South Pacific: New Zealand Cruise
Princess Cruises
Experience the true heart of New Zealand. Wander in welcoming cities like Auckland, sip world-renowned wines in Picton and Marvel at Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park.
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Sailing Itinerary
Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to change. Please verify ports and times directly with the cruise line.
Overview
Sydney is Australia's largest and most cosmopolitan city and is the capital of New South Wales, the most heavily populated state of Australia. Sydney is situated on one of the world's most beautiful and famous harbours. Sydney also boasts beautiful beaches, fantastic shops, restaurants, history and culture. Sydney's many highlights include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, the stunning harbour and the white sands of Bondi, Manly and beyond. Sydney is also home to beautiful National Parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, many harbour front picnic locations and heritage areas.
Overview
The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. It is the cradle of European civilisation in New Zealand and has fine examples of Maori culture for you to experience. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular and can only be fully appreciated by cruising through the area. The area is the warmest part of New Zealand. The Maritime Park is a natural wonderland with an abundance of wildlife including marlin, whales, penguins, dolphins, gannets and many other species. The towns of Paihia and picturesque Russell are perfect places to wander amongst the many shops and restaurants along the waterfront. There are endless activities too - fishing, forest and beach walks, all kinds of water sports and great golf courses. The Bay is the perfect base from which to explore further North. See the magnificent Kauri forests, Cape Reinga - the top of New Zealand, 90 Mile Beach and the craft shops of Kerikeri.
Overview
Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, with a population of just under 382,000 within the city boundary and 1.18 million in the greater Auckland area. This represents about one third of the population of the whole country. The city and suburbs cover an area of 60 square kilometres, with many of the suburbs having their own unique character. The city is built on a narrow isthmus between two harbours, the Waitemata to the East and the Manukau to the West. Water sports are a pastime enjoyed by a large number of Aucklanders and the city enjoys the reputation as being known as the 'City of Sails' due the number of yachts which sail in the harbours and the adjoining Hauraki Gulf.
Overview
Tauranga is located at the western end of the Bay of Plenty, on the North Island’s central eastern coast. It is built around Tauranga Harbour, a busy port, and the surrounding region is a fertile fruit growing district. It is sheltered to the west by the Kaimai Ranges and to the east by Matakana Island.
Historically, Tauranga was a base for missionaries and for the flax trade. The city is also home to Gate Pa, the site of an historic battle between local Maori and European settlers. Artillery and earthworks can still be seen at the site. Today, Tauranga’s warm climate and coastal location makes the city a popular location to live, and it is the country’s fastest growing centre. Its major attractions are boating, surfing and fishing, and a host of other activities such as water skiing, diving and windsurfing. The city also has some interesting historical buildings and attractions, such as Tauranga Historic Village/Museum.
Nearby Mt Maunganui is built on a long sandy peninsula and can be reached by the harbour bridge or via the coast road. It is a popular resort with a long sandy beach and fine surfing. At the tip of the peninsula is Mt Maunganui itself. This bush clad hill has several walking tracks and excellent views of the area.
Overview
The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname.
Picton is 30 km north of Blenheim at the head of the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound. The town dates from 1827 when John Guard established a whaling station in the sounds, and soon after the port began to ship produce from the Waiau Plains.
Today it serves mainly as a transit centre for Cook Strait travellers, and boasts a wide choice of accommodation and fine restaurants with delicious seafood fresh from the sounds. There are indoor/outdoor cafés on the waterfront and a good selection of arts, crafts and souvenirs.
The placid waters of the Queen Charlotte Sound are a playground for all manner of water sports. Launches, yachts, powerboats and sea kayaks can be chartered or hired. Fishing, diving and scenic trips are available and water-taxi services run on demand. A regular shuttle takes trampers to various points on the beautiful Queen Charlotte Walkway, which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. The 67 km walk starts at Ship’s Cove, which was Captain Cook’s base in New Zealand on his three voyages of discovery, and ends at Anakiwa near Picton.
Local sights begin on Picton’s attractive foreshore, where visitors can enjoy splendid views up the harbour from picnic benches set among the palm trees. Picton Museum has relics from the whaling era and a fascinating old sailing ship, the Edwin Fox, which is being restored. The ship was built in 1853 for the British East India Company and is the sole survivor of the original immigrant ships on the New Zealand run. Another fascinating old ship is the coastal scow Echo, which plied the Wellington to Picton run many years ago. To see this craft and the maritime museum tourists can follow an interesting walking track from the Picton Marina to Bob’s Bay.
Picton is an open door to a whole new experience of unspoilt nature, in these tranquil waters, where magical hideaways and private bays can be reached by water-taxi.
