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New Zealand Holiday Cruise 9 Nights • Sydney, Australia • Anthem of the Seas
Itinerary
Cruise Overview
Day 1 Sat, Dec 19 Sydney, Australia Departs at 5:00 pm
Days 2-3 Sun, Dec 20 - Mon, Dec 21 2 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 4 Tue, Dec 22 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand Tendered from 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Day 5 Wed, Dec 23 Auckland, New Zealand Docked from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Day 6 Thu, Dec 24 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Days 7-9 Fri, Dec 25 - Sun, Dec 27 3 Days at Sea Anthem of the Seas
Day 10 Mon, 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 Sat, Dec 19, 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 Sun, Dec 20, 2026 - Mon, Dec 21, 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 Tue, Dec 22, 2026 Bay Of Islands, New Zealand Tendered from 8:00 am - 7:00 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 Wed, Dec 23, 2026 Auckland, New Zealand Docked from 7:00 am - 7:00 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 6 Thu, Dec 24, 2026 Tauranga, New Zealand Docked from 9:00 am - 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 7-9 Fri, Dec 25, 2026 - Sun, Dec 27, 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 10 Mon, Dec 28, 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