Bay of Islands, New Zealand Pacific Ocean Landscape
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New Zealand Cruise 9 Nights • Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas

Itinerary

Cruise Overview 

Day 1 Wed 2 Dec Sydney, Australia Departs at 5:00 pm

Days 2-3 Thu 3 Dec - Fri 4 Dec 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas

Day 4 Sat 5 Dec Bay Of Islands, New Zealand Tendered from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Day 5 Sun 6 Dec Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 8:15 am - 5:30 pm

Day 6 Mon 7 Dec Napier, New Zealand Docked from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Day 7 Tue 8 Dec Picton, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Days 8-9 Wed 9 Dec - Thu 10 Dec 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas

Day 10 Fri 11 Dec Sydney, Australia Arrives at 6:30 am

Cruise Overview 

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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 Wed, 2 Dec 2026 Sydney, Australia Departs at 5:00 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 5:00 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 holiday early.

Days 2-3 Thu, 3 Dec 2026 - Fri, 4 Dec 2026 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas

Ripcord iFly Couple Flying Mid Air
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, drink and Speciality 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 at sea highlights

Day 4 Sat, 5 Dec 2026 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand Tendered from 8:00 am - 6:00 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.

Day 5 Sun, 6 Dec 2026 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 8:15 am - 5:30 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 6 Mon, 7 Dec 2026 Napier, New Zealand Docked from 10:00 am - 5:00 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 7 Tue, 8 Dec 2026 Picton, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 5:00 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.

Days 8-9 Wed, 9 Dec 2026 - Thu, 10 Dec 2026 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas

Rockers with mohawks singing to We Will Rock You soundtrack in broadway show onboard a cruise ship.
A friendly reminder
Make the most of your day at sea by enjoying our Wi-Fi, drink and Speciality 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 at sea highlights

Day 10 Fri, 11 Dec 2026 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.
Your ship:

Anthem of the Seas

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.

Day at sea highlights

Available Rooms

What’s included with your holiday

Your holiday 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.

Suites come with extra amenities and inclusions.

Click here to learn more
  • Standard beverages like water, coffee, juice and tea options
  • Food and snacks at our cafes and buffets
  • Shows, live music, and entertainment
  • Most onboard experiences

Grab these upgrades at an additional cost

  • World-class dining at speciality restaurants
  • Cocktails, specialty coffees, sodas and bottled water
  • Wi-Fi to stay connected at sea
  • Spa treatments
  • Shore excursions
  • Professional photography
  • Royal Babies and Tots℠ Nursery
  • Laundry services