Overview
Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness. Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible. It really is the ‘city that shines’. Internationally famed ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch’s well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city’s founding fathers. The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city. The Garden City Festival of Flowers held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of colour. In 1996, Christchurch was acknowledged as the outstanding garden city from 620 international entries and in 1997, was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become ‘Garden City of the World’! Maori oral history suggests that people first inhabited the Canterbury area about a thousand years ago. These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and these were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830. The first European landed in Canterbury in 1815, 45 years after Captain James Cook sighted what he named "Banks Island", later found to be a peninsula. In 1840 the first Europeans settled on the plains and whaling ships were operating out of Lyttelton by 1850. During 1850-1851 the first organised groups of English settlers, the founders of Christchurch, arrived on the 'first four ships' into Lyttelton Harbour. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on July 31, 1856, making it officially the oldest established city in New Zealand. In 1893 New Zealand women achieved a first in the world when they won the right to vote. This significant event was honoured in 1993 when the Kate Sheppard memorial, a commemoration to Women's Suffrage was unveiled on 19th September 1993. Canterbury's economy was built on primary products and Canterbury has long been recognised as living "off the sheep's back". Although its economic beginnings were in refrigerated sheep and dairy meats and in other dairy products, Canterbury now has a diversified regional economy with growth across a range of "new economy" sectors. There is something different to see and do within one or two hours’ drive of Christchurch, in any direction. To the east lie the open ocean and Banks Peninsula, featuring sheltered bays, sandy beaches, bush clad valleys, rocky coastline and high, wild places. Boating, tramping, a visit to the wineries and the French settlers’ harbourside village of Akaroa are key peninsula attractions. To the west, past fertile plains and braided rivers, are forested foothills and lakes. Beyond them lie the tallest mountains in Australasia, the Southern Alps, strung out parallel to the coastline. Mountain passes with delightful alpine villages break the almost impenetrable divide and deliver the traveller to the west coast. There is a choice of western routes and plenty of ski areas on the way. A journey north reveals green rolling hills, forests and long, empty beaches, with the whale-watching centre of Kaikoura about 2 hours’ drive away, whilst an excursion to the south passes through farmland and crosses two more of Canterbury’s pristine rivers, ideal for fishing in, whitewater rafting or kayaking down. Mt Hutt, the premier commercial ski area close to the city, lies to the south west. A day off-piste here gives opportunity for jet boating, fishing, horse riding or a round of golf.
Overview
The attractive, historic town and modern container port of Port Chalmers, on a tiny peninsula 12km from Dunedin, is worth a half,day trip for its magnificent harbour views offset by bush,covered hills, its fine nineteenth,century buildings and its thriving artistic community. The site was chosen in 1844 as the port to serve the proposed Scottish settlement of New Edinburgh, later called Dunedin. The first settlers arrived on the John Wickliffe in March 1848 and named the port after the Reverend Dr Thomas Chalmers.
Overview
The seaward edge of Fiordland National Park is a series of fourteen massive knife cuts, carved by the glaciers during successive ice ages. Towering, snow-capped peaks reflect in the midnight blue fingers of ocean that reach into the park's thickly forested interior, where visitors can find trees that are more than 800 years old. For sheer drama, few places of earth can compete with this remarkable natural environment. In 1990 Fiordland was listed as a United Nations World Heritage site and given the name Te Wahipounamu - 'the place of greenstone', after the area's most treasured mineral resource. The remaining two thirds of Fiordland National Park are covered by virgin beech and podocarp forest. A 500 kilometre network of walking tracks allows visitors to explore the primeval world of mountain peaks, alpine lakes and moss-carpeted valleys. Three of New Zealand's 'Great Walks' can be found in the park. The most famous (and consequently most crowded) is the Milford Track, which takes five days to complete. The Kepler Track is a circular route that can be walked in four days and the Routeburn, which crosses into Mount Aspiring National Park, generally takes three days. There are many other less famous, but just as spectacular, tracks to explore. Several of the fiords can be explored by sea kayak, as can lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Diving in Fiordland provides a rare chance to see deepwater sea plants growing near the surface. Local residents include dolphins, fur seals and penguins.
Overview
Sydney is Australia's largest and most cosmopolitan city and is the capital of New South Wales, the most heavily populated state of Australia. Sydney is situated on one of the world's most beautiful and famous harbours. Sydney also boasts beautiful beaches, fantastic shops, restaurants, history and culture. Sydney's many highlights include the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Centrepoint Tower, The Rocks, the stunning harbour and the white sands of Bondi, Manly and beyond. Sydney is also home to beautiful National Parks, the Royal Botanic Gardens, many harbour front picnic locations and heritage areas.
