beaches, lush
forests and dramatic coastal trails, Auckland is a nature lover’s paradise. The
48 volcanic cones that dot the surrounding area provide stunning panoramic
views of the city and harbor. New Zealand’s largest city is also a shopper’s
paradise offering everything from top designers to local open-air markets.
Learn about the indigenous Maori and take home some native art pieces or
jewelry. The fine, locally produced woolens also make excellent gifts.
Day 2: April 13,
2027 Tauranga,
New Zealand 9:00
AM - 8:15 PM
Tauranga, New Zealand
Go walk-about and explore Tauranga, set on the
beautiful Bay of Plenty. And indeed there are plenty of things to do. Head to
the beach or discover Tauranga’s lovely parks and rich history. Visit a village
buried by a volcanic eruption and captured in a moment of time – a fascinating
yet moving experience. Take a selfie at Hell’s Gate, an aptly named geothermal
park with boiling pools, fantastic geysers and mud baths, the largest of which
is Poutamu, “the stairway to heaven.”
SHORE EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS IN TAURANGA
Maori Experience &
Thermal Reserve
. Head via Te Puke, the world's largest
kiwi fruit growing region to the geothermic wonderland of Rotorua. Stop at the
Agrodome to watch the country's best-trained champion rams parade on stage, and
a sheep-shearing demonstration.
Embark
one of the aerial gondolas for a breathtaking ride up the side of Mount
Ngongotaha, enjoying panoramic vistas of Lake Rotorua, the city and surrounding
areas. Arriving at the top of the mountain, the Skyline Restaurant with its
unparalleled views is where you’ll be treated to a buffet.
Visit
Te Puia, the home to the internationally renowned spouting Pohutu geyser and
boasts silica terraces, pools of boiling mud and dramatic steams vents. Your
Maori guide is keen to share the fascinating local lore and legends of this
wonderful country.
Highlights of Tauranga
& Maori Culture
HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel out into the countryside surrounding
Tauranga to visit a local Maori village, known as a Marae.
• Be welcomed by an indigenous guide as you begin an intimate tour of the
village, meeting its hospitable residents and learning about their lives.
• Witness traditional craft-making and cooking underway, experience Maori’s
tradition of storytelling, and share tea with your hosts.
• Driven up to Minden Lookout, be swept away by exceptional views out across
the Bay of Plenty – and perhaps out to Whakaari volcano, puffing away some 30
miles offshore.
Lake Rotoiti, Wildlife
& Waterways
HIGHLIGHTS
• Kayak along the shores
of Lake Rotoiti, a natural paradise with plenty of wildlife.
• Relax your muscles by soaking in the mineral-rich hot pools along the lake’s
coast.
• Paddle through a cave illuminated only by glow worms.
·
Day 3 –
April 14, 2027 At Sea (Cruising)
Enjoy the sun deck with
its pools, hot tubs, and poolside bar, as well as a jogging/walking track, a
spa, a fitness center and activities
around the ship, such as trivia games, plus a 24 hour eatery O Sheehan’s, so you
can eat, when you want to eat.
·
Get
ready to relax on Norwegian Spirit, with four outdoor hot
tubs, surrounding the large main pool, plus plentiful deck space and numerous
sun beds.
Savor
every meal with our line-up of delicious cuisine, from Italian at Onda by
Scarpetta to steak at Cagney’s. Night time means showtime! Get your laughs at
Social Comedy and Night Club, and enjoy spectacular entertainment at Stardust
theater - an opera-style auditorium reaching up two decks.
Always in High Spirits
Experience laid-back
luxury on Norwegian Spirit®, which has been renovated from bow to stern with
the adult traveler in mind. Feel rejuvenated with a morning in the Thermal
Suite, then soak in fantastic vistas and the warm sunshine with your favorite
beverage in hand at the adults-only Spice H2O.
Get in the hot seat in
the casino, roll into big laughs at the comedy club and enjoy mesmerizing live
performances.
Enjoy 4 hot tubs
surrounding the main pool on the sun deck. Enjoy a fitness center, massage/hair salon and much more.
