17-Day Australia & New Zealand Cruise
on Norwegian Spirit, with 2-Nights Pre-Cruise in Sydney
Tuesday, February 28 - Friday, March 17, 2023
Cruise Features Included:
-
Bus transportation - from Salisbury to and from our nearby international airport (likely Washington-Dulles but perhaps Philadelphia or Newark depending upon our group flight arrangements).
-
International Flights - to Sydney, Australia and returning from Auckland, New Zealand (exact airline and itinerary to be determined in May 2022). The estimated cost of air fare is included in your Total Package Price.
-
2-Nights Deluxe Hotel in Downtown Sydney - staying at the 5-star Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel and including full Australian Breakfast each morning.
-
Transfers to and from the hotel and ship - from the airport to the hotel and then to the ship in Sydney before our cruise and from the ship to the airport in Auckland after our cruise.
-
12-Night Cruise on Norwegian Spirit including meals, entertainment and activities onboard the ship. The Norwegian Spirit was completely refurbished in 2020 and has a maximum guest capacity of only 2,018 passengers.
-
Bonus Amenities During Our Cruise including a Free Premium Beverage Package ($1,425 value) and a Free 4-Meal Specialty Dining Package ($136 value) for each guest. In addition, each cabin receives $100 onboard credit, while balcony cabins also receive a $50 Excursion Credit and 250 minute Internet Package ($105 value).
-
Access to Exclusive Customized Tours with Salisbury Cruise Club - We plan to organize at least one custom tour in each port-of-call which will be offered at cost to our group. Additional tours will be available to book with NCL.
-
Tour Hosts (Kelly and Tracy Shannahan, Sal and Colleen Chavez) with you from start to finish.
-
Several free gifts and mementos of your cruise from the Salisbury Cruise Club.
​
Travel Itinerary:
Tuesday-Thursday, February 28 - March 2, 2023 - Travel Days
-
Bus departs from Salisbury to Airport - (Exact Time TBA)
-
Flight to Sydney - roughly 21-hours with stops - (Exact Times and Flight Itinerary TBA)
​
Thursday-Saturday, March 2-4 - Explore Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s harbor is the hub from which there’s much to see and do. You’ll want to explore this area, home of the iconic Opera House. Admire the skyline, swim at a harbor beach or cross the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Want to see surfing? Grab your sunblock and towel and spend the day on world-famous Bondi Beach, or take a scenic walk on the coast from Bondi to Coogee Beach. The Rocks district is a shopper’s mecca offering a wide variety of goods, from woodcrafts and unique art to outback fashions. (Average temperature - 77/63)
​
Saturday, March 4 - Norwegian Spirit sails from Sydney, Australia - 6:00 pm
​
Sunday, March 5 - Eden, Australia - (tender port) - 7:00 am - 3:00 pm - (8 hours)
The town’s name reflects what you will indeed find in Eden – a beautiful natural wonderland. Situated on the rugged coastline of Australia’s New South Wales, Eden is nestled among national parks, wilderness areas and enticing beaches. It’s considered one of Australia’s best locations for oyster farming, so bring your appetite. Eden and its surrounding landscapes offer an abundance of outdoor activities on the water and by land. (Average temperature - 74/56)
Monday, March 6 - Burnie (Tasmania), Australia - 10:00 am - 6:00 pm - (8 hours)
A community of artisans on the northwest coast of Tasmania, Burnie has long a history as a community that makes things, with locally crafted European-style cheeses, fine papers, ceramics and single-malt whisky. Surrounded by accessible wilderness areas, in Burnie you can still get a glimpse of little penguins and the platypus, a duck-billed mammal, in the wild. The vibrant shopping district spills onto the beach where you can sit down at a café and watch the world slow down for a little while. (Average temperature - 67/53)
​
Tuesday, March 7 - Melbourne, Australia - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - (9 hours)
Once the richest city in the world thanks to a gold rush, Melbourne is Australia’s cultural capital with striking architecture, chic galleries and boutiques. Wave at a wallaby or get close to a koala at a wildlife park. Feel closer to the land on a ride on the Puffing Billy steam locomotive through the mountains and countryside. Back in the city, explore a different culture and visit Chinatown – the oldest one in the West. (Average temperature - 75/55)
​
Wednesday - Thursday, March 8-9 - Two Relaxing Days at Sea
​
Friday, March 10 - Scenic Cruising in New Zealand - (Average temperature - 64/48)
-
Doubtful Sound - Although technically not a sound (it’s a fjord), Doubtful Sound is the second longest in New Zealand—and the country’s second most famous tourist attraction. It does, however, capture the top spot for being the deepest, at over 1,300 feet. Doubtful Sound sits at the far southwest corner of the country and winds its way for 24 miles, past small islets and lush mountains covered in dense, native rainforest. With a staggering amount of precipitation, up to 240 inches, it’s no wonder that it’s so verdant, and also why most days are wet and misty with low-lying clouds. But where there is rain, there are rainbows, which makes for spectacular scenes, especially at the many waterfalls, some of which fall over 2,000 feet. Doubtful Sound is also home to fur seals, crested penguins, bottlenose dolphin and whales. Black coral even grows here at relatively shallow depths (35 feet) thanks to the sunlight’s inability to penetrate the top layer of freshwater, stained heavy with tannins from the forests.
