Arrive in Sydney, Australia and make your way to the port to board the Celebrity Edge.

At Sea

AT SEA

Scenic Cruising. At 25 miles in length and five miles wide at its broadest, Dusky Sound is the largest and most spectacular fjord in Fjordland National Park. Captain Cook named Dusky Sound in 1770 as he sailed past its entrance at twilight. Three years later, he returned and stayed 47 days as his crew repaired and replenished his ship, Resolution, after sailing 11,000 nautical miles from Cape Town. You can still see evidence of his landfall at Astronomer’s Point, an overlook where the crew removed trees, so the ship’s astronomer could get a reading on the stars. Upon entering Dusky Sound, it’s customary to make a resolution as you sail past Resolution Island, named after Cook’s ship. Although technically not a sound (it’s a fjord), Doubtful Sound is the second longest in New Zealand and the country’s second most famous tourist attraction. It does, however, capture the top spot for being the deepest, at over 1,300 feet. Doubtful Sound is also home to fur seals, crested penguins, bottlenose dolphins, and whales. Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound, which is really a fjord, is the crown jewel of Fjordland National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is only nine miles long from its head to the open sea, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in grandeur. Its vertical cliffs covered in verdant rainforests provide a breathtaking backdrop to thundering waterfalls, misty rainbows, and the tannin-stained waters of the fjord. Below the surface is the largest population of black coral in the world.

This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, and the Royal Albatross call Dunedin home. Equally impressive is the Victorian and Edwardian architecture that dates from its days as a gold rush town. New Zealand’s only castle sits high above the city, offering sweeping views from its famous gardens. Shop for a locally made souvenir, with crafts, artwork, wool, and leather items being popular.

Christchurch, known for its English heritage, is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Flat-bottomed punts glide on the Avon River, which meanders through the city center. On its banks are cycling paths, the green expanse of Hagley Park, and Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

A Napier cruise stop is famous for a couple of things, including the 1931 earthquake that essentially razed the city to the ground. From the disaster, locals rebuilt the city in the style of the day: colorful, bold art deco. Napier even hosts a vast and colorful art deco festival each year to celebrate the city as a living monument of the 1920s and 30s. Don’t miss the Napier Seawalls, a district of local street art highlighting the talents of local artists. Beyond the center of town, Napier is a gateway to winery tours and elegant tastings at local vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, making it an ideal stop for wine enthusiasts and would-be sommeliers. Napier manages to be just the right amount of outdoors, offering adventures like a trip to the Bluff Hill lookout or to majestic Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest colony of the quirky gannet bird.

In Tauranga, a mix of quirky sites and extraordinary natural attractions make it easy to spend the day here and get a sense of the town’s completely unique personality. The harbor and port town make for a popular beach resort by the name of Mount Maunganui. On your New Zealand cruise, you’ll find out why Tauranga is the Bay of Plenty’s shining gem. Waterfront restaurants and cafes give Tauranga a sense of glamour. Aside from that, it’s hard not to feel swept up in the flurry of activities travelers can do here, like taking a dip in a hot mud bath. Like Auckland, Tauranga’s food scene offers cuisines of every variety. Of course, Tauranga doesn’t forget its Maori history, and you can tour traditional villages to learn about their ancient and contemporary Polynesian culture.

Nestled between two harbors New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is the country’s largest city. Stroll around Waitemata Harbor and explore the city’s eclectic waterfront bars and restaurants. Dive into Auckland’s diverse history and culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Or enjoy a day of sun and secluded beaches during a visit to Waiheke Island.

Some of the most beloved of these smaller islands are in the Bay of Islands, an idyllically scenic collection of 144 islands located on the north-eastern coast of the North Island. The Bay of Islands is known for its water recreation, particularly fishing, sailing, and scuba diving. American author Zane Grey first wrote about big-game fishing in the Bay of Islands in 1930, and it has been a tourist destination for fishing ever since. 

AT SEA

AT SEA

Disembark in Sydney & Return to the USA.