Australia & New Zealand Cruises 2018 -2019

The vibrant cultural capital of Australia, Sydney is a must-see city for anyone visiting the Land Down Under. From the silhouette of its iconic opera house perched on the edge of the water to the idyllic green hills of the Blue Mountains sprawling from the city, Sydney is guaranteed to capture your heart. With its pristine beaches, landmark architecture, and charming islands, you may never want to leave Sydney Harbor - but venture outside the city and you'll be rewarded with a world of incredible nature just waiting to be discovered.

• Take a ferry through the harbor to see Sydney’s photogenic skyline
• Spend the day shopping, strolling, or sunbathing at the famous Bondi Beach
• Take an excursion to nearby Royal National Park, where you’ll see lush rainforests, towering cliffs, and wild bushlands

New Zealand is home to more than just beautiful landscapes and hobbits. A melting pot of different cultures, its blend of European, Pacific Islander, and indigenous Māori heritage give the island its unique charm. To get a real sense of the colonial, geographic, and indigenous forces that have shaped this city, be sure to check out the Auckland Museum, located in the heart of the city. Nature lovers might find themselves more drawn to the volcanoes, beaches, and caves nearby.

• Visit one of the many nearby volcanoes, such as the famous One Tree Hill
• Experience New Zealand’s indigenous culture on a guided tour by a Maori guide
• Step into the magical Shire at the Hobbiton movie set – a must-see for Lord of the Rings fans!

A colorful subtropical city, Brisbane is the perfect gateway to both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast. The capital of Queensland, it’s a cultural hub full of hip bars, charming art galleries, and museums. To truly take in the city, climb the nearby Kangaroo Point cliffs, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Brisbane city skyline. If you’re staying a bit longer, there are plenty of nearby islands, forests, and vineyards just waiting to be explored.

• Spend the day at Stadbroke Island and get a glimpse of the marine life
• Explore the city’s scenic waterways from the deck of a CityCat Ferry
• Cuddle up with Australia’s cutest marsupial at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Once a Victorian seaside resort, Melbourne has evolved into a hip capital of culture where the party never stops. Its world-famous arts scene means it’s home to multiple exhibits and festivals each year. History buffs won’t want to miss out on historical landmarks such as Flinders Street Station, an Art Deco cinema called The Astor, or the Old Melbourne Gaol, a former prison for convicts. Those more interested in the 21st century will delight in the numerous art galleries, cocktail bars, and cafes just waiting to be discovered. And to keep its residents fueled up for all-night parties and high energy festivals, Melbourne reportedly has the best coffee in the world.

• Browse the stalls of the Queen Victoria market for fresh fruits and souvenirs
• Take a historic train on a tour around downtown
• Visit the hip seaside neighborhood of St. Kilda

Tauranga is a booming port city surrounded by stunning nature. Its bustling waterfront is full of diverse restaurants and pop-up shops that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Nearby, some of New Zealand’s greatest natural wonders are just waiting to be discovered. From the nearby Mount Maunganui to the hot springs of Rotorua to the marine life living just offshore, Tauranga is the perfect launching point to discover New Zealand’s bay of Islands.

• Hike Mount Maunganui and be rewarded with sweeping views of the city and the bay
• Explore the historical site Monmouth Redoubt to learn the local history between the Māori and the early colonists
• Take an excursion to the island of Rotoua, bathe in the volcanic geysers and enjoy a Polynesian spa experience

The capital of New Zealand, Wellington is a charming, coastal city with a number of cultural centers and landmarks disproportionate to its size. Its picturesque crescent-shaped harbor is the perfect place for a pleasant walk on a calm day, or you can explore the surrounding countryside on a guided tour – a landscape you just might recognize from New Zealand’s most famous fantasy film trilogy, The Lord of the Rings.

• Immerse yourself in Middle Earth on a Lord of the Rings tour. Visit Weta Studios with its collections of sets, props, and costumes, or tour the locations where the movies were filmed on-site.
• Stroll around the city center and take in historical landmarks such as The Beehive, the National War Memorial, and the National Library
• Check out the native wildlife at Zealandia or the Wellington Zoo

Named for the Maori word for “long harbor,” Akaroa is a charming harbor town located about an hour outside of Christchurch. The only French settlement in New Zealand, the town is a mishmash of French, English, and Maori culture. Stroll through the historic town center and take in the quaint European architecture, or explore the serene nature both on and offshore. The harbor is home to a resident population of Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, and shorebirds and penguins abound.

• Sail out to the harbor and swim with the resident Hector’s dolphins
• Stroll down the main street, browse the shops, and taste the local wines and cheese
• Visit the “happiest garden on earth” at The Giants House, a charming, historic house decorated with colorful mosaics and playful original art

Located in Australia’s only truly tropical region, Darwin is a melting pot of cultures and creatures. Its proximity to southeast Asia mean it’s full of Asian culture and cuisine, and you won’t want to miss the bustling markets serving up authentic international cuisine. The adventurous Aussie spirit is alive and well too, and you can channel your inner Crocodile Dundee as you explore the rivers and wetlands by boat in hopes of catching a glimpse of Darwin’s famous saltwater crocodiles. And the area has a fascinating history, from aboriginal cultures to colonization to World War II.