Onboard the Royal Princess
Royal Princess
Year Built: 2012
Year Refurbished: 2018
Double Occupancy Capacity: 3560
From its breathtaking piazza-style Atrium to the dramatic views from the glass-floored SeaWalk®, Royal Princess® is sure to delight. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, watch the mesmerizing Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, or dine on tantalizing cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.
Activities & Services (included in cruise)
Movies
- Card Room
- Casino
- Disco/Nightclub
- Movies Under the Stars®
- Theater/Show Lounge
- Beauty Salon
- Fitness Center
- Fitness Classes
- Pool - Outdoor
- Sports Facilities
- Whirlpool/Jacuzzi
- Art Gallery
- Bars/Lounges
- Library
- Children's Indoor Play Area
- Educational Classes
- Organized Age Specific Activities
- Teen Center or Disco
- Teen Programs
- Duty-Free Shops/Boutiques
- Infirmary/Medical Center
- Religious Services
- Self-Service Laundromat
- Wedding/Vow Renewal
Activities & Services (available for an extra fee)
The Sanctuary
- Full-Service Spa
- Spa Services/Massage
- Sauna/Steam Room
- Educational Programs
- Internet Center
- Babysitting
- Dry Cleaning/ Laundry Service
Dining Room
Main Dining
Concerto Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.
Allegro Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.
Symphony Dining Room: After final payment, through the MedallionClass® app, you may request your dining preference with Dine My Way℠. Customize your dining experiences nightly by choosing your seating time, dining companions and dietary needs.
Chef's Table Lumiere
Specialty Dining
Sabatini's℠: An upscale authentic Italian dining experience in a remarkable eight-course meal. The menu features both local seafood specialties and other regional favorites. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Crown Grill℠: Featuring premium aged beef and fresh seafood items, the Crown Grill℠ offers a truly special dining experience with an open, theater-style kitchen where chefs custom-prepare fresh seafood; such as lobster, scallops, clams and mussels, and cooked-to-order steaks. Set in opulent, rich wood surroundings, this classic steakhouse restaurant offers a warm and personal setting where Princess chefs make dining in the showplace environment something to talk about. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Crab Shack: Seafood lovers won’t want to miss this full crab shack experience. An intriguing bistro option housed within the Horizon Court buffet, Crab Shack diners can savor Bayou-style boiled crawfish and spicy sausage, popcorn shrimp, steaming clam chowder and a tantalizing mixed steamer pot filled with snow crab, jumbo shrimp, clams and mussels. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Chef’s Table Lumiere: A private dining experience that surrounds guests in a curtain of light. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Ocean Terrace: The Ocean Terrace seafood bar is ideal for those who love to feast on the bounty from the sea. This stylish bar offers an array of ocean treasures, including a flight of oyster shooters, sushi and sashimi, ahi tuna poke, king crab cocktail, chili and lime crab margarita, a royal lobster dish, and the world-renowned smoked Balik salmon, the salmon of the tsars. A la carte pricing makes it easy to pick and choose. This restaurant is available for an additional cost.
Vines: Vines boasts an extensive collection of wines, like Opus One, Super Tuscans, fine sparkling wines and regional offerings for purchase. The menu also includes wine flights and a selection of wines by the glass.
Gelato: It’s a gelateria and a creperie all in one. Indulge in delicious, Italian-style ice cream creations, including homemade waffle cones, creamy fruit smoothies, frosty shakes, banana and pineapple splits, as well as designer sundaes with and without alcohol. Choose from 20 toppings and sauces, including homemade fudge. And don’t miss the sweet crespelle (Italian crepes), with nutty banana or spiced Washington Apple filling.
Alfredo's Pizzeria
Casual Dining
Horizon Court: Features top-deck buffet dining at its finest, boasting multiple live stations.
International Café: Open 24 hours a day, the International Café located in the Piazza is the place for an ever-changing array of small bite meals, treats and gourmet beverages. Grab a freshly baked croissant to start your day, snack on pies and quiche or choose from a wide variety of salads and sandwiches at lunchtime, and indulge in decadent desserts in the evening. Coffee and tea fans will love the New Grounds Crafted Coffee menu featuring a variety of specialty espresso-based drinks made from a custom blend of coffee beans, as well as iced tea fusions.
Alfredo's Pizzeria: Featuring hand-tossed Neapolitan-style pizza, hot out of the oven.
