Australian Outback Cruise Tour


Nov 22 - Dec 10, 2020​​ (spend Thanksgiving Down Under)
18 Days | 6 day land tour | 12 day Cruise l Sydney-Auckland

​See & Experience the best of Australia and
New Zealand by Land and Sea

Once onboard the new "Majestic Princess" unpack only once
​G'day Mate!  From the Great Barrier Reef, to sunrise in Outback and the sheer beauty of New Zealand along with the vibrant cities of Sydney and Auckland this itinerary showcases the "Best Hits of Down Under".   Your extensive journey will provide unforgettable moments, memories and an authentic "Aussie & Kiwi" experience.  
See, Touch & Feel  
​The Best Hits of "Down Under"

-Travel is a gift with Forever Memories -​
  • Itinerary
  • FAQ's
  • Ship Information
  • Attention Group Leaders
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18-Night Australia Outback Cruise Tour
Detailed Itinerary Below:
18 Days | 6 Ports of Call | 6 Nights on Land
November 22 - December 10, 2020​
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6 - Night Australia Land Tour
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12- Night Sydney to Auckland Cruise
Day 1, Sun, Nov 22  Sydney, Australia Arrival Day
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Sydney
G'Day Mates and welcome to Australia!
Arrive in spectacular Sydney, Australia, and enjoy a seamless transfer by motor coach to your comfortable hotel accommodations where you'll spend the night gearing up for an exciting tour ahead. Overnight Hyatt Regency Sydney
 
​Day 2, Mon, Nov 23  Cairns, Australia


​Enjoy seamless travel as you board a plane to Cairns. Tour the rainforest village of Kuranda before a one-way Sky rail journey for aerial views of Baron Falls. Overnight Pullman Cairns. (B)
Day 3, Tue, Nov 24  Cairns, Australia
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Australia Great Barrier Reef
Today's activities are among the most exciting - unwind aboard a reef cruise to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world's most phenomenal UNESCO World Heritage Sites! Dive or snorkel among the colorful corals and unusual fish beneath the water's surface, and don't worry about breakfast or lunch - we'll make sure you get fed! Overnight Pullman Cairns. (B,L)
Day 4, Wed, Nov 25  Ayers Rock, Australia
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Ayers Rock - Australian Outback
Wave goodbye to Cairns as you soar into the clouds and fly to iconic Ayers Rock in the Outback. This evening you'll be introduced to the culture and 40,000-year history of Australia's Aboriginal people on an enlightening campfire tour. Walk along the base of Uluru and watch the colors on the rock shift at sunset. Overnight Desert Gardens Hotel. (B)
Day 5, Thu, Nov 26  Ayers Rock, Australia
Rise early and travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area to watch the first rays of the sun rise over the desert landscape. Be mesmerized by the changing colors of Uluru at first light and experience the wonder of the Australian Outback as the dawn emerges. Visit the cultural center in the National Park where you can learn more about the indigenous history and culture, and see traditional arts and crafts on display. After a tour of Kata Tjuta (The Olga's), the rest of the afternoon is at your leisure to do as you please. Perhaps enjoy a guided garden walk at the hotel, watch the Wakagetti Cultural Dancers perform in the town square or wander the Indigenous Art Markets. Overnight Desert Gardens Hotel. (B)
Day 6, Fri, Nov 27  Sydney, Australia
Fly back to Sydney for another stay in this fabulous city. Overnight Hyatt Regency Sydney. (B)
Day 7, Sat, Nov 28  Sydney, Australia
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Sydney, Australia
Wake up and satisfy your appetite with breakfast on us, then embark on a guided morning tour of Sydney. You'll take in the renowned architecture of the iconic Sydney Opera House and have a chance to photograph the impressive Sydney Harbour Bridge, known locally as "The Coat Hanger" for its arched hanger-like shape. Dig your toes into the soft sands at the most popular beach in New South Wales, Bondi Beach, and even tour The Rocks, a historic district with well-preserved colonial architecture, trendy restaurants, museums, shops and an abundance of Old World charm. Embark Majestic Princess and sail away for more incredible sights in Australia and New Zealand! 
Day 8, Sat, Nov 28  Sydney,  Australia Ship Boarding and Departs 4:00 PM
As your ship passes Harbour Heads, you are presented with the shimmering skyline of Sydney - hailed by many seafarers as "the most beautiful harbor in the world." Two prominent landmarks, Harbour Bridge and the sail-like curves of the Sydney Opera House, grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor. There is a wealth of adventure waiting in Sydney - from its cosmopolitan city center to miles of beautiful beaches and the Blue Mountains.
Australia's oldest and largest city was born in 1788 with the arrival of the "First Fleet" transporting 760 British convicts. Today, Sydney is the largest port in the South Pacific and is often voted the most popular destination in the South Pacific.
Day 9, Sun, Nov 29  At Sea


