The Royal Princess is a spectacular example of the next generation of innovative Princess ships. From the breathtaking Atrium & Piazza – over 50 per cent larger than other ships’ atriums in the line and featuring exciting new eateries – to signature features like The SeaWalk, a dramatic glassbottom walkway, which has been called one of the “Top Gee-Whiz Features at Sea”, you’ll quickly come to love the many exciting dining and entertainment options available on this majestic ship. Royal Princess offers a truly luxurious cruise experience. A voyage on the Royal Princess is a unique experience to be savoured and remembered!
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Sunday 23 February 2025 Arrive Christchurch
Group members fly to Christchurch, New Zealand, and upon arrival we
transfer to our city hotel. This evening we have a welcome dinner so you can
meet other passengers in the group.
DAY 2 Monday 24 February 2025 Christchurch
On our excursion today we travel on one of the most scenic train journeys in
New Zealand – the TranzAlpine Express Train. From Christchurch, we cross
the flat Canterbury Plains to the small community of Darfield. We continue
through beautiful alpine scenery as we enter the Arthur’s Pass National Park.
Marvel at the alpine scenery as we sit back and enjoy the commentary.
DAY 3 Tuesday 25 February 2025 Wellington
This morning we board The Coastal Pacific train to Picton. Travelling
via Kaikoura, the home of whale watching and then onto the gateway to
the beautiful Marlborough Sound with the famous wine growing region
of Blenheim. The journey takes us through some of New Zealand’s finest
horticultural and farmland areas of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged
Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of our train, the Pacific Ocean coastline
on the other with views of marine wildlife such as seals and penguins all from
the comfort of our carriage. Arriving into Picton we transfer to the ferry port
for a short journey across Cook Strait to Wellington.
DAY 4 Wednesday 26 February 2025 Auckland
This morning we board the Northern Explorer train for our journey to
Auckland. The train service is a scenic rail journey through the five unique
geographical regions of the North Island. We travel from Wellington,
through the central heartland of the Northern Island. Along the way, we
enjoy the farming landscapes and rocky sea scapes of the lower North Island
and ascend through stunning river gorges to the volcanic plateau passing the
majestic volcanoes of Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Ruapehu, the
home of the North Island ski fields. Upon arrival in Auckland, New Zealand’s
largest city, we are transferred to our hotel.
DAY 5 Thursday 27 February 2025 Auckland
Today we travel to Waiuku to experience the golden era of “steam age” train
travel at the Glenbrook Vintage Railway operating through picturesque
rural countryside over 7.4 km of the former New Zealand Railways (NZR).
The Glenbrook Vintage Railway owns and operates a number of historic
and valuable heritage locomotives both steam and diesel, from the smallest locomotive, a 3 ton diesel shunter, to the giant 110 ton JA 1250 “Diana”
steam locomotive. We then enjoy a sightseeing tour of gorgeous Auckland,
the largest city and commercial centre of New Zealand. Our tour takes in
the main sights of the city, including the Harbour Bridge, which spans the
beautiful Waitemata Harbour.
DAY 6 Friday 28 February 2025 Embarkation Auckland
The morning is free. At midday we board the Royal Princess for our cruise
around New Zealand. Be up on deck as we cruise out of Auckland harbour.
DAY 7 Saturday 1 March 2025 Tauranga
This morning we arrive in Tauranga, a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty
region on New Zealand’s North Island. Today we will enjoy a magical rail
experience. We first travel inland to Mamaku, past Lake Rotorua, and board
our own self-drive Rail Cruiser to travel through the beautiful Dansey Road
Scenic Reserve, on the steep 1:35 gradient railway between Mamaku and
Tarukenga. We then see the famous geysers and volcanic activity of Rotorua.
DAY 8 Sunday 2 March 2025 Bay of Islands
Today we arrive in the spectacular Bay of Islands, one of the most historic
area’s in New Zealand dotted with 150 scenic islands. We will travel on the
famous Bay of Islands Vintage Railway, which operates on part of the former
Opua track and offers train rides through the scenic Northland countryside.
We will then have a sightseeing tour to Waitangi, where the Treaty between
settlers and Maori’s was signed in 1840.
DAY 9 Monday 3 March 2025 Day at sea
A day at sea to explore and enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 10 Tuesday 4 March 2025 Christchurch
We begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch with its very
English feel. It is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. The city
boasts modern architecture and historic buildings set against beautiful parks,
gardens, rivers and beaches. We then drive to the nearby village of Akaroa.
Originally founded by the French, it is now a delightful town, retaining the
ambience of France.
DAY 11 Wednesday 5 March 2025 Dunedin
Our Dunedin train journey today is the Taieri Gorge Railway. Departing from
Dunedin’s beautiful railway station, our train begins its scenic journey into
some of New Zealand’s ever-changing, most spectacular and iconic scenery
on its journey to Pukerangi, a peaceful outcrop out the other side of the
Taieri Gorge. The train travels through the Southern parts of Dunedin city
until it arrives at Wingatui junction, where it turns off onto the Taieri branch.
From here the train sneaks across the Taieri Plains and climbs into the Taieri
Gorge, a narrow and deep gorge carved out over aeons by the ancient Taieri
River. The train will stop or slow down at various scenic points along the way
for photos where we can disembark and stretch our legs and enjoy the best
of beauty, peace and quiet that nature has to offer.