The Spirit was given a
$100 Million dollar refurbishment in 2022
and other enhancements in
2025
- With Only a 1,972 Passenger Capacity, you will never feel
lost in a crowd, never feel that the lines are too long and never have
trouble getting where you want to go onboard.
-
Spice H2O
Spice
H20 is an adult-only escape. By day, you can sip cold cocktails from your
reclined lounge chair. By night, it’s a whole different beat. Let loose and
dance beneath the stars.
·
Deck 10,11
THE BIER GARTEN – bar for those cold beers on a hot day
Waves Pool Bar
Go from
swimming to sipping. Grab your favorite tropical cocktail at the Waves Pool Bar
and lounge the day away.
Spinnaker Lounge
At night, the atmosphere
at the Spinnaker Lounge is charged when the music comes up and the stage
becomes a dance floor. Panoramic views make this the place perfect for parties
and informal meetings.
Day 4: April
15th, 2026 Lyttelton, New Zealand 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Lyttelton, New Zealand
Just 20 minutes from the center of
Christchurch city, Lyttelton is a charming port town with a long history. Back
in 1850, the first European settlers landed in Christchurch before heading over
the Port Hills to establish their new home. Today, Lyttelton is accessed by an
impressive road tunnel. It's a vibrant town, home to a small community of 3,000
residents, filled with bohemian artists, cafés, restaurants and unique shops to
discover.
Shore excursion highlights in Lyttleton New Zealand
High Country Explorer
HIGHLIGHTS
• Experience adventure without exhaustion on a
thrilling, multi-vehicle tour of the Southern Alps.
• Travel by coach across the fertile Canterbury Plains to the Springfield
Adventure Centre and a switch into off road mode.
• Buckle up for a rollicking drive through rugged high country terrain framed
by mountains and gorges.
• Hold onto your hat again later as you zoom up the majestic Waimakariri river
gorge on a jet boat nimble enough to make 360-degree spins.
• Enjoy lunch at midday and return back to port with spectacular photos and
memories.
Ice & Wings
HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle back for a
30-minute narrated coach drive from Lyttelton to the outskirts of Christchurch.
• Tour the Royal New Zealand Air Force Museum, home to a vast collection of
meticulously preserved aviation memorabilia including dozens of historic
aircraft and a vintage barracks.
• Enjoy an immensely fun, guided tour and interactive experience at the
International Antarctic Centre, next best thing to traveling to the South Pole
yourself.in modern Antarctica and visit historic Scott Base, watch Little Blue
Penguins play, and crawl over an obstacle course inside a Hagglund amphibious
vehicle.
Journey Into Middle
Earth
Settle back for a
panoramic coach drive across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps.
• Enjoy morning tea in a country town and stop at a stunning alpine lake for
photos and awe.
• Visit
Mt Potts High Country Station, a setting magical enough to double for mythical
Edoras in the Lord of the Rings films.
• Enjoy free time to
explore this astounding place on earth, even pose for photos with replica
swords.
• Lunch in Mt Somers Village and enjoy a Christchurch orientation drive that
covers its top sights.
Lyttelton Discovery
Cruise
HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend a couple
delightful hours cruising picturesque Lyttelton Harbor by catamaran and
discover the history and wildlife that inhabits these waters.
• Enjoy colorful commentary as your skipper points out landmark sights and
recounts stories from the early Maori and European settlers.
• Learn of the harbor’s dramatic geological heritage, go in search of tiny
dolphins, and see coastal terrain where abundant seabirds gather and nest.
Christchurch Town &
Country
HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend a fascinating half-day experiencing the
sights of both town and country by panoramic coach.
• See harbors, lakes and lagoons formed by prehistoric volcanoes and cross
idyllic green pasturelands.
• Visit a working sheep farm, meet the farm hands and watch champion New
Zealand sheepdogs herding the flock by whistled command.
• Take a drive through central Christchurch and learn about its recovery from
the 2011 earthquake.
• Return via a historic mountain tunnel that reigned as New Zealand’s longest
for over 50 years.
Historic Christchurch
& Botanical Gardens
HIGHLIGHTS
• See the highlights of
Christchurch while traveling through town in a double-decker bus.