-
Dusky Sound - At 25 miles in length, and five miles wide at its broadest, Dusky Sound is the largest and most spectacular fjord in Fjordland National Park. Captain Cook named Dusky Sound in 1770, as he sailed past its entrance at twilight. Three years later, he returned and stayed 47 days as his crew repaired and replenished his ship, Resolution, after sailing 11,000 nautical miles from Cape Town. You can still see evidence of his landfall at Astronomer’s Point, an overlook where the crew removed trees, so the ship’s astronomer could get a reading on the stars. Dusky Sound is only accessible by boat or plane making its remoteness a haven for birds and a breeding site for Fjordland crested penguins. These endangered creatures are easy to spot with their bright yellow eyebrows. Other wildlife to look for include sunbathing seals on Seal Rock and southern right whales at Preservation Inlet. Upon entering Dusky Sound, it’s customary to make a resolution as you sail past Resolution Island, named after Cook’s ship.
-
Milford Sound - Carved by ancient glaciers, Milford Sound, which is really a fjord, is the crown jewel of Fiordland National Park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is only nine miles long from its head to the open sea, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in grandeur. Its vertical cliffs covered in verdant rainforests provide a breathtaking backdrop to thundering waterfalls, misty rainbows and the tannin-stained waters of the fjord. Below the surface is the largest population of black coral in the world. Milford Sound receives an amazing 22 feet of precipitation annually, yet there are only two permanent waterfalls, Lady Bowen and Sterling Falls. Depending on the weather, waterfalls can appear around every corner, cascading down the mountain in spectacular fashion. Rising upwards of 5,555 feet, the iconic landmark of Milford Sound is Mitre Peak, named for its resemblance to a bishop’s hat, known as a mitre. Five individual peaks create its distinctive shape.
​
Saturday, March 11 - Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand - 9:00am - 7:00pm - (10 hours)
This dramatic South Island coastal town offers a mix of unique natural beauty and fascinating history. Rare, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals and the Royal Albatross all call Dunedin home. Equally impressive is the Victorian and Edwardian architecture that dates from its days as a gold rush town. New Zealand’s only castle sits high above the city and offers sweeping views from its famous gardens. Shop for a locally made souvenir, with crafts, artwork, wool and leather items being popular. (Average temperature - 63/48)
​
Sunday, March 12 - Lyttleton, New Zealand - 8:00 am - 6:00 pm - (10 hours)
Just 20 minutes from the center of Christchurch city, Lyttelton is a charming port town with a long history. Back in 1850, the first European settlers landed in Christchurch before heading over the Port Hills to establish their new home. Today, Lyttelton is accessed by an impressive road tunnel. It's a vibrant town, home to a small community of 3,000 residents, filled with bohemian artists, cafés, restaurants and unique shops to discover. (Average temperature - 68/50)
​
Monday, March 13 - Wellington, New Zealand - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm - (9 hours)
Travel to a Victorian past as you stroll by the city’s Victorian Gothic buildings. Take the cable car up the mountain for a fantastic view, or grab some sunscreen and head to the beach. Great views abound in Wellington: Journey around the spectacular harbor and enjoy its amazing views. See some of the sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Shopping opportunities are plentiful, with arts and crafts, jewelry, fine woolens and leather goods on offer. (Average temperature - 55-66)
Tuesday, March 14 - Napier, New Zealand - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm - (9 hours)
Napier calls itself the Art Deco capital of the world, but it’s also a leading wine-travel destination. Leveled by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt in Art Deco style. Along with Miami Beach, Napier is one of the best examples of this style, with many of its structures well preserved. Take a walk down Marine Parade, a tree-lined ocean boulevard with fountains and gardens, or go out to the country to enjoy the lovely vistas, tour superb area vineyards and relax with a glass of wine. (Average temperature - 73/55)
Wednesday, March 15 - Tauranga, New Zealand - 10:00 am - 8:00 pm - (10 hours)
