Royal Princess: 13-Night Cruise from Sydney - December 5, 2026
STARTING AT
$2254.00
per person
Royal Princess
13 NIGHT CRUISE
SAILING FROM
Sydney, Australia on Dec 5th, 2026
DISEMBARK
Sydney, Australia on Dec 18th, 2026
13 Nights
ITINERARY
Sydney, Australia
December 5, 2026Departs 4:00 PMSydney dazzles with its iconic Opera House, sparkling harbor, and vibrant city life, blending modern energy with coastal charm for every cruiser.
Explore Sydney, AustraliaCaptain's TipYour cruise departs from Sydney, Australia on the Royal Princess, carrying thousands of passengers. Fly in the day before to protect against flight disruptions - the ship won't wait. If you're given an assigned boarding time, showing up earlier sometimes works but isn't guaranteed. Complete your online check-in before arrival. Explore the bustling waterfront at Circular Quay, enjoy fine dining and local markets, or take a ferry to picturesque suburbs.
Day at Sea — December 6, 2026
December 6, 2026Day at Sea — December 7, 2026
December 7, 2026Day at Sea — December 8, 2026
December 8, 2026
Bay of Islands (Paihia), New Zealand
December 9, 20268:00 AM – 6:00 PMBay of Islands feels like a fresh New Zealand welcome, emerald water dotted with islands, coastal breezes, friendly towns, and a relaxed outdoor rhythm.
Explore Bay of Islands (Paihia), New ZealandCaptain's TipYou'll have 10 hours hours to explore Bay of Islands (Paihia), New Zealand, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are one of the most significant historical sites in New Zealand.
Auckland, New Zealand
December 10, 20266:30 AM – 7:00 PMAuckland feels wide open and welcoming, harbor light, volcanic hills, and a relaxed city rhythm shaped by water, wind, and everyday Kiwi life.
Explore Auckland, New ZealandCaptain's TipThe Royal Princess carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Auckland, New Zealand. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. Walking the waterfront is one of the easiest pleasures in Auckland.
Day at Sea — December 11, 2026
December 11, 2026
Picton, New Zealand
December 12, 20269:00 AM – 5:00 PMPicton, New Zealand, offers a charming harbor town framed by the Marlborough Sounds, perfect for cruising visitors seeking scenic views, local culture, and coastal tranquility.
Explore Picton, New ZealandCaptain's TipYour ship arrives in Picton, New Zealand at 9:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. A stroll along Picton's marina and waterfront path reveals boats, vibrant buildings, and views of Queen Charlotte Sound.
Christchurch, New Zealand
December 13, 20267:00 AM – 5:00 PMChristchurch feels like wide skies and river paths, English style gardens meeting Pacific light, and a creative city quietly reinventing itself.
Explore Christchurch, New ZealandCaptain's TipYou'll have 10 hours hours to explore Christchurch, New Zealand, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM - a solid full day ashore. That's enough for 2-3 attractions and a sit-down lunch without rushing. Tackle the most distant spot first, then work your way back toward the port. The Botanic Gardens are one of Christchurch's highlights and sit right next to the city center.
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
December 14, 20269:45 AM – 7:00 PMPort Chalmers offers a charming gateway to Dunedin, with maritime history, colorful harbor views, and easy access to culture, wildlife, and Scottish heritage.
Explore Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New ZealandCaptain's TipThe Royal Princess carries 3,500+ passengers, which can create congestion at the terminal in Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand. Ship-arranged shore excursions are your best bet - these groups most often receive priority disembarkation. Stroll along the Port Chalmers waterfront to enjoy views of colorful boats, historic warehouses, and the working harbor.
Day at Sea — December 15, 2026
December 15, 202610:00 AM – 7:00 PMFjordland feels otherworldly, sheer cliffs, deep still water, waterfalls everywhere, and quiet moments that make New Zealand’s wild beauty feel personal.
Captain's TipYour ship arrives in Fjordland, New Zealand at 10:00 AM, one of the most common arrival windows. If you've booked a morning excursion, aim to be among the first off. If your plans are flexible, waiting 30-45 minutes lets the initial wave pass. The highlight of Fjordland is cruising slowly through places like Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.
Day at Sea — December 16, 2026
December 16, 2026Day at Sea — December 17, 2026
December 17, 2026Return to Sydney, Australia
December 18, 2026Arrives 6:00 AMSydney dazzles with its iconic Opera House, sparkling harbor, and vibrant city life, blending modern energy with coastal charm for every cruiser.
Explore Sydney, AustraliaCaptain's TipYour cruise ends in Sydney, Australia, where the Royal Princess is scheduled to dock at 6:00 AM. With 3,500+ passengers, disembarkation groups are called over a two to three hour window - but once your group is called, you'll be off in about 15 minutes. Self-assist - carrying your own bags off - lets you skip the wait and walk off first. Book your flight at least five hours after the ship's scheduled arrival. Take a guided tour of the world-famous Opera House, marveling at its architectural design and learning about its history and performances.
ITINERARY MAP
Royal Princess
ADDITIONAL COST
Afternoon tea is a treasured tradition whether it’s a special occasion, an intimate moment for two, a mother-daughter tea party or just quiet time for reflection. Enjoy a wide selection of teas, or coffee if you prefer, served by attentive waiters in the dining room.
INCLUDED IN FARE
Named for Princess' former Master Chef, Alfredo Marzi and voted "Best Pizza at Sea" by USA TODAY, this charming sit-down venue offers an enticing menu of freshly prepared individual-size pizzas along with beer and wines by the glass.
ADDITIONAL COST
An extraordinary treat for both gastronomes and gourmet novices, the Chef’s Table Lumiere is a perfect culinary journey for any special occasion. Join a select group of guests for a behind-the-scenes galley tour with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, followed by an extravagant multi-course dinner created and hosted by the ship’s executive chef.
INCLUDED IN FARE
There are few foods that inspire as much passion as chocolate. Princess' pastry chefs channeled their love of chocolate into handcrafted treats designed exclusively for Princess' Chocolate Journeys program. These sweet creations combine premium quality chocolate with unique flavors and artful designs and can be found throughout the ship.
