Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas® isn't the same old song. It's a Tri-State thrill ride that packs in cutting edge experiences— like North Star®, which gives you 360-degree views from 300 feet above sea level. And flavor firsts, like creative fare at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Plus showstoppers like We Will Rock You.
Roundtrip From:Sydney, Australia
Visiting:
Departs at 4:30 PM
You won't have any trouble filling up an itinerary in Sydney — there's a wealth of sights, sounds and activities here to delight adventurers of all stripes. Visit one or all of the city's three iconic landmarks: the Sydney Opera House, the massive arched Harbour Bridge and white-sanded, crescent-shaped Bondi Beach. Get your culture on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with works from ancient tribal Australia to medieval Europe to modern times. Cruise to Sydney and check out the North Head Cliffs at Manly Beach, which offer panoramic views of the bay and the skyline, or go snorkeling along the underwater nature trail at secluded Gordon's Bay to spot starfish and sea urchins.
Circular Quay is the perfect place to start exploring Sydney. You can find the Opera House here, and Harbour Bridge is within walking distance. Stride into one of the many walking and pub tours that leave from here. Just 20 minutes away, you can stretch your legs on the iconic Harbour Bridge walk, the first of its kind in the world.
Insider tip
Central Sydney is extremely walkable, so take the time to explore the little streets close to Circular Quay.
Hop on the ferry or one of the regular buses that go to Watsons Bay to enjoy the scenic hike around South Head. During your journey, you'll enjoy views of Sydney Harbour, North Head, the historic Hornby Lighthouse and, of course, the sapphire-blue Pacific Ocean. The Gap offers breathtaking views of the sea from the rocky cliffside.
There are plenty of shopping malls in the heart of the city, including Westfield Mall, Pitt Street Mall and the wonderful Queen Victoria Building, which is now a shopping mall featuring top designers. Seek out cutting boards made from local camphor laurel — they're not only beautiful but also have natural antimicrobial properties. During your Sydney cruise vacation, look for jewelry made from opal, the national gemstone of Australia.
Bondi Beach gets all the attention, but Manly Beach in the Northern Beaches is a bit more local. The Corso is lined with shops and restaurants, including local favorite, Hugo's. If surfing is your thing, this is the place to be. The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly is a fantastic way to soak in the city's coastline.
Insider tip
Taronga Zoo is filled with indigenous animals, and the biggest secret is that it has one of the best views of the city.
With all the water surrounding you, it's no surprise seafood takes center stage on many plates in the city. Head to Sydney Fish Market for giant Sydney Rock oysters or classic fish and ships. Stop into a local pie shop for a traditional Australian meat pie, or explore Sydney's international side with udon or ramen noodles at a Japanese noodle bar, or seek out shrimp dumplings in Chinatown.
It’s time to raise the bar on adventure — with 360-degree views of the world from 300 feet above sea level in the North Star® observation capsule — winner of the Guinness World Record for tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship.
Rise to the occasion and take on the signature Rock Climbing Wall. From beginners to speed climbers, everyone can enjoy an unparalleled view from 40 feet above deck. Included in your fare, no reservation required.
Slip away to this adults-only indoor and outdoor retreat. The Solarium is your slice of paradise, with soothing whirlpools, warm sunshine and a refreshing water mist.
“Are we there yet?” is a thing of the past. We keep every kid entertained with games, events, age-appropriate activities and more in our award-winning youth program.
From 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Picton, on the northeast corner of New Zealand's South Island, provides access to the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and to New Zealand's most famous wine region, Marlborough, home to the world's best Sauvignon Blanc. Known as the sunniest place in the country, this small town of about 3,000 is named for Sir Thomas Picton, who fought at the Battle of Waterloo. The pretty harbor town has several cafes and shops, plus a market when cruise ships are in port. The area is home to five different types of dolphins, orca and rare birds.
Take a wine tour to learn more about the Marlborough region's distinctive wines. The area has over 35 tasting cellars so you can determine whether your favorites are the famous labels or the smaller boutique producers. Taste your way through three significant wine regions on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. Enjoy stunning scenery, beautiful forest parks, buzzing nightlife and indulgent food experiences as you journey from Hawkes Bay in the North Island to Marlborough in the South Island.