• Ride through the Botanic Gardens in an open-air trolley that offers
unobstructed views.
• Listen to enlightening and entertaining commentary at both venues.
Day
5: Apr. 16, 2026 Dunedin New Zealand 7:00 AM - 5:00
PM
Dunedin (Port Chalmers),
New Zealand
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers
a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare, yellow-eyed
penguins, fur seals and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home.
Equally impressive is the Victorian and
Edwardian architecture that dates from its days as a gold rush town. New
Zealand’s only castle sits high above the city and offers sweeping views from
its famous gardens. Shop for a locally made souvenir, with crafts, artwork,
wool and leather items being popular.
SHORE EXCURSION OPTIONS AND
HIGHLIGHTS
Nature’s Wonders Wildlife
Safari
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a scenic drive
along Otago Harbor, through Dunedin and out to the far tip of Otago Peninsula.
• Visit the family-run farm, Natures Wonders, in the midst of spectacular
headland bluffs and remote beach habitats.
• Tour this majestic wild terrain by both 8WD vehicle and mini-coach,
descending from 650-foot sea cliffs down to the water’s edge and back.
• Anticipate encounters with wildlife at its most undisturbed – basking fur
seals, spotted shags on the nest, fascinating little blue penguins and perhaps
even shy yellow-eyed penguins.
• Returning via Dunedin, enjoy a brief highlights drive through this city of
elegant Victorian landmarks.
Pride Of The South - Brewery & Otago Museum
HIGHLIGHTS
• Tour an iconic gravity-fed brewery that’s been
making its beer the same way since the 19th century.
• Sample a range of their beers, including some that really do have a delicious
ancient taste.
• Browse the exhibits at the Otago Museum, where this region’s natural and
cultural history are shown to be connected.
• Enjoy a hearty alehouse lunch, and capture Instagram-worthy photos of one of
the fanciest railway station facades you’ve ever seen.
The Taieri Gorge
Railway Experience
HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle
back and experience one of the world’s most breathtakingly scenic railway
journeys.
• Travel over countless latticed-steel and stone
bridges and through 10 tunnels as you traverse the rugged Taieri River Gorge.
• Take it all in from the civilized comfort of
your carriage with morning tea and a light lunch served.
• Disembark at Dunedin’s landmark Victorian
railway station, where you can opt to remain in town awhile or return
straightaway to the port.
Highlights
Of Dunedin
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a sightseeing
drive to central Dunedin from the port, tracing beautiful Otago Harbor and its
towns.
• Tour a 35-room home that features fine art and intriguing collectibles,
perfectly capturing the style of this city known for its worldly elegance.
• Travel along streets lined with Edwardian and Victorian mansions, churches
and cathedrals, and the Gothic campus of New Zealand’s first university.
• Stroll among camellias and rhododendrons, roses and splashing fountains in an
1863 botanic garden.
• Ride back to the pier directly or step off in town to explore awhile longer
and catch a shuttle back later.
Dunedin Peninsula – Wildlife &
Larnach Castle
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a scenic drive
along the harbor shore, through Dunedin and out to rugged, wild Otago
Peninsula.
• Travel to the Royal Albatross Observatory, site of the world’s only mainland
albatross nesting site.
• Visit the natural habitat where you can observe these amazing seabirds
up-close – maybe even see a few soaring by on 10-foot wingspans.
• Tour the no-expense-spared mansion known as Larnach Castle, built for a
wealthy 19th-century banker by a small army of European artisans.
• Savor a delightful luncheon here, with some free time after to wander the
sprawling grounds awhile.
Otago Harbor Wildlife Cruise
HIGHLIGHTS
• Embark on a relaxed
cruise out Otago Harbor to Taiaroa Head, a famous magnet for marine wildlife.
• En route, get background on the area’s rich natural history from the captain
and seasoned deckhands.
• Enjoy rare close-up views of the captivating animal life along this rugged
coast – including some 10 species of breeding seabirds, including the very rare
Royal Albatross.
