New! Get our iPad App
We'll help find the right cabin - every year our team attends ship inspections, training courses and yes - CRUISES. All to help find your dream cruise faster!
Meet our award winning team
We're just a phone call away - booking a cruise is not like a hotel and our accredited Cruise Specialists are available to help at every step of the way!
Great deals, every day - as one of Australia's largest retail cruise operations, we bring you more deals from more cruiselines, every day.View our current specials.
Peace of mind for your holiday - for 20 years we've delivered exceptional service to our guests. Our awards speak for themselves!
One stop shop - as a full service agency we can help with all your travel needs, open 7 days a week. We can also help with Cruise Gift Cards & the Universal Travel Adapter, an essential for 2013!
Clean Cruising - read the story behind our name and our vision for sustainable cruise holidays - click here.
Meet our team!
Tina's 14 years as a Senior Consultant extends to both corporate and leisure travel. Tina also teaches Travel at Tafe, to encourage the next generation of consultants. Tina's an expert in itinerary planning and airfares.
"See as much of the world as you can... You only live once!"Connect with Tina today on
1800 121187 and get more from your next cruise!
Also, there are no fees or late charges, while payments are always flexible to suit your own budget. We recommend payments be made by direct deposit for your convenience and to further reduce your bank fees.
Most importantly, all your Layby payments are protected at all times by Australia's Travel Compensation Fund.
Your cruise specialist is an expert on layby plans and can answer all your questions! Australian cruise/travel agencies are required to display their physical office address which consumers can view and verify in Google Maps.
If you can't find it on their website and communications, then chances are they hiding something from you.
At best they are a backyard operation with limited resources, difficult to track down when things go wrong.
Consumers are warned to stay away from any booking agency that doesn't display their business address - it's just not worth the risk!
4 Mar 2013
Australia & New Zealand
Celebrity Solstice - 12 nights ex Sydney, Australia
Past Sailing
Join the Celebrity Solstice for 12 unforgettable nights on the Australia & New Zealand cruise through the waters of Australia. This cruise departs from Sydney and visits 10 ports in 2 countries before returning to Auckland. This particular 4.5 star cruise from Celebrity Cruises has 3 forward departures, but is unfortunately sold out for this departure.
| Day | Date | Port of call | Arrival | Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mon 4 Mar 2013 | Sydney, Australia | overnight | |
 Cruise ships berthed at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) access sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, CBD, Circular Quay ferry terminal, and Sydney Harbour Bridge – all within a few minutes’ walk. The new White Bay Cruise Terminal (near Balmain), for mid-sized vessels that can pass under the Bridge, docks two cruise ships. Facilities at both terminals are efficient, though White Bay is 30 minutes’ drive by taxi or shuttle bus to the CBD and Central Station. Long term car parking is not too far away from each terminal. During the crowded summer season cruise ships occasionally tender passengers from Athol Buoy and Point Piper Buoy. QM2 has docked at Garden Island Naval Base.
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia's first and largest city. Astride the magnificent Sydney Harbour, it has come a long way from its convict beginnings in 1788, but still exudes a rough and colonial energy. Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour on a wide range of vessels including yachts, tall ships, catamarans, or even kayaks. If adventurous try a jet boat ride, or perhaps decide that there's no better way to see the sights than on a Sydney Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Harbour Cruise. Take surfing lessons at Manly and Bondi Beaches. On the harbour’s north shore are Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Aquarium, and on a tiny island in the middle of the harbour tour historic Fort Denison. Adjacent to the OPT investigate The Rocks precinct with its images of a colourful convict past. Day options include a climb to the top of the ‘Coathanger’, tour of the Opera House, dining at the Skywalk of Sydney Tower, strolling in Hyde Park, dining at an ethnic restaurant, Duty-Free shopping, and striking up a conversation with friendly locals. One-day coach tours visit the highlights of Sydney, Hunter Valley wine region, and the spectacular Blue Mountains. Take a scenic flight over the Harbour and Pacific surfing coastline. For lovers of sport, whale-watching, sky diving, and hot air ballooning are also on offer. more/less... |
||||
| 2 | Tue 5 Mar 2013 | Sydney, Australia | 6.30pm | |
| Cruise ships berthed at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) access sweeping views of the harbour, Opera House, CBD, Circular Quay ferry terminal, and Sydney Harbour Bridge – all within a few minutes’ walk. The new White Bay Cruise Terminal (near Balmain), for mid-sized vessels that can pass under the Bridge, docks two cruise ships. Facilities at both terminals are efficient, though White Bay is 30 minutes’ drive by taxi or shuttle bus to the CBD and Central Station. Long term car parking is not too far away from each terminal. During the crowded summer season cruise ships occasionally tender passengers from Athol Buoy and Point Piper Buoy. QM2 has docked at Garden Island Naval Base.
