New Zealand Cruise 10 Nights • Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas
Itinerary
Cruise Overview
Day 1 Mon, Dec 1 Sydney, Australia Departs at 4:30 pm
Days 2-3 Tue, Dec 2 - Wed, Dec 3 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 4 Thu, Dec 4 Picton, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 5 Fri, Dec 5 Napier, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Day 6 Sat, Dec 6 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Day 7 Sun, Dec 7 Auckland, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 8 Mon, Dec 8 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand Tendered from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Days 9-10 Tue, Dec 9 - Wed, Dec 10 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 11 Thu, Dec 11 Sydney, Australia Arrives at 6:30 am
Cruise Overview
Dive headfirst into adventure on a 10-night cruise to Australia and New Zealand. Depart from Sydney, Australia on Anthem of the Seas for your epic Down Under journey. Gaze in awe and wonder at the region’s captivating natural beauty and explore the great outdoors before heading back to your ship.
Day 1 Mon, Dec 1, 2025 Sydney, Australia Departs at 4:30 pm
Circular Quay is where you'll find the Opera House, museums such as the Art Gallery of NSW and some of the best restaurants in the city. A short walk will take you to the historic George Street district, while top-tier shopping can be found in the historical Queen Victoria Building. A 45-minute ferry ride will take you to the heart of Manly Beach when you cruise from Sydney.
Your ship departs promptly at 4:30 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your vacation early.
Travel Tips
1
Central Sydney is extremely walkable, so take the time to explore the little streets close to Circular Quay.
2
Taronga Zoo is filled with indigenous animals, and the biggest secret is that it has one of the best views of the city.
Days 2-3 Tue, Dec 2, 2025 - Wed, Dec 3, 2025 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 4 Thu, Dec 4, 2025 Picton, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Ships dock at both Shakespeare Bay and at Waitohi Wharf. From there, hop onto the free shuttle and head into the heart of Picton. Picton is very walkable, though you may want to get back on the water to look for wildlife or head into nearby wine country on a tour. Taste the gourmet delights New Zealand is famous for on a wine and chocolate shore excursion to the South Island's renowned Marlborough wine region.
Travel Tips
1
Kiwis pronounce Marlborough not like the cigarettes but more like "Mal-boro."
2
Pick up a Picton self-guided walking map at the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
Day 5 Fri, Dec 5, 2025 Napier, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
From the port, shuttle buses and taxis take you the short distance to the vibrant downtown. It's easy to explore Napier's Art Deco architecture and boat-packed seaside on foot. Or take the 30-minute drive out to Cape Kidnappers for a hike along the dramatic sandstone cliffs or a relaxing round of golf. If you feel like heading indoors, you can admire both native and worldwide species at the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
Travel Tips
1
Stop in the I-SITE visitor Centre for maps and information; shuttles from the port drop you nearby.
2
The lowest denomination coin in New Zealand is 10 cents, so cash purchases are rounded up or down to the closest 10 cent value.
Day 6 Sat, Dec 6, 2025 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
Take the 45-minute drive to Hobbiton to live like you're "Lord of the Rings" character. Or visit McLaren Falls Park, where you can trek past exotic flora to see the crashing waterfall.
Travel Tips
1
Walk out to Moturiki Island at low tide to get the easiest access to view of the blowholes.
2
If you're into surfing, the beach at Mount Maunganui is the ideal spot.
Day 7 Sun, Dec 7, 2025 Auckland, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Start your adventure in downtown Auckland. Pop into one of the many hip cafes for a flat white (the local latte) and muesli, a blend of oats, nuts and dried fruit served with yogurt and honey. Then, stroll the waterfront at Viaduct Basin and admire the yachts — Auckland has more boats per capita than any other city in the world — or set out for a sail yourself. Walk 45 minutes (or take the hop-on-hop-off bus) up to the Auckland Museum for bonus harbor views.
Travel Tips
1
New Zealanders reserve tipping for exceptional service. If you do tip, round up or aim for about 10 percent.
2
Dress for the possibility of four seasons' worth of weather in one day.
Day 8 Mon, Dec 8, 2025 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand Tendered from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sail through the Hole in the Rock, where you can spot friendly bottlenose dolphins and maybe even dip into the water to swim with them. Or head across the water from Paihia to Russell, New Zealand's first capital city: Take the 30-minute loop walk up to Flagstaff Hill, and pop into Russell Museum to learn more about the old capital's sailing history.
Travel Tips
1
Have your camera ready — dolphins are known to appear out of the blue.
2
It's possible to swim with the dolphins in the Bay of Islands, with strict rules to protect the animals.
Days 9-10 Tue, Dec 9, 2025 - Wed, Dec 10, 2025 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, beverage, and Specialty Dining Packages. These services are available at an additional cost
While at sea, take time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, dine at any of the onboard restaurants or explore the thrills on each deck until we arrive at the next destination.
Day 11 Thu, Dec 11, 2025 Sydney, Australia Arrives at 6:30 am
The Blue Mountains, just an hour west of central Sydney, feel like they're world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With more than 1 million hectares of forests, cliffs, canyons, caves and waterfalls — and plenty of walking paths to take you there — this is one of the best day trips Sydney has to offer. Quaint towns such as Katoomba stand in stark contrast to iconic landmarks such as the Three Sisters, the towering rock formation overlooking the valley.
The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.
Travel Tips
1
There are a surprising number of interesting museums in Sydney, including the Maritime Museum, which explores the seafaring history of the city.
Anthem of the Seas® isn't the same old song. It's a Tri-State thrill ride that packs in cutting edge experiences— like North Star®, which gives you 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level. And flavor firsts, like creative fare at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Plus showstoppers like We Will Rock You.
Your vacation essentials are always included. Quench your thirst with water, coffee, juice and tea options available at no charge. Indulge in many delicious free dining options onboard. You can also enjoy jaw-dropping entertainment like live shows, live music, themed dance parties and more at no additional cost.