• Observe a breeding colony of Southern Fur Seals along with numerous other
mammals, even occasional penguins and dolphins.
Day 6 - APR. 17, 2026 FJORDLAND
NATIONAL PARK
·
Enjoy Scenic Views of three Stunningly
Beautiful Fjords as we cruise through Fjordland National Park today.
·
(Part 1): Dusky Sound, Fjordland National Park
New Zealand
·
Dusky Sound, New Zealand
·
At
25 miles in length, and five miles wide at its broadest, Dusky Sound is the
largest and most spectacular fjord in Fjordland National Park.
·
·
·
Captain Cook named
Dusky Sound in 1770, as he sailed past its entrance at twilight. Three years
later, he returned and stayed 47 days as his crew repaired and replenished his
ship, Resolution, after sailing 11,000 nautical miles from Cape Town. You can still
see evidence of his landfall at Astronomer’s Point, an overlook where the crew
removed trees, so the ship’s astronomer could get a reading on the stars.
·
Dusky Sound is only accessible by boat or plane
making its remoteness a haven for birds and a breeding site for Fjordland
crested penguins.
·
These endangered
creatures are easy to spot with their bright yellow eyebrows. Other wildlife to
look for include sunbathing seals on Seal Rock and southern right whales at
Preservation Inlet. Upon entering Dusky Sound, it’s customary to make a
resolution as you sail past Resolution Island, named after Cook’s ship.
The adorable Crested Penguins in Dusky Sound, as we visit
Fjordland National park today
Day
6 (Part 2): FJORDS AND RAINBOWS
of
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
Although technically
not a sound (it’s a fjord), Doubtful Sound is the second longest in New
Zealand—and the country’s second most famous tourist attraction. It does,
however, capture the top spot for being the deepest, at over 1,300 feet.
Doubtful Sound sits at the far southwest corner of the country and winds its
way for 24 miles, past small islets and lush mountains covered in dense, native
rainforest.
Doubtful Sound is famous for short rains that produce
Long Rainbows!
which makes for
spectacular scenes, especially at the many waterfalls, some of which fall over
2,000 feet.
The rains create numerous
temporary waterfalls that cascade down steep cliffs, creating the
perfect conditions for rainbows when the sun breaks through. against dramatic, misty
landscapes, making it a photographer's dream.
One of the near perfect rainbows often seen when cruising through
Doubtful Sound New Zealand.
Doubtful Sound is also
home to fur seals, crested penguins, bottlenose dolphin and whales. Black coral
even grows here at relatively shallow depths.
Day 6 (Part 3): Fjords & Waterfalls of Milford Sound, New
Zealand
Milford Sound, New
Zealand
Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound,
which is really a fjord, is the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park and a
UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is often
considered the most beautiful fjord
in the entire
world.
It
is only nine miles long from its head to the open sea, but what it lacks in
size, it makes up for in grandeur. Its vertical cliffs covered in verdant
rainforests provide a breathtaking backdrop to thundering waterfalls, misty
rainbows and the tannin-stained waters of the fjord.
Below
the surface is the largest population of black coral in the world.
Waterfalls can appear around every corner, cascading down the
mountain in spectacular fashion.
If there
is one place in New Zealand to truly experience the power and wonder of
waterfalls, it has to be Milford Sound. A wild
and remote corner of New Zealand often lauded as one of the wonders of the
world, many make the journey out to Fiordland to experience this pristine and
raw beauty. Perhaps the most memorable features of Milford Sound are its
waterfalls.
On some
days, the steep mountain faces are covered in hundreds of temporary waterfalls
that seemingly drop down from the clouds.
Perfectly
instagrammable, waterfalls are part of the reason that Milford Sound is often
touted as being Even More beautiful in the rain, as the
rain creates even more temporary waterfalls in Milford Sound, also seeming to
just descend from the heavens.
Ethereal and otherworldly, the waterfalls
of Milford
Sound tend to enchant all those who
visit.
All the trips out into
Milford Sound itself will first pass by Lady Bowen Falls, one of the two
permanent waterfalls here, and the tallest coming in at a whopping 162 meters. (486
feet high, which is three times as high as Niagara Falls.
