Sydney, Australia

Departs: 5:00PM (Be onboard by 3:00PM)

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower.

You’re never far from nature in this thriving urban centre.  Well-known surf beaches, zoos, national parks, whale watching tours, bush tours, and the Royal Botanic Gardens—featuring over 7,500 plants—offer visitors a chance to enjoy the area’s sunshine, lush greenery, wildlife, and clear blue oceans.

Sydney is not only Australia’s oldest city, it is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe, offering a wealth of cuisines, unique museums, and cultural opportunities. Explore lively pubs, shops, and historic buildings at The Rocks, located on Sydney Harbour.

If you need assistance with pre-cruise arrangements, including transfers, accommodation, tours or airfares, please reach out to us. We’ll be delighted to assist you in starting your trip with something gorgeous!

At Sea

These days are yours to do as much or as little as you like. Take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Explore the wonder that is Eden, with its several distinct spaces. Catch some sun at the pool where butlers keep you refreshed with chilled towels and sorbets. Schedule a stone massage at the Spa. Join a yoga class in the fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling views of the sea. Take a food-and-wine-pairing workshop to step up your culinary game. Relax is the Rooftop Garden and play games like ring toss and Jenga.

Don’t forget our morning catch-up at 11am each day!

Check your Celebrity Today daily newsletter for a list of what’s going on each day.

Company Director Adam Bold on deck Celebrity Edge with Mildford Sound in background, March 2024

Explore the Majestic Fjords of New Zealand

We start our New Zealand Exploration in true adventurer style, embarking on an unforgettable journey through the stunning fjords of New Zealand’s South Island.

Each stop on this day offers a unique encounter with some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. From the awe-inspiring cliffs of Milford Sound to the tranquil waters of Doubtful Sound and the rich wildlife of Dusky Sound, today promises an immersive experience of the beauty and serenity that defines this remarkable region. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time explorer, the untouched beauty of these fjords will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime.

#1 – Milford Sound, New Zealand – Cruising

Cruising 08:00 to 09:00 AM

As we sail into the narrow fjords of the Milford Sound, even your massive ship seems to shrink in comparison to the towering cliffs topped by lush mountain terrain. Situated within Fiordland National Park, this natural wonder is part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and is protected by its natural geography, which makes it a haven for all types of wildlife.

“We found ourselves at the end of the sound, with the ship coming to a complete stop for about half an hour (we later found out there had been a medical emergency and they had transported the passenger to shore). The thing that struck me beyond the towering mountains and cascading waterfalls around us, was the silence. We realised the engines had been turned off and we were just sitting there, in the middle of this incredible scenery. It was timeless.

I hadn’t been sure about cruising this area of New Zealand, until this point. Now I can’t wait to go back!”

Adam’s recollection from the March 2024 cruise

#2 – Doubtful Sound – Cruising

Cruising 12:30 to 02:00 PM

As cold mountain water cascades from the cliffs above Doubtful Sound, it creates an unusual phenomenon-a dual-layered marine ecosystem of fresh and saltwater. This serves as a playground for a number of species, including fur seals and two types of penguins – the fiordland crested and blue penguin.

Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. It’s also a wildlife paradise, with seals and dolphins patrolling the water, and birds like broad-billed prions, mottled petrels and sooty shearwaters floating on the overhead thermals.

Here in this capital of architectural heritage, you might think your Dunedin cruise had taken you to Edinburgh. The architecture, scenery, and culture—if not the accents—borrow heavily from those in Scotland.

Take a harbour cruise to spot albatrosses, cormorants, and other sea birds. You might even see penguins, dolphins, and seals. In town, stroll the spectacular Dunedin Botanic Garden, discover ancient Maori artefacts in the Otago Museum, or learn all about beer at Speight’s Brewery—touring, tasting, and shopping for beer gear.

Browse several engaging art galleries in the central Octagon neighbourhood, also known for bars and cafés. Look for experimental exhibitions at Blue Oyster Gallery, bespoke jewellery at Chris Idour, old masters at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, heritage at Reed Gallery, and New Zealand artists at the De Novo and Milford galleries.

Head inland aboard Taieri Gorge Railway, departing from the charming gingerbread Dunedin Railway Station, for a four-hour excursion past former gold-mining sites.

Venture out to Otago Peninsula and visit 19th-century Larnach Castle—New Zealand’s only castle—perched on a hill overlooking the harbour. Hear stories of scandal, tragedy, and intrigue—all part of its lavish history. Top off your cruise to Dunedin with Highland dancers and bagpipers at Larnach

At the centre of town is Christchurch Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.

(this was the extent of the information provided by Celebrity on their published itinerary – I’m sure we can find more interesting things to do in town!).

At Sea

This day is yours to do as much or as little as you like. Take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Explore the wonder that is Eden, with its several distinct spaces. Catch some sun at the pool where butlers keep you refreshed with chilled towels and sorbets. Schedule a stone massage at the Spa. Join a yoga class in the fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling views of the sea. Take a food-and-wine-pairing workshop to step up your culinary game. Relax is the Rooftop Garden and play games like ring toss and Jenga.