Insider tip
Kiwis pronounce Marlborough not like the cigarettes but more like "Mal-boro."
See rare aircraft at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, located about 30 minutes from Picton. It's even possible to take a joyride on a Russian fighter or an open cockpit biplane. Ride there on the Passchendaele, a steam locomotive from 1915. Cruise to Picton to enjoy the rolling countryside from a whole new perspective.
New Zealand Pounamu jade, greenstone, is found in the northern rivers of the South Island. It is handcrafted into beautiful jewelry, often into designs meaningful to the Maori culture. Picton also has a high concentration of potters, weavers, glass blowers and other artisans. Look for New Zealand blue pearls too, so you can feel like a princess.
This teak sailing ship, built in 1853, is one of the world's oldest surviving wooden ships. It is now a museum at Picton's Dunbar Wharf. See artifacts and learn about the Edwin Fox's storied past, including carrying pale ale to India, convicts to Australia and perhaps even Florence Nightingale to the Crimean War.
Insider tip
Pick up a Picton self-guided walking map at the i-SITE Visitor Information Centre.
You've got to drink the local wine in Marlborough during your cruise to Picton. Marlborough's Sauvignon Blancs are lush, herbaceous and often have a bit of grapefruit or lime zing. It's perfectly drinkable on its own, and pairs very well with the area's oysters, clams, king salmon and greenshell mussels.
From 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
On the eastern side of New Zealand's North Island sits Napier, in Hawke's Bay. The entire city was rebuilt in the Art Deco style following an earthquake in 1931, giving Napier the best collection of authentic Art Deco buildings on the planet. Known for its wine, Napier boasts a cafe culture enjoyed year-round thanks to its sunny, Mediterranean-like climate. Nearby you can find the world's largest colony of gannets — a sleek, white sea bird known for its dramatic plunge-dive fish-catching technique — which can be viewed on a hike or a tractor ride on the beach.
Wander around Napier admiring the Art Deco architecture. Or, if you like more structure, hop onto a tour of the town. Don't miss the zigzags of the Daily Telegraph Building, the Masonic Lodge and the National Tobacco Company Building, around the shore in Ahuriri. Look for the 50 different street murals around town and soak in the colors.
Insider tip
Stop in the I-SITE visitor Centre for maps and information; shuttles from the port drop you nearby.
Stroll along the Marine Parade to admire the Norfolk pines, gardens and public art with your Napier cruise. The symbol of Napier, Pania, is here — epitomized in a bronze statue. She's from Maori mythology and is said to have been more at home in the sea than on land. Legend has it that she became the reef, and the Maori consider her fishing grounds to be sacred.
The Napier Business District is Napier's main shopping area. It has plenty of boutiques and shops on the partially pedestrianized Emerson Street. Look for local manuka honey from Arataki Honey Centre. Need more sweets? Take a taxi to the Silky Oak Chocolate Company and museum for chocolate history and treats.
Cape Kidnappers, the headland just east of Napier, is one of the easiest places in the world to see gannets. Usually living on isolated islands, you can view the Black Reef gannet colony from the beach. Watch for their high dives into the sea when fishing.
Insider tip
The lowest denomination coin in New Zealand is 10 cents, so cash purchases are rounded up or down to the closest 10 cent value.
A Napier restaurant, Pacifica, surprised the New Zealand dining world when it was named New Zealand's 2017 Restaurant of the Year. Chef Jeremy Rameka uses local ingredients, and judges said that his menu "captures the essence of Kiwi food, with finesse." The small blue bungalow is easy to find on the Marine Parade. Cruise to Napier to try the Sartori Prosecco with warmed kingfish, lemonfish marinated in coconut cream, lime and chili.
From 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
It's hobbit enthusiast's dream come true in Tauranga. This town on the Bay of Plenty, perched on New Zealand's North Island, is just a short trek from the rolling hills of Waikato — this is where you'll find Hobbiton, the location that served as the Shire in the uber-popular "Lord of the Rings" movies. But the fantastic findings of Tauranga don't end there. Cruise to Tauranga and take the one-hour drive to Rotorua, a geothermal fairyland where you can soak in the rejuvenating waters of the natural hot springs.