Only 11
meters shorter than Lady Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls is Milford’s second
largest waterfall and is located further down the fjord itself. You might
recognize from the Wolverine films, or on Instagram, where it’s become quite
popular to share photos and videos from right next to the base of the falls, as
the boats can get quite close thanks to the deep cove and sheer cliff it
plummets down from.
Stirling Falls in Milford
Sound in Fjordland National Park
Rising upwards of
5,555 feet, the iconic landmark of Milford Sound is Mitre Peak, named for its
resemblance to a bishop’s hat, known as a mitre. Five individual peaks create
its distinctive shape.
5 Curious Creatures you Might Meet in
Milford Sound
1. The Kea
“Keaaaaa
keaaaaaa keaaaaa!” you might hear the mighty shriek of the kea before you see
it down in Fiordland. The world’s only alpine parrot, the kea, is a New Zealand
favorite, mostly because of how fun and cheeky they are. Incredibly
intelligent, they love to play and will eat anything they can, including the
rubber off your car windows or even your shoes. Milford Sound is one of the
best places you have the chance to see them in the wild here, as they generally
live at higher altitudes.
2. New Zealand fur seal
On
a cruise around Milford
Sound, you’ll likely see
plenty of fur seals playing in the waters and hauled out on the rocky coastline
sunbathing.
Yes, you can see New Zealand fur
seals (Kekeno)
sunbathing on rocks, especially at famous spots like Seal Rock, a key part of
Fiordland, National Park with Dusky Sound nearby being a prime habitat where
these rebounding populations love to haul out and warm up, easily visible from
boat tours.
3. Fiordland crested penguin
The
Fiordland crested penguin, is one of the most beautiful and elusive creatures
you might be lucky enough to meet in Milford Sound, as well as in Doubtful
Sound, which we will visit earlier today
You
might see them swimming around Milford as they go out to sea for the day to
feed, with their busy yellow eyebrow feathers being a dead giveaway. You might
also get a glimpse of the smallest penguin, the little blue penguin, swimming
along as well.
4. Lots of dolphins
Dusky
and bottlenose dolphins are some of the dolphins that you might see flipping
and jumping out of the water in Milford Sound on a scenic cruise. Playful and intelligent, it makes for a real
treat to catch a glimpse of them swimming alongside the boats.
5. Orcas and whales
Now
if all the stars align and you are exceptionally lucky, you might even see a
whale or orca in Milford, as they have been known to swim inside the fiord
which is very deep and teeming with food. Pilot whales, orca, and southern
right whales are some of the beautiful creatures that hang out around New
Zealand’s coastal waters in Fiordland.
Day 7 & 8 – April 18th-19th, 2026 Enjoy 2 days at sea en-route to Australia
Enjoy the sun deck with
its pools, hot tubs, and poolside bar, as well as a jogging/walking track, a
spa, a fitness center and activities
around the ship, such as trivia games, plus a 24 hour eatery O Sheehan’s, so you
can eat, when you want to eat.
Day 9 – April 19, 2026 Melbourne,
Australia
Once the richest city in the world thanks to a
gold rush, Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital with striking
architecture, chic galleries and boutiques. Wave at a wallaby or get close to a
koala at a wildlife park. Feel closer to the land on a ride on the Puffing
Billy steam locomotive through the mountains and countryside. Back in the city,
explore a different culture and visit Chinatown – the oldest one in the West.
Enjoy an optional shore excursion on the Puffing Billy
Train through lush forested scenery
Other great choices for optional shore excursions in
Melbourne:
Sovereign Hill & Wildlife Park
Take a full-immersion trip back to Gold Rush
days in a town that never left them, and tour a wildlife park where the fauna
roams free.
You will visit Ballarat Wildlife Park and stroll among
kangaroos, koalas, wombats and other native Aussie fauna.
Melbourne's Best
Nature & Wine
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a wine tasting
and lunch at the Rochford Winery in the beautiful Yarra Valley.
• Observe a collection of iconic Australian animals at the Healesville
Sanctuary.