Sydney, the capital of New South Wales, is Australia's first and largest city. Astride the magnificent Sydney Harbour, it has come a long way from its convict beginnings in 1788, but still exudes a rough and colonial energy. Soak up Sydney’s gorgeous harbour on a wide range of vessels including yachts, tall ships, catamarans, or even kayaks. If adventurous try a jet boat ride, or perhaps decide that there's no better way to see the sights than on a Sydney Explorer Hop-on Hop-off Harbour Cruise. Take surfing lessons at Manly and Bondi Beaches. On the harbour’s north shore are Taronga Zoo and the Sydney Aquarium, and on a tiny island in the middle of the harbour tour historic Fort Denison. Adjacent to the OPT investigate The Rocks precinct with its images of a colourful convict past. Day options include a climb to the top of the ‘Coathanger’, tour of the Opera House, dining at the Skywalk of Sydney Tower, strolling in Hyde Park, dining at an ethnic restaurant, Duty-Free shopping, and striking up a conversation with friendly locals. One-day coach tours visit the highlights of Sydney, Hunter Valley wine region, and the spectacular Blue Mountains. Take a scenic flight over the Harbour and Pacific surfing coastline. For lovers of sport, whale-watching, sky diving, and hot air ballooning are also on offer. more/less... |
||||
| 3 | Wed 6 Mar 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 4 | Thu 7 Mar 2013 | Melbourne, Australia | 7.00am | 7.00pm |
 Cruise ships dock three kilometres from the Melbourne CBD at Station Pier, Port Melbourne, in Port Phillip Bay. Trams commute between the Pier and Southern Cross railway station in the city centre, and a regular coach service links the railway station with Tullamarine Airport (with long-term parking). Station Pier is also the terminal for Spirit of Tasmania, a passenger-vehicular vessel that crosses Bass Strait to Tasmania. The Pier is closed to the general public during cruise ship visits. There is limited short-term parking at Waterfront Place nearby. Smaller cruise ships also dock SW of the city at Geelong and Portland.
Melbourne is the capital of the state of Victoria and Australia’s second city, with the Yarra River flowing through city centre. It is the cultural and sporting capital of Australia, with world class sporting facilities and an abundance of museums, galleries and theatres. Home to an interesting mixture of historic Victorian architecture and modern buildings, explore the city on a free Tourist Shuttle Bus or a City Circle Tram. Visit the highest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere at Melbourne's Eureka Tower. Follow tiny lane ways and discover high-end boutiques selling designer originals, or explore the factory outlet bargains. Shop till you drop on funky Brunswick Street or upmarket Chapel Street. Melbourne's melting pot of cultures is reflected in its micro cosmos of restaurants, cafes, bistros and bars. Perhaps take an Aboriginal Heritage Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens. The Central Activities District, South Bank, Chinatown and Docklands are all well worth visiting. Join a tour or hire a car to venture beyond the city limits, inland to former gold rush towns, or SW to the Great Ocean Road coastline. Funfields, 40 km north, is an outdoor family fun park with toboggans, go-karts, and waterslides. It’s less than an hour’s drive to vineyards, villages, and mist-cloaked forests. Taste wine in Yarra Glen and drink Devonshire tea high in the Dandenong Ranges. Puff through Sherbrook Forest on a steam train, or float over the countryside in a hot air balloon. The Moonlit Sanctuary Wildlife Conservation Park offers the opportunity to cuddle koalas, feed kangaroos and wallabies, all in a beautiful bushland setting. more/less... |
||||
| 5 | Fri 8 Mar 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 6 | Sat 9 Mar 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 7 | Sun 10 Mar 2013 | Milford Sound, New Zealand | 9.00am | 10.00am |
 Milford Sound is a stunningly beautiful fjord in the SW of New Zealand's South Island, and lies within a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', it has been judged 'the world's top travel destination' in an international survey, and is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist destination, as well as one of its most visited tourist spots.