Take an excursion to Middle Earth, or at least to the filming location of Bilbo's house in the Shire. Visit the 44 Hobbit Holes and The Green Dragon Inn to learn more about how "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" were filmed here by New Zealander Sir Peter Jackson.
Insider tip
Walk out to Moturiki Island at low tide to get the easiest access to view of the blowholes.
In the town of Paengaroa, about a half hour away, you'll find the production plant of Comvita, one of the world's leading producers of manuka honey. Take a couple jars home, or pick up beauty products made with the sweet stuff. Take home a bottle of your favorite wine from a local vineyard, or seek out local jade and sterling silver jewelry — Jens Hansen Ringmakers in Nelson even makes a replica of the One Ring from Tolkien's epic.
Named the Bay of Plenty by Captain Cook, the Tauranga area has an abundance of products from the land and sea. Cruise to Tauranga and try lamb belly with burnt pumpkin or crusted local venison loin at a hip brasserie in downtown Tauranga. You'll find wine here, too, especially Pinot Noir — Mills Reef Winery has an on-site restaurant where you can order creative, Asian-inspired dishes alongside your glass of choice.
Insider tip
If you're into surfing, the beach at Mount Maunganui is the ideal spot.
From 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
The New Zealand greeting "Kia Ora!" sets the tone for an Auckland adventure. This Maori phrase, used by Kiwis of all ethnic backgrounds to say "hello," roughly translates to "be well" — and after you've enjoyed the outdoor excitement Auckland has to offer, that's exactly how you'll feel. With three harbors and 18,000 miles of coastline, New Zealand's largest city offers all the exploration by land or by sea you could ask for. Climb the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and the Twin Harbors. Jump on a New Zealand cruise and head to the Viaduct Basin in Wynward Quarter to sail the harbor or relax with at a seaside brewery.
Visit the Auckland Museum to learn about the history, culture and treasures (taonga) of the Maori. A Maori cultural performance takes place several times daily concluding with a very loud haka, the traditional version of the dance the local All Blacks rugby team uses to intimidate opponents.
Insider tip
New Zealanders reserve tipping for exceptional service. If you do tip, round up or aim for about 10 percent.
With the world's highest coffee roasters per capita, New Zealand is all about cafe culture. Though it's debated whether it was invented by Australians or Kiwis, drink a flat white while the kids have a fluffy, foamed milk with chocolate and marshmallow treats. Cruise to Auckland and seek out a hip farm-to-table spot for pastured-raised lamb roast, or feast on whitebait fritters or green-lipped mussels at a waterfront seafood spot.
New Zealand is famous for adrenaline-boosting activities like bungee jumping and Zorbing. During your New Zealand cruise, get a rush by climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then bungee-jump off it. Walk the outside of the 630-foot-tall Sky Tower. You can even base jump all the way down, flying for 11 seconds at more than 50 miles per hour.
Insider tip
Dress for the possibility of four seasons' worth of weather in one day.
Souvenirs with New Zealand's unofficial emblem, the silver fern, are popular; rugby fans will want one in the form of All Blacks' paraphernalia. Pick up some raw Manuka honey; many believe it has medicinal benefits. Kids young and young at heart will love anything with a kiwi bird on it.
Tendered from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Look up — the Bay of Islands is said to have the world's second bluest sky after Rio de Janeiro. Located on the northwestern coast of New Zealand's North Island, the sea here is also a beautiful shade of turquoise, dotted with 144 subtropical islands of the area. Cruise to Bay of Islands and check out Urupukapuka Island, where you can hike through Maori village sites or relax on the white-sand beach. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds — this is the site where the treaty that made New Zealand into its own nation was signed. Or head out on a dolphin spotting cruise to see the population of bottlenose dolphins that call these waters home.
Take a day trip to explore the bay and its pretty islands from close up, capped off with a trip through the Hole in the Rock. Carved by the sea and weather, the hole is 240 feet wide, though looks a lot smaller when you're heading toward it on your day-trip boat at speed. If conditions are right, don a wetsuit and jump in to swim with the bottlenose dolphins.
Insider tip
Have your camera ready — dolphins are known to appear out of the blue.
