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New Zealand Explorer Singles Cruise
October 27 - November 8, 2019 from Sydney

Delight in the endless scenic splendors and jaw-dropping natural wonders on our New Zealand singles cruise vacation.  You will enjoy epic landscapes, colorful cultures and laid-back charm all in the company of new friends. Immerse yourself in M?ori culture, see glowworms twinkle in underground caves and Do You Dare to Hold a Tasmanian Devil?
Start Your Vaction on our Australia Cruise and Stay Onboard the Same Ship!

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All Shore Excursions Included

Book By Australia & New Zealand Cruises
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New Zealand Singles Cruise Daily Itinerary

Sydney HarbourCruise Day 1: Sydney, Australia  (Sunday: October 27 / 5:00pm)
Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers just about anything—from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium’s underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower.
Board the Celebrity Solstice - 12:00pm - 3:00pm

 

Cruise Day 2: A Day at Sea  (Monday: October 28)
Relax on our first few days at sea as we have lots of fun shore excursions planned. Enjoy all the amenities of the Celebrity Solstice plus the onboard singles activities.

 

Cruise Day 3: Hobart, Tasmania  (Tuesday: October 29 / Docked 8:00am - 6:00pm)
Tasmanian DevilHobart, capital of Australia's island state of Tasmania, sits on the River Derwent. At its fashionable Salamanca Place, old sandstone warehouses host galleries and cafes. Nearby is Battery Point, a historic district with narrow lanes and colonial-era cottages. The city's backdrop is 4166 feet high Mount Wellington, with sweeping views, plus hiking and cycling trails.
Included Shore Excursion: Wildlife and Hobart City Sights Tour - Today is a full day tour that starts wit a drive all the way to the 4,000 ft summit of Mt Wellington, overlooking the city of Hobart, where the view (and the wind!) will take our breathes away. 
A visit to Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary is a chance to come closer than ever to something wild and fragile. We will come face to face with animals that went extinct long ago in other parts of Australia. We will have a chance to visit the native animals up close, with the chance to pet and feed kangaroos. See wombats, Tasmanian Devils, koalas, echidnas, emus and other native birds.
Richmond VillageFree time to explore the Richmond Historic Village, a superb example of convict heritage buildings, relaxed shopping and delicious examples of Tasmanian food. See the oldest bridge in Australia and take an optional tour of the Richmond gaol for a fascinating look at convict life in Tasmania.
We will stop at Rosny Lookout for stunning views of the city of Hobart with Mt Wellington in the backdrop. Also enjoy a close up view and story of the Tasman Bridge disaster before we travel back to Hobart. View the historic waterfront, the old homes and heritage cottages of Battery Point and the oldest brewery in Australia. Experience panoramic views of this beautiful city before returning to our ship or to Salamanca, a 10 minute walk from the cruise ship wharf.

Cruise Day 4: A Day at Sea  (Wednesday: October 30)
Enjoy all the amenities of the Celebrity Solstice plus the onboard singles activities.

Cruise Day 5: A Day at Sea - Halloween  (Thursday: October 31)
Enjoy all the amenities of the Celebrity Solstice plus the onboard singles activities. Bring your favorite costume and let's show the Kiwis how we celebrate Halloween.

 

Cruise Day 6: Milford Sound, New Zealand (Friday: November 1 )
Milford Sound New ZealandMilford Sound is a fjord in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s known for towering Mitre Peak, plus rain-forests and waterfalls like Stirling and Bowen falls, which plummet down its sheer sides. The fjord is home to fur seal colonies, penguins and dolphins. Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory offers views of rare black coral and other marine life. Boat tours are a popular way to explore.
Doubtful Sound / Patea - is a very large and naturally imposing fjord in Fiordland, in the far south west of New Zealand. It is located in the same region as the smaller but more famous and accessible Milford Sound.
Dusky Sound - is a fjord on the southwest corner of New Zealand, in Fiordland National Park.

 

Cruise Day 7: Dunedin, New Zealand  (Saturday: November 2 / Docked 9:00am - 7:00pm)
Dunedin New ZealandDunedin is a city in New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbor on the South Island’s southeast coast. It's known for its Scottish and Maori heritage, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and a large student population. Hiking and cycling trails crisscross the dramatic landscape of the adjoining Otago Peninsula, home to colonies of albatross, sea lions and rare yellow-eyed penguins.
Included Shore Excursion: Royal Peninsula Tour - Our tour begins with a scenic drive into the city and Baldwin Street, the “steepest street in the world,” past the University of Otago - New Zealand’s oldest and the Historic Dunedin Railway Station. Our journey continues out onto the Otago Peninsula, where the southern waves pound the coastline and rare wildlife comes ashore. 
Visit Larnach Castle gardens, with its unique collection of specialized gardens and amazing views of Otago Harbor. Then we follow the winding gravel roads towards Portobello, visiting the Tidal Inlets to hear about the fascinating ecosystem and the waders and waterfowl that rely on it. 
Yellow eyed penguinsContinuing on, we’ll spend the afternoon viewing the unique and treasured penguins and other native wildlife. We take an adventurous drive through a series of tunnels to get unrivaled viewing of the ‘critically endangered’ Yellow-Eyed Penguin. We’ll also see Little Blue penguins, New Zealand sea lions and fur seals who come ashore regularly. 
Our final stop is at Taiaroa Head, where the Northern Royal Albatross can often be seen gliding around. Our guide will tell us the story of a truly amazing bird that spends most of his life at sea, and chooses the tip of the Otago Peninsula to breed. 

