9 Night New Zealand Holiday Cruise

The 9 Night New Zealand Holiday Cruise is a 9-night New Zealand cruise aboard Anthem of the Seas, operated by Royal Caribbean. Departing Sydney, Australia on December 28, 2026, the voyage visits 7 ports. Fares start from $2,438 per person.

Length: 9 nights
Departs: Dec 28, 2026
Returns: Jan 6, 2027
Ports of call: 7
Days at sea: 4

from $2,438

$270 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

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Itinerary

Day 1 Dec 28, 2026 Sydney, Australia Departs 17:00 If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Sydney, Australia

Sydney, Australia photo — Day 1 Dec 28, 2026 Sydney, Australia Departs 17:00 If you want a snapshot of Australia's appeal, look no further than Sydney: The idyllic lifestyle, friendly locals and drop-dead natural beauty of this approachable metropolis and its attractions explain why the country tops so many travelers' wish lists. But Sydney is more than just the embodiment of classic antipodean cool—the city is in a constant state of evolution. A list of what to do in Sydney might start with the white-hot nightlife, with its new cocktail bars and idiosyncratic mixology dens. Inventive restaurants helmed by high-caliber chefs are dishing up everything from posh pan-Asian to Argentine street food, while the famous dining temples that put Sydney on the gastronomic map are still going strong too. The famed harbor is among the top sights—home to twin icons the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, it is the stepping-off point for some of the city's best cultural attractions and sightseeing. In one day you can sail around the harbor, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the opera house and climb the bridge, with time to spare for people-watching over a flat white at a waterfront café. Speaking of water, when you plan what to do in Sydney, you will want to include the iconic beaches, where surfers, office workers and tourists alike converge on some of the most gorgeous shoreline scenery anywhere. Bondi, Bronte and Clovelly are all within easy reach of the Central Business District, as is Manly, a charming seaside town located a short ferry ride from Circular Quay. Beyond the city you'll discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the chance to encounter Australia's cuddliest wildlife—a perfect way to round out your envy-inducing Sydney photo collection. Sydney, Australia port guide Search cruises visiting Sydney, Australia

Day 4 Dec 31, 2026 Picton, NZ 09:00 – 18:00 9.0 hrs ashore Picton has developed a reputation in recent years. It’s the doorway to New Zealand’s South Island used by locals and international travelers alike to get to the islands and resorts of the Marlborough Sounds, an interconnected stretch of beautiful landscape. The surrounding area is famous for its wineries, so you can enjoy vineyard tours and tastings while stopped on Picton cruises. Picton is a hidden gem for international travelers. Beautiful scenery in the Marlborough Sounds and views of the New Zealand countryside make the area particularly memorable for first-time visitors. On the waterfront, explore Pollard Park for a leisurely stroll, or stop at EcoWorld Aquarium to see rescued and protected species during a tour of the wildlife rehabilitation center. On your New Zealand cruise, you’ll be endlessly surprised by its foodie and café scene, outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and beautiful water and mountain views.

Day 5 Jan 1, 2027 Christchurch, New Zealand 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Lyttelton, South Island's leading port, is connected to Christchurch by road and rail tunnels. Wooden houses cling to steep streets above the harbor, bustling with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches. Several 19th-century churches add to the town's historic attractions. The Canterbury pilgrims, who arrived in four shiploads at Lyttelton in 1850, made a historic trek across the Port Hills to establish Christchurch. Today, walkers still enjoy the old Bridle Path trail. Hundreds of modern-day pilgrims make the nostalgic hike between Lyttelton and Christchurch annually on the Sunday nearest December 16. Christchurch, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch, New Zealand photo — Day 5 Jan 1, 2027 Christchurch, New Zealand 08:00 – 18:00 10.0 hrs ashore Lyttelton, South Island's leading port, is connected to Christchurch by road and rail tunnels. Wooden houses cling to steep streets above the harbor, bustling with cargo vessels, freighters, sailing yachts and sightseeing launches. Several 19th-century churches add to the town's historic attractions. The Canterbury pilgrims, who arrived in four shiploads at Lyttelton in 1850, made a historic trek across the Port Hills to establish Christchurch. Today, walkers still enjoy the old Bridle Path trail. Hundreds of modern-day pilgrims make the nostalgic hike between Lyttelton and Christchurch annually on the Sunday nearest December 16. Christchurch, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Christchurch, New Zealand

Day 6 Jan 2, 2027 Dunedin, New Zealand 06:45 – 18:00 11.2 hrs ashore The south-easterly coast of New Zealand's wild southern island is a haven for outdoor adventures, with masses of raw scenic beauty and thrilling coastline. Heading the Otago Harbour, Dunedin is a cosmopolitan city of culture and architectural splendour, with a distinctly tartan flare. Settled by the Scots in 1848, the romantically misty valleys and moody landscapes, continue to capture the hearts of visitors to these distant shores. Searing bagpipes echo down the streets in the Edinburgh of the South, which wears its Scottish origins proudly. Gothic revival architecture is scattered liberally, including the magnificent university - with its glorious clocktower - and the city's grand cathedral. Head to the elegant Octagon to see the statue to Robert Burns, whose nephew was a city founder. The railway station is perhaps the pick of this city's many artistic structures. Its glowing gardens and pretty mosaics add extra detail to the elegant, gingerbread building. It's also the perfect jumping-off point for romantic rail adventures along the coastline. The melodramatic coastline of the Otago Peninsula boasts dramatic cliffs and sea-sprayed beaches, as well as an abundance of animals. Explore cliffs laced with tunnels and hidden walkways, to get you up close and personal with Yellow-eyed penguins. Sea lions and seals also sprawl out on windswept beaches, drifting in and out of indulgent dozes. The south island's second-largest city regularly receives a top-up of youthful energy thanks to its healthy student population. Not that Dunedin is lacking a distinctly quirky personality of its own, as showcased by the event where locals race thousands of chocolate orbs down the world's steepest street - Baldwin Street. Museums in the city tell of Chinese influences, as well as the stories of early Maori settlers. Round off an active day sampling a South Island institution - an icy beer from Speight's Brewery. Dunedin, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Dunedin, New Zealand

