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New Zealand Cruise 12 Nights • Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas
Itinerary
Cruise Overview
Day 1 Sun, Feb 15 Sydney, Australia Departs at 5:00 pm
Days 2-3 Mon, Feb 16 - Tue, Feb 17 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 4 Wed, Feb 18 Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Day 4 Wed, Feb 18 Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Day 4 Wed, Feb 18 Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Day 5 Thu, Feb 19 Dunedin, New Zealand Docked from 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
Day 6 Fri, Feb 20 Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Day 7 Sat, Feb 21 Wellington, New Zealand Docked from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Day 8 Sun, Feb 22 Napier, New Zealand Docked from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Day 9 Mon, Feb 23 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 1:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Days 10-12 Tue, Feb 24 - Thu, Feb 26 3 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 13 Fri, Feb 27 Sydney, Australia Arrives at 6:30 am
Cruise Overview
Dive headfirst into adventure on a 12-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 Sun, Feb 15, 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 vacation early.
Days 2-3 Mon, Feb 16, 2026 - Tue, Feb 17, 2026 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 costWhile 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 Wed, Feb 18, 2026 Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 8:00 am - 9:00 am
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.Day 4 Wed, Feb 18, 2026 Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
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 4 Wed, Feb 18, 2026 Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand Sightseeing from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
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 5 Thu, Feb 19, 2026 Dunedin, New Zealand Docked from 7:30 am - 6:00 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 6 Fri, Feb 20, 2026 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 7 Sat, Feb 21, 2026 Wellington, New Zealand Docked from 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Walk 20 minutes from the cruise ship dock at Aotea Quay to Lambton Harbour and then stroll along the waterfront to the Te Papa museum, keeping your eye out for the street art sculptures along the way. There are often shuttles to the city center too. Walk back through the downtown to see more of Wellington's architecture.
Travel Tips
1
Wellington is the world's windiest city; bring a jacket.2
Volunteer Wellington City Ambassadors, dressed in yellow and black, are stationed at key spots to help visitors.Day 8 Sun, Feb 22, 2026 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 9 Mon, Feb 23, 2026 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 1:30 pm - 8:00 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.Days 10-12 Tue, Feb 24, 2026 - Thu, Feb 26, 2026 3 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 costWhile 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 13 Fri, Feb 27, 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 vacation
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.
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
Snag 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