Go walk-about and explore Tauranga, set on the beautiful Bay of Plenty. And indeed there are plenty of things to do. Head to the beach or discover Tauranga’s lovely parks and rich history. Visit a village buried by a volcanic eruption and captured in a moment of time – a fascinating yet moving experience. Take a selfie at Hell’s Gate, an aptly named geothermal park with boiling pools, fantastic geysers and mud baths, the largest of which is Poutamu, “the stairway to heaven.” (Average temperature - 72/56)
Thursday, March 16 - Auckland, New Zealand
-
Norwegian Spirit arrives Auckland at 6:00 am
-
Transfer to the airport perhaps with time for a quick tour before our flight home
Surrounded by tranquil golden beaches, lush forests and dramatic coastal trails, Auckland is a nature lover’s paradise. The 48 volcanic cones that dot the surrounding area provide stunning panoramic views of the city and harbor. New Zealand’s largest city is also a shopper’s paradise offering everything from top designers to local open-air markets. Learn about the indigenous Maori and take home some native art pieces or jewelry. The fine, locally produced woolens also make excellent gifts. (Average temperature - 73/59)
​
Norwegian Spirit Features:
-
Refurbished in 2020 - (Built in 1998)
-
880 foot length, 121 foot beam/width
-
2,018 passengers with 912 crew
-
12 Dining options - (7 complimentary and 5 specialty restaurants)
-
11 Bars and Lounges
-
Action-packed activities - Pool, 4 Hot Tubs, Spa, Fitness Center, Jogging Track, Golf Driving Net, Basketball Court, Theater and Casino
-
And Much More
Group Booking Bonus
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) is currently offering the following Group Booking Bonus on this itinerary if registered by May 31, 2021 and while cabins in our group allotment are still available:
-
Free Premium Beverage Package (free alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise) for the 1st and 2nd passenger in each cabin
-
4-Free Meals in the Specialty Restaurants on the ship for the 1st and 2nd passenger in each cabin
-
$50 Shore Excursion credit per balcony cabin
-
250 minute Internet Package per balcony cabin
-
$100 Onboard Credit per cabin to use however you wish
Limited Availability
Please note that we currently have 30 cabins (for 60 passengers) on this cruise. If you are interested in joining us, please register as soon as possible while cabins are still available and no later than May 31, 2021 to qualify for the Group Booking Bonus.
​
Cost and Payment Schedule:
Total Cruise Package Prices - includes Transportation and More
-
Inside Cabin - (149 square feet - no window) - $5,100 per person.
-
Ocean View Cabin - (157 square feet - with picture window) - $5,400 per person
-
Balcony Cabin - (171 square feet - plus 40 square foot balcony) - $5,900 per person
Total cruise package price is based on double occupancy (2 people in the cabin). Please email for single occupancy prices.
​
Payment Schedule
-
$1,000 per person Deposit (plus Travel Protection Premium) Due Upon Registration
-
Half of Remaining Balance - Due on June 15, 2022
-
Final Balance - Due on October 15, 2022
​
Group Travel Protection Plan (Optional) - We’re offering a Group Travel Protection Plan for which the premium is based upon your Total Trip Cost. The cost is $424 per person for Inside or Ocean View cabin passengers, or $466 per person for Balcony cabin passengers. You can also add "Cancel For Any Reason" coverage which pays 75% of your non-refundable trip costs if you decide to cancel for any reason at least 48-hours before the trip. The cost with Cancel For Any Reason coverage is $636 per person for Inside or Ocean View cabin passengers, or $699 per person for Balcony cabin passengers. This recommended Group Travel Protection Plan will protect your trip in case of cancellation, interruption, trip delay, missed connection, baggage loss or delay, accident/ sickness medical protection, and emergency evacuation. See separate handout for details. To protect against unforeseen problems, we strongly recommend that you purchase the Travel Protection Plan. If interested, please purchase the Plan at time of registration so you will automatically qualify for Pre-Existing Conditions coverage. If you decline the Plan, please sign to confirm that you waive the protection and understand that you are assuming all potential costs and losses which may occur before or during the trip.
Download the Group Travel Protection Plan summary here.
​
Download the Power Point presentation.
View the Group Excursions to be presented at our meeting on December 1, 2022.
View the Group Excursions Power Point presented at our meeting on December 1, 2022.
Please Email Us for More Information about this cruise
or
Download the Registration Form.
​