Milford Sound runs 15 km inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces, such as the Elephant and Lion Peaks, that rise 1200 m or more on either side. Lush rain forests cling precariously to these cliffs, and seals, penguins and dolphins frequent the waters, while whales can sometimes be seen. Take one of the boat tours (which usually last between 1–2 hours), a scenic flight, a guided walk, or a day bus tour. Share in canoeing, cycling, kayaking, diving, snorkelling or even snow boarding. An underwater tourist observatory provides viewing of black coral, usually only found in much deeper waters. In rainy and stormy days tourists can admire the play of the wind with the numerous waterfalls in Milford Sound. When meeting the cliff face the powerful wind often goes upward and waterfalls with a vertical drop get caught by wind, causing the water to go upwards. It is truly a fascinating and 'not to be missed' port of call. more/less... |
||||
| 7 | Sun 10 Mar 2013 | Doubtful Sound, New Zealand | 1.30pm | 2.30pm |
 Doubtful Sound is a very large and naturally imposing fjord, despite its name, in the far SW of New Zealand. It is located in the same region as the smaller but more famous and accessible Milford Sound, but it is three times longer, and has a surface area ten times larger.
There are three distinct arms to the sound, which is the site of several outstanding waterfalls from high-up ice-age valleys, notably Helena Falls an attractive feature of Deep Cove, and the Browne Falls which cascades 619 m to the fjord near Hall Arm. The steep hills are known for their hundreds of waterfalls during the rainy season. The physical grandeur of towering peaks descending into moody waters, and fiords clad with ancient vegetation, create a powerful atmosphere of solitude and serenity. Seals and dolphins are frequently seen as well as the occasional penguin. A variety of excursions, including day-walks and flights are on offer, and deep sea and big game fishing can also be experienced. It truly is one of New Zealand's most famous tourist destinations. more/less... |
||||
| 7 | Sun 10 Mar 2013 | Dusky Sound, New Zealand | 4.30pm | 6.00pm |
 Dusky Sound is a fjord on the SW corner of New Zealand, in Fiordland National Park. It was named by Captain Cook in 1770 where he encountered groups of shy Maoris. Nowadays the area is almost uninhabited, but seal numbers have increased since the ban on seal hunting.
One of the most complex of the many fjords on this coast, it is also one of the largest, 40 km in length and eight km at its widest point. The upper reaches of the sound are steep-sided, and the high precipitation of the region leads to hundreds of waterfalls cascading into the sound during the rainy season. Seals and dolphins are often sighted in the sound's waters. The best way of seeing the fjord, with its many wooded island and inlets, if possible, is on a seaplane flight. It is one of New Zealand's most beautiful fjords! more/less... |
||||
| 8 | Mon 11 Mar 2013 | Dunedin, New Zealand | 9.00am | 6.00pm |
 Dunedin is the principal city of the Otago Region of New Zealand. It was founded in 1848 by Scottish migrants, and today the city still contains many Scottish relics, including a statue of the Scottish Bard Robbie Burns. Dunedin is a vibrant city surrounded by a giant outdoor playground.