• Get up close and personal with Australia’s most famous reptile at Crocodile Cove
• Eat your way around the world and get a taste of a true international marketplace at Sunset Markets
• Explore the rugged cliffs, colorful rainforests, and Aboriginal art at the nearby Kakadu National Park

The Bay of Islands is a sweeping sub-region of northern New Zealand. The enormous inlet holds 144 islands and dozens of cities and towns, each more charming than the last. Breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful rainforests, and clear waters teeming with marine life await, and the region also has a fascinating history marked by clashes between the colonists and the region’s indigenous Māori people.

• Swim, snorkel, or sail the sparkling waters of the bay, discovering beautiful coral and hidden islands as you go
• Take a helicopter tour of the Bay of Islands and see one of New Zealand’s most stunning natural landscapes from above
• Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about New Zealand’s history and the indigenous and colonial forces that shaped it

Dunedin is a quirky university town located on the south island of New Zealand. Its colorful downtown, full of cute cafes and elaborate street art, make it a popular destination for young people, while its windswept beaches and rolling hills delight nature lovers and solitude seekers of all ages. Its thriving art scene make it a great place for shopping, and the handmade jewelry, homeware, and local art make great souvenirs as well as gifts.

• Visit the Olveston House museum, a late-Victorian manor filled with historical artefacts and 19th-century travel souvenirs
• Check out the Otago Museum and its collection of natural and historical artifacts – great for families traveling with kids!
• Take a ride with Dunedin Railways for a scenic train ride through the New Zealand countryside

The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a paradise for outdoor explorers. With picturesque islands dotting its waters, magnificent rainforests just a short distance inland, and miles of sweeping beaches in between, you’ll truly experience the best that Australia has to offer. From hidden coral cays to secret forest swimming spots, Cairns is also one of the best places in Australia to get your feet wet – so don’t forget your bathing suit!

• Snorkel or dive among the largest coral reef on Earth
• Take a historic train ride on the Scenic Railway and experience the rainforest from the comfort of your car
• Go on a gondola ride with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and get a bird’s-eye view Barron Gorge National Park

Located in the shadow of Mount Wellington, Hobart is Tasmania’s largest and oldest city. Booming with tourism, the town boasts a buzzing waterfront area overflowing with shops, restaurants, and an enormous town market, Salamanca Place. The town center offers a plethora of dining, drinking, and shopping options, including a budding craft beer scene and several galleries featuring local art. Those looking to get away from it all may enjoy a scenic drive to the summit of Mount Wellington, or an excursion to the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Browse the shops and stalls of the bustling Salamanca Place market
• Acquaint yourself with the local wildlife at the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
• Spend a day at Mona, the Museum of Old and New Art, and immerse yourself in an ever-changing exhibit of modern and immersive art

Tucked away on the coast of South Australia, Adelaide is truly a hidden gem. Known as the “City of Churches,” its affluent history means you’ll find plenty of historic spires and lush green parks interspersed throughout its metropolitan center. But gone are the days of being posh and stuffy – this up-and-coming capital is rapidly gentrifying, and it’s become one of the best areas in Australia to eat, party, and drink.

• Eat and drink your way through the Adelaide Central Market, which offers world-class cuisine at more than 250 different stalls
• Tour the local Barossa Valley wineries and sip your way through the surrounding countryside
• Take in the eclectic art collection, ranging from modern to Monet, at the Art Gallery of South Australia

The capital of Western Australia, Perth is a city of contrasts. While the skyscrapers of its business district are at the economic heart of the city, its cultural heart lies in its beautiful beaches, diverse bars and restaurants, and quirky cafes. This walkable, livable city has plenty to do and see to keep visitors entertained, all while maintaining its laid-back Aussie vibe.

• Spend the day at King’s Park, a 400-hectare urban park whose highlights include a treetop boardwalk, a botanical garden, and an ancient baobab tree
• Enjoy miles upon miles of uncrowded beaches and the Australian city with the most sunny days per year
• Take a tour through the nearby Swan Valley, a food and wine hotspot with countless breweries, wineries, and artisan markets all within easy reach

The main city in New Zealand’s Hawkes Bay region, Napier is a charming town built in the distinctive Art Deco style of the 1930s. Classic cars, vintage clothing and stunning design await if you choose to tour the city’s historical quarter. Napier is also a great destination for kids, with an aquarium, a technology museum, and a petting zoo all providing great activities for families. Grown-up travelers may prefer to spend the day touring a winery, and adventurous travelers won’t want to miss a day trip to Te Mata Park with its redwood forests and limestone cliffs.

• Take a guided Art Deco tour and learn how the city’s unique architecture came to be
• Browse downtown Napier for unique gifts and good eats
• Take an excursion to Cape Kidnappers to see the world’s largest nesting place for gannets