 

Cruise Day Day 8: Akaroa, New Zealand (Sunday: November 3 / Tendered to 8:00am - 6:00pm)
Akaroa LighthouseAkaroa is a town on the Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand. Akaroa Beach is on the eastern shore of Akaroa Harbor, where rare Hector’s dolphins swim. The Akaroa Museum includes 3 heritage buildings and chronicles the town’s development, especially its 19th-century British and French colonial history. The Giant’s House has terraced gardens and features colorful sculptures and mosaics.
Included Shore Excursion: Christchurch Highlights - Our day starts in Akaroa, the crater of a long extinct volcano and will drive the 1500 feet over the crater rim to the city of Christchurch. With stunning views into the many bays from the summit road, we descend to sea level, passing farmland and lakes as we leave the Banks Peninsula crossing the plain to Christchurch City.
ChristchurchWe'll drive past many of the areas damaged in the earthquake and see the huge reconstruction process. Access to some areas are still restricted but we'll see as many iconic landmarks as possible before stopping for lunch (not included) at a riverside cafe.
Following lunch, experience the changing face of Christchurch’s city center on our unique and fully-commentated 50 minute tram tour that passes the central city sights, including Re:START Mall, Cathedral Square, Canterbury Museum, Victoria Square and New Regent Street. Learn about the past, present and future plans for the city from our friendly and knowledgeable tram driver.
We should have time to stop at Barry's Bay Cheese Factory for a tasting before arriving back in Akaroa.

 

Cruise Day 9: Picton, New Zealand  (Monday: November 4 / Docked 8:00am - 7600pm)
PictonPicton is a town on the north coast of the South Island, in New Zealand. It’s known as a gateway to the islands and inlets of the Marlborough Sounds. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is a 19th-century former convict and cargo ship. EcoWorld Aquarium shelters and rehabilitates native animals such as tuatara reptiles and blue penguins. Nearby, the Queen Charlotte Track traverses coastal forest, skyline ridges and bays.
Included Shore Excursion: Dolphin View or Swim Tour - Cruise in the sheltered calm waters of the scenic Marlborough Sounds, searching for the Dusky, Bottlenose, Common, Orca and the rare Hector's dolphins that frequent this amazing area. Whether it's watching a group quietly cruising along or marvelling at their high leaps, back-flips and somersaults during Picton dolphinssocial bouts, dolphins are a magnificent sight! During our cruise, we're also likely to see New Zealand Fur Seals and a variety of seabirds: like Gannets, Shearwaters and Penguins.
Once spotted, we’ll cruise with the dolphins and any swimmers will get ready if conditions allow. If conditions are good, then swimmers* will be placed in the water where they will experience a true adventure - an experience you'll never forget. 
Once the swimmers come out the water our guides will be waiting with drinks and cookies which we can enjoy while we cruise back to Picton.
(*Please note to swim with the Dolphins is $35 extra)


Cruise Day 10: A Day at Sea  (Tuesday, November 5)
Enjoy all the amenities of the Celebrity Solstice plus our special Jewelry making session just for our singles group.

 

Cruise Day 11: Tauranga, New Zealand  (Wednesday: November 6 / Docked 8:00am - 6:00pm)
Pohutu GeyserTauranga is a harbourside city in the Bay of Plenty region on New Zealand's North Island. It hosts historic buildings like the Elms Mission Station, an 1847 Georgian-style home. A bridge over the harbor connects Tauranga to Mount Maunganui, a beach town with hot saltwater pools and an extinct namesake volcano with winding walking paths. Offshore is the active volcano White Island, accessible by helicopter or boat.
Included Shore Excursion: Rotorua, Te Puia and Hells Gate - We take the inland route to Rotorua, an old drovers road through deep gorges, native and plantation forests and farmland. Upon arrival, we will see the main sights of this very interesting city: Government Gardens, the Bath House, Blue Baths and the Rotorua lakefront before heading to Te Puia, the home of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the famous Pohutu Geyser.
maori performanceVisit the carving school and see traditional wood carvings and Maori women demonstrate flax weaving. We'll take a short walk through the geothermal valley of Whakarewarewa to view the mud pools, the famous Pohutu Geyser and hot pools that make Te Puia such a unique destination. There's a chance to see New Zealand's iconic flightless bird, the Kiwi in a purpose built Kiwi-house. Then enjoy a Maori Cultural hells gate mudPerformance on the Marae with traditional songs, dances and demonstrations of fighting skills, including the famous Haka.
Free time for lunch before we continue to Hells Gate and our mud bath. See steaming fumaroles and pools of boiling mud and the largest hot waterfall in the southern hemisphere as we stroll through this geothermal landscape. Time to immerse ourselves in the unique geothermal muds and sulfur waters of the historic Hells Gate. Then take a cool plunge in a spring fed waterfall to refresh and cool off. Departing Hells Gate our drive back to the ship along the coastal route takes us past the extensive Kiwi fruit orchards.