DAY 12 Thursday 6 March 2025 Fiordland National Park
Today we cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in New
Zealand as we visit Milford Sound followed by Doubtful and Dusky Sounds.
The fiords will be a highlight of the cruise, with spectacular scenery and
fascinating wildlife. Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford
Sound, star of Fiordland National Park. New vistas mesmerise at each
turn – towering Mitre Peak, rising 1692 metres above the Sound, plunging
waterfalls, bottlenose and dusky dolphins, fur seals and Fiordland crested
penguins are amongst this wonderland of outstanding natural beauty.
DAY 13 Friday 7 March 2025 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 14 Saturday 8 March 2025 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 15 Sunday 9 March 2025 Hobart
This morning we arrive in Hobart, the capital city of Tasmania. We are
transferred to the airport for our flight to Strahan, on the west coast of
Tasmania and board the West Coast Wilderness Railway. We journey deep
into the heritage of the Tasmanian wilderness to discover the history and
stories of the people and railway that turned the west coast of Tasmania into
one of the wealthiest mining regions in the world.
DAY 16 Monday 10 March 2025 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 17 Tuesday 11 March 2025 Melbourne
This morning we arrive in the port of Melbourne, where we travel by coach
to the Dandenong Ranges to take a journey on Puffing Billy. This centuryold
steam train travels from Belgrave Station through to Gembrook, with a
post-preservation history spanning over 50 years, the line is one of the most
popular steam heritage railways in the world. The line was originally opened
in 1900 to serve the local farming and timber community and originally ran
from Upper Ferntree Gully station. In 1955 the Puffing Billy Preservation
Society was formed to keep the train running indefinitely.
DAY 18 Wednesday 12 March 2025 Day at sea
A day at sea to enjoy the fabulous facilities of the ship.
DAY 19 Thursday 13 March 2025 Sydney
This morning we dock in Sydney and the cruise concludes.
Cabin | Description | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
---|---|---|---|---|
IF | Inside | 8,15,16 | $6,890 | $7,890 |
IE | Inside | 9,10,11,12,14,15 | $6,990 | $7,990 |
ID | Inside | 10,11,12,14 | $7,090 | $8,190 |
IC | Inside | 8,15,16 | $7,190 | $8,290 |
IB | Inside | 8,9,10,11,12,14,15 | $7,290 | $8,390 |
BW | Balcony (Obstructed) | 8 | $7,590 | $9,090 |
DW | Balcony (Obstructed) | 8,15,16 | $7,690 | $9,190 |
BE | Balcony | 8,9,10,11,12,15 | $7,790 | $9,390 |
BD | Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $7,890 | $9,490 |
BC | Balcony | 15,16 | $7,990 | $9,590 |
BB | Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14,15 | $8,090 | $9,690 |
DE | Deluxe Balcony | 8,15 | $8,190 | $9,790 |
DD | Deluxe Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $8,290 | $9,890 |
DC | Deluxe Balcony | 8,15,16 | $8,390 | $9,990 |
DB | Deluxe Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $8,490 | $10,190 |
ME | Mini Suite | 12,14 | $8,890 | $10,990 |
MC | Mini Suite | 15,16 | $9,190 | $11,490 |
MB | Mini Suite | 10,11,12,14,15 | $9,290 | $11,890 |
S5 | Premium Suite | 9,10,11,12 | $10,990 | $15,190 |
Included port and handling charges and ship gratuities | $806 | $1,196 | ||
Included air taxes as at 1/12/2023 | $144 | $144 |
You can travel to New Zealand prior to the group or minimal extra cost. Please contact Travelrite 1800 630 343 or more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair-climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd, ATAS number A10538 (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour operator.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 1/12/23. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Deposit and Payment: A non-refundable deposit of $1500 per person for is required at the time of booking. Full payment will be required 90 days before departure for the tour. A 1.5% administration fee will be charged on payment by credit card.
Cancellation charges: Cancellation over 90 days before tour departs will result in loss of deposit. Cancellation 90 days and under before tour departs will result in a loss of all monies paid.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended to cover the costs of cancellation fees due to illness, death in family, etc.
Minimum Tour Numbers and Conditions: The tour has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 90 days prior to departure. Travelrite reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost. Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances and/or substitute the tour host, if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any
refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services
not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents:
All passengers will require a valid passport. Visas
for countries visited are not required for Australian passport holders. If you
hold another passport, please check with Travelrite.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibility: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ATAS No A10538) is the tour organiser. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrangements for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
DELAYS AND UNFORESEEN EVENTS:
You engage Travelrite International
to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite
International acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts
between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation
and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may
without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your
agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good
or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary
for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise
accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the
tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite
International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite
International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite International advises
you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that
any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by sending full names and addresses of intending tour members with a non-refundable deposit of $1500 per person for the tour. Please send to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 38 years. It is fully ATAS accredited: A10538 and has a fully credited IATA office in Balwyn Victoria. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for 30 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
“Being part of an organised tour was a new and enjoyable experience for us. We could relax because the Tour Manager had everything organised.”
“The Tairei Gorge out of Dunedin was our favourite – it had great scenery, bridges and tunnels!”