Day 7 Jan 3, 2027 Dusky Sound 08:00 – 09:00 1.0 hrs ashore Dusky Sound lies among the grand fjords of Fiordland National Park in the southwest part of New Zealand's South Island. Named by Captain Cook when he sailed by at dusk on his first voyage in 1770, this spot holds one of the area's largest fjords, at almost 25 miles long. During the rainy season, you can spot hundreds of waterfalls splashing down from the verdant green hills into the dark deep waters. During your Dusky Sound cruise, keep an eye out for sunbathing seals in repose on Seal Rock. Look out for Astronomer's Point, a former observatory dating back to 1773 that overlooks the dramatic fjord.

Day 7 Jan 3, 2027 Milford Sound, New Zealand 16:00 – 17:00 1.0 hrs ashore Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi (its name in Maori), sits on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and was first called the Eighth Wonder of the World by none other than Rudyard Kipling, who had seen some pretty wonderful places. As you sail up the 15-kilometer-long (nine-mile-long) sound, with soaring snow-topped peaks looming above—the tallest reaches an altitude of 1,517 meters (4,977 feet)—you'll understand Kipling's enthusiasm. Although it is called a sound, it is technically a fjord—a narrow inlet created by glacial erosion over thousands of years. While its geological history is long, its human history is not. It is believed that the Maori first explored the sound, and the rest of the area that is now part of Fiordland National Park, around 1,000 years ago; Captain Cook followed in 1770. But neither Maori nor Europeans created permanent settlements of any significance, and the land was pristine when Fiordland National Park, New Zealand's largest national park, was established in 1952. While many walking trails cross the park, the most breathtaking views are arguably those from the water, with the sheer rock faces looming above your ship as you sail through this majestic landscape. Milford Sound, New Zealand port guide Search cruises visiting Milford Sound, New Zealand

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 89-day span: $2,035 · range $2,035–$3,208

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

from $2,438

$270 / night

Fare rows

Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,438

$270 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior with Virtual Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,739

$304 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Interior with Virtual Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,798

$310 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Connecting Interior with Virtual Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,068

$340 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview

from $2,798

$310 / night

Fare rows

Oceanview Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,798

$310 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Spacious Ocean View

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,728

$414 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

from $2,894

$321 / night

Fare rows

Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $2,894

$321 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,193

$354 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,263

$362 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Connecting Oceanview Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,573

$397 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View with Large Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,734

$414 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Ocean View with Large Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $3,804

$422 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Suite

from $6,423

$713 / night

Fare rows

Suite - Guaranteed

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,423

$713 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,703

$744 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,924

$769 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Junior Suite with Large Balcony

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,123

$791 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner’s Suite - 1 Bedroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,843

$1,538 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Sky Loft Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,903

$1,544 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Grand Loft Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $18,783

$2,087 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 25, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Royal Caribbean and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 40 cabin grades

Name	Supplier code	Type
Ocean View with Large Balcony	1C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	1D	Balcony
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony	1E	Balcony
Ocean View with Large Balcony	2C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	2D	Balcony
Obstructed Ocean View Balcony	2E	Balcony
Studio Ocean View Balcony	2F	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	3D	Balcony
Ocean View with Large Balcony	4C	Balcony
Ocean View Balcony	4D	Balcony
Connecting Oceanview Balcony	CB	Balcony
Balcony Stateroom - Guaranteed	XB	Balcony
Interior with Virtual Balcony	1U	Inside
Interior with Virtual Balcony	2U	Inside
Studio Interior	2W	Inside
Interior with Virtual Balcony	3U	Inside
Interior with Virtual Balcony	4U	Inside
Connecting Interior with Virtual Balcony	CI	Inside
Interior Stateroom - Guaranteed	ZI	Inside
Interior Quad Gty	ZQ	Inside
Ocean View	1N	Oceanview
Ocean View	2N	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	3M	Oceanview
Spacious Ocean View	4M	Oceanview
Ocean View Balcony Quad Gty	XQ	Oceanview
Oceanview Stateroom - Guaranteed	YO	Oceanview
Ocean View Quad Gty	YQ	Oceanview
Grand Suite with Large Balcony - 1 Bedroom	GB	Suite
Grand Loft Suite	GL	Suite
Grand Suite - 1 Bedroom	GS	Suite
Grand Suite - 2 Bedroom	GT	Suite
Junior Suite with Large Balcony	J1	Suite
Junior Suite	J3	Suite
Junior Suite	J4	Suite
Sky Junior Suite	JY	Suite
Owner’s Loft Suite - 1 Bedroom	OL	Suite
Owner’s Suite - 1 Bedroom	OS	Suite
Royal Loft Suite	RL	Suite
Sky Loft Suite	SL	Suite
Suite - Guaranteed	WS	Suite