Takeaway fish and chips is the perfect thing to eat near the water — the local style is whitefish fried crispy after a dip in batter, but you may see them frying up someone's catch of the day, too. In Russell, you'll find upscale spots serving bistro fare like local Hawkes Bay lamb, Northland pork and whole snapper.
New Zealand became a nation here, with the signing of the Waitangi Treaty between the Maori and the British in 1840. Visit the on-site Te Kongahu Museum and the intricately carved meeting house which often has Maori cultural performances. The largest Maori ceremonial war canoe in the world is here.
Insider tip
It's possible to swim with the dolphins in the Bay of Islands, with strict rules to protect the animals.
Look for New Zealand giftware like bone and jade carvings and handicrafts made from ancient kauri wood. The wood is from prehistoric trees found only on the top half of the North Island. The wood has been preserved for centuries in peat swamps and has an iridescent sheen.
Exclusively for suite guests, Coastal Kitchen fuses Mediterranean influences with farm-fresh flavors from California. The menu is filled with Pacific Coast favorites and Med-inspired entrees.
Emphasizing fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Solarium Bistro offers a bright and breezy gastronomic getaway at sea. Serve yourself from stations piled high with Med-inspired dishes and savor every bite inside or al fresco beneath the sun — or the stars.
For more than a decade, the chefs at Chops Grille have specialized in serving up quality, hand-cut meat. Dinner at this hallmark Royal Caribbean specialty restaurant goes far beyond the typical steakhouse experience, though, with reimagined classics like succulent Maine lobster, gruyere cheese tater tots, white truffle-scented mushroom soup, and of course, expertly prepared prime beef.
The Café@Two70 is a gourmet marketplace where every meal comes with a side of captivating views. Choose from a variety of savory hot-pressed sandwiches, crisp custom-made salads, homemade soups and more — all packed up picnic-style, so you can enjoy them while looking out floor-to-ceiling windows in Two70® or anywhere else onboard.
Arrives at 6:30 AM
You won't have any trouble filling up an itinerary in Sydney — there's a wealth of sights, sounds and activities here to delight adventurers of all stripes. Visit one or all of the city's three iconic landmarks: the Sydney Opera House, the massive arched Harbour Bridge and white-sanded, crescent-shaped Bondi Beach. Get your culture on at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, with works from ancient tribal Australia to medieval Europe to modern times. Cruise to Sydney and check out the North Head Cliffs at Manly Beach, which offer panoramic views of the bay and the skyline, or go snorkeling along the underwater nature trail at secluded Gordon's Bay to spot starfish and sea urchins.
Circular Quay is the perfect place to start exploring Sydney. You can find the Opera House here, and Harbour Bridge is within walking distance. Stride into one of the many walking and pub tours that leave from here. Just 20 minutes away, you can stretch your legs on the iconic Harbour Bridge walk, the first of its kind in the world.
Insider tip
There are a surprising number of interesting museums in Sydney, including the Maritime Museum, which explores the seafaring history of the city.
Hop on the ferry or one of the regular buses that go to Watsons Bay to enjoy the scenic hike around South Head. During your journey, you'll enjoy views of Sydney Harbour, North Head, the historic Hornby Lighthouse and, of course, the sapphire-blue Pacific Ocean. The Gap offers breathtaking views of the sea from the rocky cliffside.
There are plenty of shopping malls in the heart of the city, including Westfield Mall, Pitt Street Mall and the wonderful Queen Victoria Building, which is now a shopping mall featuring top designers. Seek out cutting boards made from local camphor laurel — they're not only beautiful but also have natural antimicrobial properties. During your Sydney cruise vacation, look for jewelry made from opal, the national gemstone of Australia.
Bondi Beach gets all the attention, but Manly Beach in the Northern Beaches is a bit more local. The Corso is lined with shops and restaurants, including local favorite, Hugo's. If surfing is your thing, this is the place to be. The walk from Spit Bridge to Manly is a fantastic way to soak in the city's coastline.
With all the water surrounding you, it's no surprise seafood takes center stage on many plates in the city. Head to Sydney Fish Market for giant Sydney Rock oysters or classic fish and ships. Stop into a local pie shop for a traditional Australian meat pie, or explore Sydney's international side with udon or ramen noodles at a Japanese noodle bar, or seek out shrimp dumplings in Chinatown.
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