Kayaking on Yarra
River
HIGHLIGHTS
• Paddle a kayak along
the Yarra River as it meanders through downtown Melbourne .
• Hear how Melbourne has protected its environment despite increased urban
sprawl .
• Look for birds that thrive in dense urban settings.
• Pass some of Melbourne’s iconic architecture, some of it dating to the 19th
century.
Melbourne Past &
Present
HIGHLIGHTS
• See and visit
highlights from Melbourne’s elegant past and vibrant present on this
coach-driven tour.
• Zip to the top of the Eureka Tower in 40 seconds and gasp at the city-wide
views from Sky deck 88.
• Stop at the iconic Shrine of Remembrance, a moving memorial to those who
served in wars and peacekeeping operations.
• Travel past convention and casino complexes, though leafy riverside suburbs
and along shopping boulevards. Enjoy free time to exploring the Melbourne
Museum’s collections independently.
Countryside Victoria Melbourne, Australia
HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel by coach into
the unspoiled Dandenong region for a walk in Sherbrooke Forest.
• Marvel at sky-high hardwoods.
• Visit Olinda or another of the local mountain towns renowned for their
excellent craft shops.
• Enjoy a panoramic orientation spin through Melbourne on the return
Melbourne &
Gardens
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy a narrated
highlights drive through Melbourne City, passing many of its landmark sights.
• Stop at the colonnaded Shrine of Remembrance, commemorating those who served
in wars and peacekeeping operations.
• Take a guided walk-through Fitzroy Gardens, including the flower-filled
Conservatory and an external visit of the Captain Cook’s Cottage. Zip to the
top of the Eureka Tower in 40 seconds and gasp at the city-wide views from Sky
deck 88.
Day 10, April 20, 2027 Burnie (Tasmania), Australia
A community of artisans
on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie has long a history as a community
that makes things, with locally crafted European-style cheeses, fine papers,
ceramics and single-malt whisky. Surrounded by accessible wilderness areas, in
Burnie you can still get a glimpse of little penguins and the platypus, a
duck-billed mammal, in the wild. The vibrant shopping district spills onto the
beach where you can sit down at a café and watch the world slow down for a
little while.
Optional Shore Excursion
highlights in Burnie Tasmania.
Stunning Stanley & The Nut
HIGHLIGHTS
• Admire the natural
beauty of Tasmania’s northwest coast.
• Ride a chair lift to the top of the Nut, the remains of an ancient volcano.
• Meander through the village of Stanley as you please.
• Enjoy an elevated view of Tasmania’s pristine scenery from Table Cape
Lookout.
Scenic
Coastlines
HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive the spectacularly scenic Bass Highway, a
coastal route across northwestern Tasmania.
• Pause for photos at the most picturesque lookouts
• Gain an understanding of the region’s history through the guide’s commentary.
Majestic Cradle
Mountain
Admire the
gorgeous natural beauty of Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, where
you may walk through the woods and learn about Tasmania’s curious flora and
fauna. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely drive
inland, passing ancient rainforests, sub-alpine lakes and jagged Mount Ossa,
the highest point in Tasmania. The scenery along the way will be absolutely
stunning, as it is some of the wildest, most undisturbed terrain in the
country.
You can expect
even more natural wonders upon arriving at Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair
National Park, which is within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
This is a land of icy streams cascading out of rugged mountains, endemic King
Billy pines reflected in glassy lakes, and fascinating wildlife such as
Tasmanian devils, quolls and platypus.
Gardens & Wildlife
HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel by coach through
unspoiled Tasmanian terrain to the Mount Dial Nature Recreation Area.
• Spend an hour among the many curious inhabitants who call Wings Wildlife Park
home.
• See Tasmanian devils, bettongs, quolls, potoroos and others in this
curiosity-shop of indigenous fauna.
• Experience the pastoral tranquility of Emu Valley Rhododendron Garden,
colorful in any season
• Wander garden paths in a landscape dotted with lakes, waterfalls, bridges and
gazebos.
Tassie Indulgence –
Cheese, Chocolate & Wine
HIGHLIGHTS
• Treat your taste buds to a delight-filled survey of the Burnie
area’s top culinary indulgences.