Dunedin, or the Quirky Capital – named after its quirky annual events – is packed with historic architecture, cafes, bars, art galleries and New Zealand designer fashion. A city tour ending at The Otago Settlers Museum will uncover the tales of those who settled in Dunedin from early Maori, Scottish pioneers and Chinese gold miners. Definitely do not leave without taking note of Baldwin Street, officially named the world’s steepest street by the Guinness Book of Records! Just thirty minutes by car, or a tour (many cycle) from the CBD, the Otago Peninsula is a must see, as it is concentrated with unique New Zealand wildlife. Here you will see yellow eyed penguins, the only mainland albatross breeding colony, New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and much more. Garden lovers will enjoy a visit to Lanarch Castle, with its gardens of international significance (and very Scottish), Rhododendron Dell and the Botanic Gardens. more/less... |
||||
| 9 | Tue 12 Mar 2013 | Akaroa, New Zealand | 8.00am | 6.00pm |
 Just 85 kilometres from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is an historic French and British settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés. Relax in the sun at French Bay, or find a secluded beach of your own in one of the neighbouring bays.
Banks Peninsula, an extinct volcano with its circular shape and steep sided hills that sweep down to beautiful inlets and bays below, provides incredible scenery as well as giving you the opportunity to view the gorgeous Hectors dolphin, the world's smallest and rarest! Try the Harbour Cruises which provide the opportunity to see a seal colony, or swim with the dolphins in winter, wearing a dry suit, which really does keep you dry and warm. The French Farm Winery on the western side of the harbour is also well worth a visit. Many streets have French names and descendants of the original French families still live here and the ambience of the town makes you feel that you have been magically transported to France. This truly is a unique destination! more/less... |
||||
| 10 | Wed 13 Mar 2013 | Wellington, New Zealand | 8.00am | 6.00pm |
 Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, is situated on the SW tip of the North Island, and is set on the edge of a stunning harbour surrounded by rolling hills. As the political centre it houses Parliamentary buildings, as well as the bulk of foreign diplomatic missions. However, it is also renowned for its cafe-culture, as there are more cafes per capita than in New York City.
Downtown Wellington on Lambton Quay, home to the city's strong yachting fraternity, is popular with shoppers. Don't miss a trip on the Cable Car that takes you from Lambton Quay to Kelburn, the Botanic Gardens and superb harbour views. For a different perspective of the city, take a harbour cruise or a ferry trip to Eastbourne where there are craft shops, galleries and cafes. Hire a car and drive just 15-30 minutes and discover Lower Hutt with its fantastic recreation opportunities and leading-edge art museum, Upper Hutt and its pristine Hutt River with stunning riverside trails, and Porirua to enjoy a range of water sports and visit the award-winning Pataka Museum. A little further away is Wellington's wine region where you can sample culinary delights, and visit the boutique wine-village of Martinborough as well as the antique and crafts stores of Greytown. more/less... |
||||
| 11 | Thu 14 Mar 2013 | At Sea | ||
| 12 | Fri 15 Mar 2013 | Rotorua (Tauranga), New Zealand | 8.00am | 6.00pm |
 Rotorua (Tauranga) is a centre of tourism and a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It is a smallish city on the shores of a lake of the same name, in the crater of an ancient volcano in the Bay of Plenty region of the North Island of New Zealand. The entire area is thermally active, and the smell of sulphur, a 'rotten eggs'' smell that is never far, results in the nicknames 'Sulphur City' and 'Rottenrua'!