Trident Grill: Follow your nose to the Trident Grill where the burgers are flipping and the hotdogs roasting, served with a variety of fixin’s and crisp fries. Veggie burgers, bratwurst and grilled chicken breast are also served and all are sure to hit the spot when you are relaxing out on deck.
Afternoon Tea: Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, pastries, scones, cookies, music and white-glove service.
Room Service: Call for room service delivery or order through OceanNow® in the Princess® MedallionClass® app at any time of the day or night. Guests with the latest Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow® and room service delivery with no charge. Otherwise, a one-time access fee of US $ 14.99 per person per voyage will apply for OceanNow® delivery and a US $ 5 room service fee will apply for each order placed by stateroom phone. To order, guests can press the "Room Service" button on their stateroom phone, or order through OceanNow®.
Staterooms feature refrigerator, closet and bathroom with shower.
Category: IA
Approximately 175 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IB
Approximately 166 to 175 sq.ft, this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IC
Approximately 166 to 175 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: ID
Approximately 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IE
Approximately 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Category: IF
Approximately 166 sq. ft., this well-appointed interior stateroom provides fine amenities.
Features a private balcony with patio furniture, refrigerator, spacious closet, desk and bathroom with shower.
Category: BA
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BB
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BC
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BD
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BE
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BF
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony.
Category: BW
Approximately 222 sq. ft. including balcony, this stateroom provides a partial or obstructed view from a private balcony.
Category: D4
Approximately 242 to 312 sq. ft. including balcony, this aft-facing stateroom provides dramatic wake views. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DA
Approximately 233 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DB
Approximately 233 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DC
Approximately 233 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DD
Approximately 233 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DE
Approximately 233 - 303 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DF
Approximately 233 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides outstanding views from a private balcony. Includes sofa bed.
Category: DW
Approximately 233 sq. ft. including balcony, this larger than standard balcony stateroom provides a partial or obstructed view from a private balcony.
Suites feature balcony, separate sitting area, desk, spacious closet and bathroom with tub and shower.
Category: M1
Approximately 314 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: M6
Approximately 340 sq. ft. including balcony, this extra-large stateroom provides outstanding views with seating area and sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: MA
Approximately 299 to 329 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: MB
Approximately 299 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: MC
Approximately 299 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: ME
Approximately 299 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: MF
Approximately 299 sq. ft. including balcony, this spacious stateroom provides a seating area with sofa bed, and full bath with tub and shower.
Category: S3
Approximately 587 to 682 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features an expansive stateroom and oversized aft-facing balcony. Exclusive suite-only benefits.
Category: S4
Approximately 440 sq. ft. including balcony, the Penthouse Suite features a spacious stateroom with seating area and sofa bed. Enjoy suite-only upgrades and benefits.
Category: S5
Approximately 554 sq. ft. including balcony, the Premium Suite features a large stateroom with seating area and sofa bed. Enjoy suite-only upgrades and benefits.
Symbol | Description |
---|---|
Will accommodate third person | |
Balcony access when in port only | |
Balcony door blocked when upper berth is in use | |
Will accommodate third and fourth person | |
Connecting staterooms | |
Fully accessible stateroom, roll-in shower only | |
Ambulatory accessible stateroom, accessible features may include grab bars and/or fold-down shower seats | |
Will accommodate third and fourth person, fourth berth is a rollaway bed |
- Ship Name: Royal Princess
- Year Built: 2012
- Year Refurbished: 2018
- Year Entered Present Fleet: 2013
- Maximum Capacity: 3,560
- Number of Passenger Decks: 19
- Number of Crew: 1,346
- Officers' Nationality: British/Italian
- Ocean-View with Balcony: 1,088
- Total Inside Staterooms: 342
- Tonnage (GRT): 141,000
- Capacity Based on Double Occupancy: 3,560
- Country of Registry: Bermuda
- Total Staterooms: 1,780
- Suites with Balcony: 314
- Crew/Hotel Staff Nationality: International
Costco Member Reviews
Available Dates & Prices
Terms & Conditions
*Price shown is per person based on double occupancy and is valid for select stateroom categories only. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for details.
†One Digital Costco Shop Card per room/stateroom, per stay. The exact amount of the Digital Costco Shop Card will be calculated during the booking process. The Digital Costco Shop Card promotion is nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. A Digital Costco Shop Card will arrive by email approximately 10 days after the start of your cruise. Click on the Terms & Conditions link below for additional information.
Ship's registry: © Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Ships of Bermudan and British registry
Digital Costco Shop Card
This booking includes a Digital Costco Shop Card which will arrive by email one to two weeks after you return from your vacation. The Digital Costco Shop Card is a convenient payment option in our warehouses and on Costco.ca.