• Visit a local cheese producer for a sampling session of what’s on the tasting
roster today.
• Call on a local chocolatier with Belgian credentials who combines Tasmanian
cream and butter with other artisanal ingredients to create…nirvana.
• Toast your gastronomic good fortune to have found this tour by sampling the
wines of a local boutique vineyard.
Devils & Roos
HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel by coach to
Wings Wildlife Park, the largest collection of Tasmanian wildlife in Australia.
• Spend about two hours meandering the park’s paths and encountering its
residents.
• See Tasmanian devils, kangaroos, bettongs, quolls, potoroos and others in
this curiosity-shop of indigenous fauna.
• Settle in for a scenic return drive across an unspoiled landscape, followed
by an informative orientation spin around Burnie itself.
DAY 11 – APRIL 21, 2027 EDEN AUSTRALIA 10 AM-4:30PM
Eden, Australia
The town’s name reflects
what you will indeed find in Eden – a beautiful natural wonderland. Situated on
the rugged coastline of Australia’s New South Wales, Eden is nestled among
national parks, wilderness areas and enticing beaches. It’s considered one of
Australia’s best locations for oyster farming, so bring your appetite. Eden and
its surrounding landscapes offer an abundance of outdoor activities on the
water and by land.
SHORE
EXCURSION HIGHLIGHTS IN EDEN
Tea & Kangaroos
HIGHLIGHTS
• Head to the Eden
Gardens Country Club where the golf course is something of a wildlife reserve.
• Enjoy a civilized morning or afternoon tea.
• Get great photo opportunities with the kangaroos who share this habitat with
the drivers and putters.
• Be on the lookout for other animals; you never know who you’ll see here.
Beowa National Park
Scenic Ranger Tour
HIGHLIGHTS
• Marvel at
the natural beauty of Twofold Bay and the surrounding wilderness from Boyds
Tower.
• Look for humpback whales and other marine life from several observation
platforms.
• Keep an eye out for little penguins that have been rehabilitated at Eagles
Claw Nature Reserve.
Picture Perfect Eden
HIGHLIGHTS
• Take a walk along
Eden’s coastline with photography pro and sharpen your shooting skills.
• Gain insights on the sights you’re seeing and on light, lensing, framing and
other concepts that can help make good photos great.
• Visit high overlooks over a stunning bay and stroll at street-level through a
working port.
Beowa National Park
& Whaling Station
HIGHLIGHTS
• Visit two Eden
landmarks from the days when whaling – not whale-watching – dominated Twofold
Bay.
• Tour the weathered home site and blubber processing relics at Davidson
Whaling Station.
• Learn more about this unique family who hunted whales from here for three
generations, aided by a pack of killer whale
Oysters In Eden
HIGHLIGHTS
• Drive along New South
Wales’ Sapphire Coast.
• farm whose succulent crop grows in a lake and has a uniquely delicious, sweet
taste.
• Learn all about the life cycle and sustainable production of oysters, then
savor their flavor for yourself.
• Enjoy a panoramic spin through Eden on the way back with some free time in
town.
Scenic Villages Of The
Sapphire Coast
HIGHLIGHTS
•
Visit several spectacularly scenic villages that rim the deep-blue waters of
the Sapphire Coast.
• Gaze out over beautiful Twofold Bay from atop the Rotary Lookout in Eden.
• Listen for the distinctive call of bellbirds and watch for stingrays feeding
at the water’s edge.
• See large oyster middens that the ancient Aboriginal people left along
Merimbula Lake.
• Stand before the massive skeleton of a six-ton orca in the Killer Whale
Museum.
Day 12 – April 23, 2027 Sydney, Australia
As we arrive into Sydney this morning, awake early
to enjoy the view as we sail into the beautiful Sydney harbor and under its
iconic harbor bridge before docking here for our disembarkation.
THE ICONIC IMAGE OF THE
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
THE FAMOUS SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE WITH THE
ICONIC SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE LOCATED JUST BEHIND IT.
Sydney’s harbor is the hub from which there’s much to see and
do. You’ll want to explore this area, home of the iconic Sydney Opera House. Walk its iconic steps for great photos or take
a guided tour inside.
