Grand Tour of Australia & New Zealand Cruise 2019

NEW ZEALAND CRUISE ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S OVATION OF THE SEAS Ovation of the Seas is all about elevated exploration. Open up exotic shores and untamed spectacular landscapes — not to mention a world of elevated experiences onboard. It’s scenery scoping from an unrivaled perspective. Take adventure to new heights on the rock climbing wall, then experience the thrill of a free fall on RipCord® by iFLY®. Or catch a wave on the FlowRider® surf simulator before ascending over 300 feet above sea level in North Star® — all while soaking up breath-taking views of New Zealand’s unspoiled landscape. Leave it to us to literally and figuratively take you to a higher place. The exclusive North Star promises to elevate you both physically and emotionally, revealing 360-degree views of a world you’ve truly never seen before! On this cruise you can simply step into the North Star intimate, jewel-shaped capsule and gently ascend over 300 feet above sea level, where you can take in breath-taking views of the ocean, the ship, and the exciting destinations that we visit. The resident population of sperm whales at Kaikoura can be seen all year round. Orca (killer whales) may be seen from December to March, and humpback whales in June and July. Several dolphin species are seen almost daily in the area. In fact, almost half of the world’s species of whale are seen around New Zealand’s coast.

come to kissing and forming a new island.

breath away. Home to abundant wildlife you may see bottlenose dolphins and fur seals at play, or catch a glimpse of a rare Fiord land Crested Penguin. Getting to Doubtful Sound is an adventure in itself. This isolation makes the fiord a very special place, a place only those in the know get to see. Milford Sound Cruising Situated on the west coast of the South Island Milford Sound is a fusion of spectacular natural features with amazing visual cues around every corner. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages and it is breath taking in any weather. The fiord’s cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards, some as high as 1000 metres. When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. Transfer from the Cruise Terminal to see some of the nicest beaches that Sydney boasts about. The word ‘Maroubra’ comes from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘like thunder’ - an apt description of the sound of the waves pounding on the shoreline. These waves have made Maroubra one of the most popular surfing locations in Sydney and Australia’s second only National Surfing Reserve. Coogee Beach is a great beach with calm surf and is family-friendly. The promenade area has restored historic buildings and nurtured parklands. Coogee is the ideal spot to begin the coastal walk to Bondi along a clearly marked pathway with stunning ocean views. With white sands, curling waves and sandstone cliffs, Bondi Beach is Australia’s most famous beach and a world icon. The jewel of Sydney’s laid-back beach lifestyle, Bondi has something for everyone, from swimming, surfing and sunbathing to a spectacular coastal walk and delicious places to eat. Botany Bay is a central port of Sydney, significant both in historic and modern times. In 1770, it was the landing spot of Captain James Cook when he first stepped onto Australia after having explored New Zealand extensively. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Malta via Dubai. DAY 23 – SYDNEY

Tauranga Located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbour in the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is New Zealand’s fifth largest city and a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and stylish shopping. Popular things to do surrounding Taurangainclude surfing off the long white sand beaches on Matakana Island, climbing up Mount Maunganui for spectacular sea and city views, and visiting Lake McLaren and walking the 10-minute walk to a beautiful waterfall in McLaren Falls Park. For a cultural experience, explore the Tauranga Art Gallery, wander along the Arataki Cultural Walking Trails, or visit The Elms - one of New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites. Wellington On a sunny, windless day, Wellington is up there with the best of them. For starters it’s lovely to look at, sitting on a hook-shaped harbour ringed with ranges that wear a cloak of snow in winter. Victorian timber architecture laces the bushy hillsides above the harbour, which resonate with native birdsong. As cities go, it’s really rather small but the compact nature of the downtown area gives it a bigger-city buzz and, being the capital, it’s endowed with museums, theatres, galleries and arts organisations completely disproportionate to its size. Wellingtonians are rightly proud of their kick in caffeine and craft-beer scene, and there’s no shortage of beard-wearing, skateboard-lugging, artsy types doing interesting things in old warehouses across town. Dunedin It is New Zealand’s best kept secret, located in the South Island this city is full of authentic welcoming characters that tell it like it is. Known as the Edinburgh of New Zealand, Dunedin is the country’s city of the south, wearing its Scottish heritage with pride. Surrounded by dramatic hills and at the foot of a long, picturesque harbour, Dunedin is one of the best-preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. Dusky Sound Cruising One of the most complex fjords on New Zealand’s southern coast, Dusky Sound is a place of serene beauty, accessible today only by sea or air. European explorers first spotted this treasure when Captain Cook and his crew happened upon its opening in the late eighteenth century. Although they returned to explore its waters months later, Cook and his crew named it Dusky Sound for the time of night when they first found it. Doubtful Sound Cruising Immerse yourself in the vast and untouched wilderness of Doubtful Sound, the second largest fiord in Fiord land National Park. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your

BOLD SIGHTS, INCREDIBLE BITES

If you’re craving high-end eats, Ovation of the Seas℠ hits all the high notes. Dining that takes you from the Far East at Izumi, down the rabbit hole at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine.

PORTS OF CALL

Bay of Islands It ranks as one of NZ’s top summertime destinations. Lingering shots of its turquoise waters and 150 undeveloped islands feature heavily in the country’s tourist promotions. Most of the action here is out on the water, whether that be yachting, big-game fishing, kayaking, diving or cruising around in the company of whales and dolphins. Auckland Paris may be the city of love, but Auckland is the city of many lovers, according to its Māori name, Tāmaki Makaurau. Those lovers so desired this place that they fought over it for centuries. It’s hard to imagine a more geographically blessed city. Its two harbours frame a narrow isthmus punctuated by volcanic cones and surrounded by fertile farmland. From any of its numerous vantage points you’ll be surprised how close the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean GRAND TOUR OF AUSTRALIA & MAGNIFICENT NEW ZEALAND CRUISE 2019 58

DAY 24 - MALTA

Arrival in Dubai where you will board your connecting flight to Malta.