New Zealand Holiday Cruise 9 Nights • Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas
Itinerary
Cruise Overview
Day 1 Fri, Dec 19 Sydney, Australia Departs at 4:30 pm
Days 2-3 Sat, Dec 20 - Sun, Dec 21 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 4 Mon, Dec 22 Picton, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Day 5 Tue, Dec 23 Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 6 Wed, Dec 24 Dunedin, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Day 7 Thu, Dec 25 Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Day 7 Thu, Dec 25 Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 11:00 am - 11:59 am
Day 7 Thu, Dec 25 Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Days 8-9 Fri, Dec 26 - Sat, Dec 27 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 10 Sun, Dec 28 Sydney, Australia Arrives at 6:30 am
Cruise Overview
Dive headfirst into adventure on a 9-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 Fri, Dec 19, 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 Sat, Dec 20, 2025 - Sun, Dec 21, 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 Mon, Dec 22, 2025 Picton, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 7:00 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 Tue, Dec 23, 2025 Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Start your day with a sweet treat from Glamour Cake or Lyttelton Coffee Company, a cafe housed in a 1920s heritage building in the heart of Lyttelton. Then head to the hills to hike the Urumau Reserve or trek through the Bridle Path. If you're looking for an aerial adventure, enjoy the breathtaking views from Christchurch Gondola, conveniently located just outside of Lyttelton.
Travel Tips
1
Visit Lyttelton Harbour Information Center for up-to-date recommendations and advice from locals.
2
Be prepared for all weather conditions, especially if you're planning on hiking around Lyttelton.
3
Tipping is not expected across New Zealand, but you're welcome to leave a few extra dollars if you'd like.
Day 6 Wed, Dec 24, 2025 Dunedin, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Embrace the Scottish heritage and natural grandeur of Dunedin. Explore the Gothic architecture and gorgeous gardens at Larnach Castle, or get to know the vibrant town by wandering the Dunedin Street Art Trail. Then, head out on the Otago Peninsula: Spot yellow-eyed penguins at Penguin Place, a conservation area dedicated to this rare species. Or climb rocks and dive caves at tranquil Long Beach.
Travel Tips
1
You will need to purchase a tour if you want to visit the albatross colony.
2
The city center is easily walkable. George Street, heading north from The Octagon, has the most shops and restaurants.
Day 7 Thu, Dec 25, 2025 Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Dusky Sound is beautiful and quiet; it can only be reached by air or sea. The area was once a whaling ground for southern right whales — cruising to Preservation Inlet is one of the only ways to see them, as well as humpbacks and what some consider the cutest penguin, the Fiordland Crested Penguin.
Travel Tips
1
Preservation Inlet is your most likely spot to see southern right whales and humpbacks.
2
There are several islands in Dusky Sound, including Long Island, Anchor Island and Cooper Island.
Day 7 Thu, Dec 25, 2025 Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 11:00 am - 11:59 am
Also called the Sound of Silence, Doubtful Sound is an immense fjord carved out by glaciers 100,000 years ago — it's three times longer than nearby Milford Sound. The green rainforest of the Fiordland National Park surrounds the sound's many twisting inlets and arms.
Travel Tips
1
It will likely be a bit chilly, so bundle up when you're out watching the scenery and looking for wildlife.
2
You'll want to be prepared for the rain showers that keep the waterfalls so beautiful too.
Day 7 Thu, Dec 25, 2025 Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Mountains and waterfalls abound in South Island's Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's top attractions and a site of otherworldly beauty. Called the eighth wonder of the world by Rudyard Kipling, the sound (technically a fjord) is part of Fiordland National Park and the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site. Take in the surrounding water on nature on your cruise, passing by green cliffsides and plummeting waterfalls like Lady Elizabeth Bowen Falls.
Travel Tips
1
Plan for rain, but don't worry if you run into showers — the weather can change to sunny in an instant.
Days 8-9 Fri, Dec 26, 2025 - Sat, Dec 27, 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 10 Sun, Dec 28, 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.