Admire the skyline, swim at a harbor beach or cross the Sydney
Harbor Bridge (or take a tour climbing it for an impressive and unique view
from the top).
Want to see surfing? Grab your sunblock and towel and spend the
day on world-famous Bondi Beach, or take a scenic walk on the coast from Bondi
to Coogee Beach. The Rocks district is a shopper’s mecca offering a wide
variety of goods, from woodcrafts and unique art to outback fashions.
From here you can either choose
to take a shore excursion from the ship, ending at the airport, enabling you to
see the sites of this beautiful city in just one day, if you plan to end your
trip here today, or you can choose to extend your trip with one or two days
stay here in Sydney to explore its sites further.
OR IF YOU WISH, CONTINUE ON THE
SECOND LEG OF OUR BACK TO BACK CRUISES, STARTING HERE IN SYDNEY, VISITING THE
BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS OF VANUATU, NEW CALEDONIA AND AN EXTENSIVE VISIT TO THE MANY
ISLANDS OF FABULOUS FIJI!, each with its own charm , such as picturesque Blue
Lagoons, White Sand and Black Sand Beaches, sweeping views from atop Ouen
Toro Hill and Ouen Toro Hill, as well as
striking land features including the Notre Dame Cathedral of the Pacific on the
French island of New Caledonia.
(SEE OUR HOME PAGE FOR THE LINK TO THE DETAILS OF THAT CRUISE
Cruise dates: APRIL
23-MAY4, 2027.)
PRICING FOR OUR CRUISE OF AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND APR. 12-23.
2027
INSIDE CABINS ONLY $2598 PER PERSON INCLUDING ALL TAXES
Based on double
occupancy (we can find you a roommate if you cannot get your own)
OCEAN VIEW CABINS:: ONLY $2798 PER PERSON INLCUDING ALL TAXES
Based on double
occupancy (we can find you a roommate if you cannot get your own)
BALCONY CABINS: ONLY
$3998 PER PERSON
Based on double
occupancy (we can find you a roommate if you cannot get your own)
SINGLE
OCCUPANCY PRICING:
INSIDE
CABINS: $4399 INCLUDING ALL TAXES
OCEAN
VIEW CABINS: $4799 INCLUDING ALL TAXES
BALCONY
CABINS: $7399
A
DEPOSIT OF $250 PER PERSON IS DUE WITHIN 7 DAYS OF MAKING YOUR RESERVATION FOR
ANY CABIN TYPE.
IF
YOU ARE REQUESTI NG THAT WE ASSIGN YOU A ROOMMATE, THEN A SECOND DEPOSIT OF
$1000 IS DUE JUNE 1ST, 2026
THE
BALANCE FOR ALL CABIN CATEGORY TYPES IS DUE: FRIDAY SEPT. 11TH, 2026
CANCEL
POLICY FOR THIS TRIP;
IF
YOU ARE BOOKING THIS TRIP IN SINGLE OCCUPANCY OR WITH A FRIEND/ROOMMATE OF YOUR
OWN ARRANGEMENT, THEN YOU CAN CANCEL WITHOUT PENALTY UNTIL SEPT. 5, 2026;
IF
YOU ARE REQUESTING THAT WE ASSIGN YOU A ROOMMATE: YOU CAN CANCEL WITHOUT PENALTY ANY TIME UNTIL
JUNE 1ST, 2026 AND IF YOU CANCEL BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND JULY 1, 2026,
YOU WILL LOSE THE $1000 SECOND DEPOSIT AND GET A $250 FUTURE TRIP CREDIT TOWARD
ANY OTHER TRIP ON OUR SINGLES TRIP CALENDAR THROUGH 2027.
ALL
CANCELATIONS AFTER SEPT. 5, 2026 WILL FORFEIT ALL MONIES PAID UNLESS YOU CAN
PROVIDE A REPLACEMENT PASSENGER. FOR ONE PERSON IN THE CABIN, WHILE THE OTHER
PERSON REMAINS BOOKED ON THE TRIP.