Check your Celebrity Today daily newsletter for a list of what’s going on each day.

Company Director Adam Bold in front of Hobbit Hole in Hobbiton, New Zealand October 2017

Tauranga, New Zealand

Docked: 6:15AM to 5:30PM

Explore this chic coastal town in the North Island and you’ll discover the land of the Māori. Tauranga’s white sand beaches offer something for everyone. Relax and sunbathe on one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and popular coasts. Take a dip in the ocean or immerse yourself in a lush waterfall swimming hole. Watch dolphins frolic in the waves or swim with these lovable creatures. Learn to sail, try surfing, take a diving lesson, or refine your fishing technique. Water activities abound in Tauranga. If you’re a landlubber, you can tee up at a golf course on your Tauranga cruise or stroll down The Strand to enjoy cafés and a vibrant nightlife. Journey to charming waterfalls or board one of the many eco-cruises available in the Bay of Plenty. Sometimes called the New Zealand Riviera, downtown Tauranga offers galleries, shops, history, and a vibrant café and restaurant scene. The culinary culture brings together innovative chefs working in diverse traditions. Enjoy Italian, Indian, Turkish, Thai, French, and fusion flavours. Sip a hand-crafted drink or enjoy fresh-caught seafood from the Bay of Plenty. From casual al fresco dining to sophisticated New Zealand Riviera gastronomy, Tauranga offers something to tantalize every taste.

But for the movie buff, the port is just 45 minutes by coach away from Hobbiton! We will be arranging our own tour group to visit Hobbiton on the day. Minimum numbers required.

Experience New Zealand’s most cosmopolitan city—a melting pot of British, Asian, Pacific, and Māori cultures. Your cruise from Auckland allows you to sample their diverse arts, entertainment, and traditions.

The Auckland Art Gallery has collected more than 15,000 paintings, sculptures, and prints, dating from 1376. Other attractions to visit include the Auckland War Memorial Museum, New Zealand Maritime Museum, National Museum of the Royal New Zealand Navy, and Museum of Transport and Technology.

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performs concerts, operas, and ballets, and more arts events include the Auckland Festival, Auckland Triennial, New Zealand International Comedy Festival, and New Zealand International Film Festival.

An Auckland cruise arrives via one of two ports, either Waitematā Harbour from the Pacific Ocean to the east, or Manukau Harbour from the Tasman Sea to the west. Perched on a skinny isthmus between them is a leafy urban cityscape of beautiful parks and modern buildings, a dramatic landscape molded by volcanoes (now dormant) and the ocean.

Natural landmarks include Auckland Domain, a central park offering great views of Hauraki Gulf; Mount Eden, with 360-degree views from the city’s highest volcanic cone; Mount Victoria, a volcanic cone overlooking downtown from North Shore; and Waiheke Island, a remote site of beaches, forests, vineyards, and olive groves. The hills surrounding the city are cloaked in rainforest.

Man-made landmarks include Sky Tower, offering panoramic views from downtown; Auckland Harbour Bridge, the connection to North Shore; and Auckland Town Hall, which includes a fine concert hall.

Aucklanders love their boating—one in three households owns a boat—and they’ve hosted the America’s Cup twice. Diverse forms of cruises from Auckland include adrenaline-fueled adventures aboard supercharged speedboats that take you flying past the impressive skyline.

When it’s time to go shopping, head to Queen Street, Britomart, Ponsonby Road, Karangahape Road, Newmarket, or Parnell. You won’t come back empty-handed from your Auckland cruise.

At Sea

These days are yours to do as much or as little as you like. Take the time to recharge before the next adventure. Lounge by the pool, be spoiled at the spa, taste the delicacies or explore the venues on board, until we arrive at the next amazing destination.

Explore the wonder that is Eden, with its several distinct spaces. Catch some sun at the pool where butlers keep you refreshed with chilled towels and sorbets. Schedule a stone massage at the Spa. Join a yoga class in the fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling views of the sea. Take a food-and-wine-pairing workshop to step up your culinary game. Relax is the Rooftop Garden and play games like ring toss and Jenga.

Don’t forget our morning catch-up at 11am each day!

Check your Celebrity Today daily newsletter for a list of what’s going on each day.

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers so much—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower.

You’re never far from nature in this thriving urban centre.  Well-known surf beaches, zoos, national parks, whale watching tours, bush tours, and the Royal Botanic Gardens—featuring over 7,500 plants—offer visitors a chance to enjoy the area’s sunshine, lush greenery, wildlife, and clear blue oceans.

Sydney is not only Australia’s oldest city, it is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the globe, offering a wealth of cuisines, unique museums, and cultural opportunities. Explore lively pubs, shops, and historic buildings at The Rocks, located on Sydney Harbour.

If you need assistance with post-cruise arrangements, including transfers, accommodation, tours or airfares, please reach out to us. We’ll be delighted to assist you to finish your trip on a high!