OPTIONAL PRE-TOUR OF SYDNEY

*SOLD OUT*

Day 1: Wednesday, February 12 – Arrive in Sydney

Day 2: Thursday, February 13 – More Sydney Sights

Day 3: Friday, February 14 – Full day at Blue Mountains

Day 4: Saturday, February 15 – Transfer to Cruise ship

Arrival in Sydney, Australia - Embarkation on Cruise Ship!!

As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Australia's oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.

Day at Sea

Welcome to the Royal Princess, your home for the next 13 days. The Royal Princess has a welcoming ambience and innovative offerings that create the perfect way to see the world.

Melbourne, Australia

Victoria may be Australia's smallest continental state, but Melbourne, its capital, is big on everything. With a population of 4.25 million people living in 59 separately named communities within 715 square miles, Melbourne is a sprawling city offering culture, art, fashion and friendly, sports-minded Australians.

Shore Excursion - Melbourne Sights - $89 per person 

This tour is a discovery of Melbourne’s past and present. We will drive through the central business district, past the 170-million-dollar Victorian Arts Centre and to the fashionable Toorak with the fancy homes. You can view Captain Cook’s cottage in the beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. We will also pass the Botanical Gardens, the famous Queen Victorian Markets, and end at the Shrine of Remembrance and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Day at Sea

Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, our chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more.

Hobart, Australia

Tasmania's capital has much in common with Sydney. Founded but a few years later, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony - and its natural setting is just as impressive. Seen from its fine deep-water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. With more than 90 National Trust buildings, Hobart, founded in 1804, combines colonial character with a sophisticated metropolitan lifestyle.

Shore Excursion - Hobart Sights - $169 per person 

Travel along the western shore of the River Derwent where you will view the historic buildings of Salamanca Place and Battery Point. Weather permitting, you can continue to the summit of Mt. Wellington where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of greater Hobart and the Tasman Bridge. You will also visit the iconic Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary where you can see Tasmanian wildlife, including the Tasmanian Devil, Forest Kangaroos, Wallabies, Wombats, Koalas and more! You will end the day in Richmond where you will see the oldest Catholic church in Australia, the St. John’s Cathedral.

Day at Sea

On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at our Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — our onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation.

Day at Sea - The Tasman Sea

A dramatic over-the-ocean glass walkway, the SeaWalk® is the first of its kind at sea. At 60 feet long, cantilevered 128 feet above the waves and extending 28 feet beyond the edge of the ship, it affords thrilling vistas of the ever-changing seascape. Just as the Captain can look through glass panels in the floor of the bridge, passengers can now share in that breathtaking experience. Across the ship, the SeaView Bar goes one step further with a glass paneled floor and drinks prepared during exciting shows with flair.

Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand

New Zealand's largest national park was formed millennia ago by massive glacial flows that carved deep fiords into the coast of New Zealand's South Island. At the heart of Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound. Lined by cliffs that soar nearly a mile above its surface, Milford Sound cuts into the heart of the Southern Alps. Rainforest clings to the cliffs and graceful waterfalls plummet into the void. Mile-high Mitre Peak dominates the upper reaches of the sound.

Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand

Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors, Dunedin is a Kiwi city with a Scottish heart. Hailed as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand," Dunedin is proud of its heritage. A statue of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns graces downtown, and the presence of New Zealand's only kilt maker and whisky distillery - as well as many bagpipe bands - keep Dunedin's ties to Scotland alive. The city also boasts a distinguished architectural and cultural history, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860s gold rush.

Shore Excursion - Dunedin Sightseeing - $169 per person  

Today you will experience the best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer! First, you will receive a guided tour of Larnach Castle and the grounds. This is New Zealand’s only castle, which was built in 1871. Once back in central Dunedin, stop by the Dunedin’s Chinese Garden, a garden crafted by the sister city of Shanghai. Next to the Chinese Garden is the Otago Early Settlers Museum where time will be allotted to explore. Today you will experience the best Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula has to offer! First, you will receive a guided tour of Larnach Castle and the grounds. This is New Zealand’s only castle, which was built in 1871. Once back in central Dunedin, stop by the Dunedin’s Chinese Garden, a garden crafted by the sister city of Shanghai. Next to the Chinese Garden is the Otago Early Settlers Museum where time will be allotted to explore.

Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

Settled under the auspices of the Church of England in the mid-1800s, Christchurch is a planned city that flourished with New Zealand's agriculture and sheep industry. At the heart of the city lies Christchurch Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built of local stone. The port of Lyttelton serves as your gateway to Christchurch.

Shore Excursion - Christchurch Highlights with International Antarctic Centre - $159 per person  

You will meet in the Lyttelton township and travel via the Lyttelton Harbour to the Governors Bay. You will arrive at the Sign of the Takahe, a Scottish like castle which has amazing views of the City of Christchurch, Pegasus Bay, the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Up next is visiting the Mona Vale, a stately home with magnificent gardens. As you stroll around the Gardens, you can follow the Avon River. Lastly, your guide will take you through the central city of Christchurch which was completely devastated by the Christchurch earthquakes of 2011. Learn more about this moment in history and the rebuilding that has taken place over many years.

Day At Sea

Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools and leave your everyday world behind. Unwind on a padded lounger and soak up the sun, catch up on reading, listen to music or dream of your next adventure on board or ashore. And what better way to relax and revitalize after a day exploring the world than a long soak in one of our whirling hot tubs. And don’t forget, there is always a server nearby to bring you a refreshing cocktail or favorite beverage.

Tauranga, New Zealand

New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Māori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand's primary tourist attraction.

Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.

Shore Excursion - Tauranga and Rotorua with Te Puia - $179 per person  

This excursion will be a full day tour, from Tauranga to experience both the sights and geothermal wonders of Rotorua and learn about its farming heritage. Te Puia is also the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the location of the famous Pohutu Geyser. A short walk through the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa to the mud pools, famous geyser and the hot pools make Te Puia unique. See NZ’s iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi in a purpose-built Kiwihouse. Seats are reserved for a Maori Cultural Performance.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

The Bay of Islands is the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Rich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands has age-old ties to the Maori and to whalers, missionaries and New Zealand's early settlers. The Bay of Islands has lured explorers for countless centuries. The Maori say that Kupe, the great Polynesian adventurer, came here in the 10th century. Captain Cook anchored offshore in 1769, followed by assorted brigands, traders, colonists and missionaries.

Note: Bay of Islands is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender.

Shore Excursion - Bay of Islands Sightseeing with Puketi Forest and Kawiti Glow Worm Caves - $159 per person  

Depart the wharf for a sightseeing tour of the local area, including the Piahia township, the Haruru Falls and Kerikeri (often referred to as the birthplace of NZ.) There will be many photo opportunities along the way! After you will arrive at Puketi Forest boardwalk at the Manginangina Reserve where you will walk underneath the protected trees. Once you have had your fill of the Forest, you will travel to the Kawiti Glow Worm Caves that are located on private land that is owned by descendants of Maori tribal leaders of Kawiti. The Caves are a galaxy of Glow worms, limestone walls and grand stalactites. A small river runs through the Cave that has eels.

Auckland, New Zealand – Disembarkation/Flight Home

Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand's former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland's largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Māori earthworks, overlook the city.

OPTIONAL POST-TOUR OF AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Tour is SOLD OUT

Day 1: Friday, February 28 – Arrive in Auckland

Day 2: Saturday, March 1 – Auckland to Matamata and Hamilton

Today we will be visiting Hobbiton or the Shire!

Day 3: Sunday, March 2 – Depart Auckland