The surrounding geothermal wonderland, however, soon causes one to get used to the odour. View active geysers, bubbling mud pools of spectacular colours, experience spa rejuvenation with a mud spa therapy treatment, soak in geothermal waters, and get a taste of 'how life should be'! Take a tour or hire a car and experience Maori culture by visiting places such as Mitai Maori Village, home of the sacred spring and glow worms, or the Living Thermal Village, to interact with locals as they produce craft products and enjoy their shows and hangi meals. It is an area packed with pioneering history. Alternatively, simply enjoy the sixteen lakes, fantastic trout fishing, boating or one of the myriads of walking tracks. Truly, Rotura delivers it all! more/less... |
||||
| 13 | Sat 16 Mar 2013 | Auckland, New Zealand | 6.00am | |
 Auckland (Akarana), a city on the North Island, is New Zealand's biggest city and has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Situated on a narrow isthmus, it is one of the few cities in the world to have harbours on two separate bodies of water, the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Wherever you stay in Auckland, you're never far from breathtaking scenery, beautiful beaches, invigorating walks, outstanding food - including the 'Pacific Rim' cuisine that has perfected the fusing of Pacific and Asian flavours - and award-winning wine. Enjoy great shopping at the home of top fashion designers in the city's heart, or visit the markets that are a magnet for bargain hunters! Places to visit include the Museum, Zoo, and the Botanic Gardens. Daily departures from Viaduct Harbour of the Whale and Dolphin Safari offer a guaranteed viewing of dolphins or whales as well as other captivating animals on every trip. If more adventurous go hot air ballooning, take an hour and a half Auckland Bridge Climb, or participate in bungy jumping that operates daily and is available to anyone aged 10 years or over. Also on offer are Canyoning Adventures at various levels of difficulty with no experience required. With tours catering for all kinds of visitors, you will thoroughly enjoy your visit to “The City of Sails'! more/less... |
||||
Celebrity Solstice became the largest, youngest and most luxurious cruise ship to be based in Australia when she arrived in December 2012. Between November and March, based between Sydney and Auckland, she cruises the South Pacific, Tasman Sea and New Zealand, and circumnavigates Australia via Bali and the Great Barrier Reef. From April to October she is based in Seattle and offers 7-night cruises of the Alaskan coast. Take a trans-Pacific cruise via Hawaii in April or October.
Accommodation
Ninety percent of staterooms have an outside view, and of these 95% have a balcony – more than any other superliner in the world. Features in all cabins include: twin beds convertible to queen-sized bed, sitting area, vanity desk with hairdryer, interactive flat-screen TV (32” minimum), bathroom with shower enclosure, wireless internet access, and premium bedding. The suites are larger, with more personal amenities and extras. AquaClass cabins share a deck with the AquaSpa amenities, dine at the exclusive Restaurant Blu, and share in a feast of indulgences. Families can book inter-connecting cabins.
Food and Dining
The two-deck Grand Epernay is the principal dining room, of stunning and contemporary design. Dinner is served at two sittings, either traditional with assigned tables, or 'when and with whom you choose'. There are four specialty dining rooms, all with picture window views of the sea. Murano is a superb, extra-cost reservation-only venue not to be missed. Blu is mainly for guests in the AquaClass cabins. The Tuscan Grille, an Italian steakhouse, delivers the best of grills, seafood and pasta. Silk Harvest serves a mix of Southeast Asian dishes.
Entertainment
The main showlounge Solstice Theatre typically provide three shows on a seven-night cruise: circus-type acrobatics and revues. Theme nights are held in the Observation Lounge. Celebrity Central hosts comedy, cookery and entertaining lectures. The Ensemble Lounge is from the big-band era with jazz-style music. The Entertainment Court, featuring street performers, is adjacent to the Quasar nightclub. Throughout the vessel guests will be met by a variety of soloists and ensembles. During the day entertainment choices range from games, art auctions, bingo, wine samplings and dance lessons, to educational presentations. A unique "Hot Glass Show" demonstrates the creation of glass art by the Corning Museum of Glass. For a quiet time withdraw to the card room, or the spectacular 24-hour library, extending vertically for two decks.
Welcome to our Roll Call forum for Celebrity Solstice's "Australia & New Zealand" departing 4 Mar 2013. Here you can meet fellow cruisers, swap ideas, plan tours, share with others and make friends before you even leave!
blog comments powered by DisqusYou will then have the option to send us an enquiry or you can call us for FREE and speak to one of our Cruise Specialists who will check availability and find you the best possible price.
| DEPARTURE DATES | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OTHER DATES FOR Australia & New Zealand |
|||||
| Mon 4 Nov 2013 | Sold out | Sold out | Sold out | Sold out | |
| Thu 28 Nov 2013 | Sold out | Sold out | Sold out | Sold out | |
| Sun 22 Dec 2013 | Sold out | Sold out | Sold out | Sold out | |
Prices are twin share per person in AUD, include all taxes and are subject to change.