 

Cruise Day 12: Bay Of Islands, New Zealand  (Thursday: November 7 / Tender to 8:00am - 7:00pm)
Bay of IslandsThe Bay of Islands is a New Zealand enclave encompassing more than 140 subtropical islands next to the country's North Island. It’s known for its undeveloped beaches, big-game fishing and Maori cultural artifacts. It's also home to the 19th-century whaling port of Russell, whose waterfront promenade is lined with remnants from its days as the country’s first colonial capital.
Included Shore Excursion: Bay of Islands Highlights and Glowworm Caves - Departing from Waitangi Wharf, our first destination is the Kawiti Glow worm Caves, home to thousands of luminous glow worms, breath taking rock formations and lush green rainforest. As we enjoy the galaxies of glow worms above, our guide will explain the life cycle and the intricate webs used to catch their prey. We’ll even get close enough to see the actual body of the glow worm and its stunning blue/green tail light.
glow worm caveThen, a short drive to Kawakawa, location of the world famous "Hundertwasser Toilets" where modern art meets modern convenience in possibly the world's most architecturally important public bathroom.
Next to the historic "Te Waimate Mission House", built in 1832, is the only survivor of three missions founded in 1830 by the Church Missionary Society and is a simple Georgian building, the Mission Society's first farm, and forerunner of modern agriculture in New Zealand.
After a short introduction, we are free to explore the Mission House, Church and Churchyard, then wander the extensive grounds with magnificent trees. It's free time for lunch before we take a short drive to the Makana Chocolate factory to sample their hand made chocolates and visit the adjacent wood crafts shop and exhibit.
Hundertwasser toiletThen we stop at Kerikeri Inlet, where the river meets the sea and the original Mission Station which was established in 1819. The Stone Store was originally used as a Missionary Society warehouse and the adjacent "Kemp House", New Zealand's oldest building completed by missionary carpenters and Maori sawyers. Kemp House was a family home of simple, Georgian design and has changed little over time.
Our last stop is at the Haruru Falls, a breathtaking waterfall, its name meaning "Big Noise".

 

Cruise Day 13: Auckland, New Zealand (Friday: November 8 / Arrival 6:30am)
Auckland, based around 2 large harbors, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. In the center, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbor, which is full of super yachts and lined with bars and cafes. Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, is based around an extinct volcano and home to the formal Wintergardens. Near Downtown, Mission Bay Beach has a seaside promenade.

Celebrity Solstice Cruise Map
CEL SL Solstice 992x744 New Zealand cruise map2

Singles Cruise Pricing

Inside Cabin - Interior staterooms are an excellent value. These spacious staterooms have no window which is great if you like to sleep late!

Ocean View - The large picture window will delight you and provides an excellent view of the ocean and all destinations!
                            * Some oceanview cabins have obstructed views

Private Balcony - Enjoy the scenic views from your own private balcony. Most balcony staterooms also have a separate sitting area.

I will share a cabin with a friend or use the Singles Cruise Match Program
Cabin TypeDepositFull Payment

Inside

$600 $2958.68

Oceanview

$600 $3408.68

Balcony

$600 $3868.68
Best Single Travel provides roommate matching to our clients who confirm their reservations at least 70 days before departure.
Amounts are per-person in US Dollars and Include Taxes and Port Charges
 
I want my own cabin
Cabin TypeDepositFull Payment

Inside

$1000 $4507.68

Oceanview

$1000 $5407.68

Balcony

$1000 $6327.68
Amounts are per-person in US Dollars and Include Taxes and Port Charges 

Pre-Night Sydney Package
1-Night Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour with Breakfast - Airport & Cruise Transfer
Sydney City Tour and Sydney Opera House Tour
October 26 - 27, 2019
$ Share / $ Single Room (Prices coming soon)
novotel sydney darling harbour 
Before boarding the cruise you will be met by our local guide for a Sydney city sights tour. See Kings Cross, the Harbour Bridge, Chinatown, the Rocks, Circular Quay, Botanic Gardens and The Sydney Opera House. Discover the stories, history and magic of the Sydney Opera House with an incredible behind the scenes guided tour taking us underneath the world famous sails. Then it is time to transfer to the cruise terminal for check in.

(roommate matching not guaranteed on pre-nights)

 
Get Your Deposit Down & Lock in Your Rate - Full Payment is Due  24, 2019


New Zealand Singles Cruise

** All Shore Excursions Included **

Full payment is due 90 days prior to sailing.  (So if paying within 90 days please pay full amount).
If you would like a shared cabin and are booking 90 days prior to sailing we guarantee you a roommate match. If you are booking within 90 days of sailing we will confirm a roommate within 24 hours.

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* Click Here for Frequently Asked Singles Cruise and Cancellation Policies *