View the current location for Celebrity Solstice here!
Cruise summary
Cruise: Australia & New Zealand
Duration: 12 nights
Ship: Celebrity Solstice
Star rating: 
Departs: Sydney
Returns: Auckland
Ports of call: 10
Forward departures: 3
What's onboard? ▼
- Suite butlers
- AquaClass suites
- Interconnect balcony cabins
- Shops
- DINING
- Dining venues (10)
- Main dining, reserve ahead
- In-cabin dining
- Casual dining & cafés (3)
- Multiple lounges & bars
- Internet lounge
- High Tea (pay)
- Beverage packages
- ENTERTAINMENT
- Show Theatre
- Movies, comedy, lectures
- Aerial show
- Library & Art gallery
- Casino & Night club
- Street performers
- ACTIVITIES
- Pools (3)
- Pool butler
- Whirlpools (6)
- Spa treatments
- Thalassotherapy
- Fitness centre, programs
- Solarium
- Lawn Club, croquet
- Conference Centre
- Workshops & lectures
- Shore excursion desk
- UNDER 18
- Club for teenagers
- Children’s centre
- OTHER
- Wheelchair accessible
- Cabin 110/220V
- Wi-Fi areas (pay)
- Mobile phone (home carrier)
What's included? ▼
- Accommodation as booked
- Flight/s and/or transfers as specified
- Australia: Gratuities paid when booking fare (can request to pay onboard in USD) at AU$ 11.75 ($12.25 Concierge/Aqua Class, $15.30 Suites) pp/night, all ages
- All main meals on-board
- Coffee, tea & milk 24 hrs
- Open/anytime or traditional/set time & multi-venue dining
- Alternative specialty dining (Suites)
- Cocktail or champagne reception
- In-cabin dining at no charge
- Use of ship facilities - indoor & outdoor
- Entertainment - live music and/or shows, movies
- Activities - organised & individual
- Specialty lectures, workshops, classes & programs
- Bridge director on select cruises
- Infant crèche, kids clubs & teen programs
- Cruise Director & all English speaking staff
- Butler & valet services (select cabins)
- Priority dis/embarkation (selected suites)
- Special needs requests & service animals allowed
- Ship-shore-ship transfers
What's excluded? ▼
- Airfares, accommodation & transfers not specified
- Shore & land excursions and meals not specified
- Alternate specialty dining venues (unless specified)
- Casino gaming, bar expenses
- Passport & visa fees
- Insurances of all kinds
- Increases in third party charges or taxes
- Customary land tour gratuities are welcome
- Outside Australia: Gratuities (can be pre-paid) US$ 11.50 (Concierge/Aqua $12, Suites $15) pp/night all ages, 'adjusted at your discretion'
- Service charge 15% added to beverage bills. Additional tips discretionary.
- Items & services of a personal nature
- Medical services, vaccination costs
- Laundry and/or valet charges
- Wi-Fi, Internet, satellite/mobile phone & fax charges
- Childcare night services (3-12 yrs, 10pm-1am)
- Babysitting, individual or in groups (from 1 yr)
Recent testimonials
"The Sun Princess Cruise was fantastic - I will certainly contact you regarding all future travel arrangements. Once again thank you for everything your attention to detail was much appreciated."
Jan C from Melbourne
"We were more than satisfied with the service we received from your agency everything was organized well. The P&O cruise itself was absolutely wonderful and thank you for your service and support."
Keith & Moira from Newcastle
"The trip was just fantastic! We loved it and highly recommend the Pacific Sun to anyone who wants a fun time. Thanks for your help booking the cruise and we will be be back soon for our next cruise."
Ron H from NSW