​Enjoy this day to rest and enjoy your ship, fine dining, shows, entertainment and spa.
Day 10, Mon, Nov 30  Hobart, Tasmania, Australia   07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
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Hobart, Tasmania
Tasmania's capital has much in common with Sydney. Founded but a few years later, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony - and its natural setting is just as impressive. Seen from its fine deep-water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. Much of the city's heritage is centered on the historic waterfront. North of the city stretches the vast parkland of the Queen's Domain. Many of Tasmania's other attractions are within easy reach of Hobart.
With more than 90 National Trust buildings, Hobart, founded in 1804, combines colonial character with a sophisticated metropolitan lifestyle.
Day 11, Tue, Dec 1  At Sea
Enjoy this day to rest and enjoy your ship, fine dining, shows, entertainment and spa.
Day 12, Wed, Dec 2  Melbourne, Victoria, Australia  04:00 AM  05:00 PM 
Victoria may be Australia's smallest continental state, but Melbourne, its capital, is big on everything. With a population of 4.25 million people living in 59 separately named communities within 715 square miles, Melbourne is a sprawling city offering culture, art, fashion and friendly, sports-minded Australians. It is also an easy city to explore. At the heart of the city is the Golden Mile, the city's governmental and commercial center, home to hotels, shops, restaurants and theaters.
Originally part of New South Wales, Victoria became a colony in its own right in 1851. The discovery of gold propelled Melbourne's growth to prominence and prosperity.
Travel Tip: Melbourne is pronounced "mell-burn."
Day 13, Thu, Dec 3  At Sea
Enjoy this day to rest and enjoy your ship, fine dining, shows, entertainment and spa.

Day 14, Fri, Dec 4  At Sea 
Enjoy this day to rest and enjoy your ship, fine dining, shows, entertainment and spa.

Day 15, Sat, Dec 5  Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruising)  08:00 AM  05:00 PM
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Fiordland National Park, NZ
New Zealand's largest national park was formed millennia ago by massive glacial flows that carved deep fiords into the coast of New Zealand's South Island. At the heart of Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound. Lined by cliffs that soar nearly a mile above its surface, Milford Sound cuts into the heart of the Southern Alps. Rainforest clings to the cliffs and graceful waterfalls plummet into the void. Mile-high Mitre Peak dominates the upper reaches of the sound.
The town of Te Anau in Fiordland National Park is also your gateway to the South Island's other natural wonders including Lake Wakatipu, the resort of Queenstown and Mt. Cook National Park.
Day 16, Sun, Dec 6  Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand  10:15 AM  08:00 PM 
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Dunedin, NZ
Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand's loveliest harbors, Dunedin is a Kiwi city with a Scottish heart. Hailed as the "Edinburgh of New Zealand," Dunedin is proud of its heritage. A statue of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns graces downtown, and the presence of New Zealand's only kilt maker and whisky distillery - as well as many bagpipe bands - keep Dunedin's ties to Scotland alive. The city also boasts a distinguished architectural and cultural history, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860s gold rush.
Port Chalmers, gateway to Dunedin, is located eight miles from the city center. Dunedin is a planned city: its streets and suburbs fan out from the city's octagon.
Travel tip: Dunedin is pronounced "Dunn-knee-din"
Day 17, Mon, Dec 7  Akaroa, New Zealand (Tender Required), (Wheelchair Access Limited)
 08:00 AM  06:00 PM ​
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Lord of the Rings Tour, NZ
​On the eastern shores of New Zealand's South Island, Akaroa is a popular tourist destination with a distinctly French flair, its history steeped in legend. It lies on the volcanic Banks Peninsula, which the Maori believe was formed when a hero named Maui piled mountains upon a giant who threatened to eat his children.
The same peninsula was purchased from the local Maori by a French whaler around 1838, and was later settled by both the French and the British, who had just signed the Treaty of Waitangi ensuring New Zealand's existence as a British colony.
With French-named streets leading to restaurants serving French cuisine and colonial architecture all around, Akaroa's heritage as the only French-founded community in New Zealand is unmistakable. Akaroa harbour is home to a diverse array of marine life, including rare Hector's dolphins, and visitors are lured by the area's secluded beaches and quaint boutiques.
Day 18, Tue, Dec 8  At Sea
Last day at sea so enjoy duty free shopping. ​
Day 19, Wed, Dec 9  Tauranga, New Zealand  04:30 AM  03:45 PM
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Maori Tribal Dance
New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand's primary tourist attraction.
Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.
Day 20, Thu, Dec 10  Auckland, New Zealand  Disembark Ship  06:00 AM
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Auckland, NZ
Wow...what a fantastic Journey!  We wish you a smooth and relaxing flight back home and many happy memories of your journey.  If you wish to stay and explore Auckland for a day or two after your cruise just let us know and we would be happy to set up your hotel, tours and transfers. 
Please Note:
Disembarkation usually begins 2 hours after docking.
Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.  You will need to fly out two days before from USA to arrive on the first day of the tour due to the time change.  When flying back home to the USA you can arrive the same day if leave in the morning.  
Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.
Check sailing prior to boarding for exact departure and arrival times.
 All times are local to the port.
What's Included in the price?
  • Professional Event Management Services
  • 6 Night Australia Land Accommodations with tour director
  • 12 Night Cruise from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, NZ
  • Ground Transfers and Tours on Land Program
  • Exciting Ports of Call
  • Shipboard Entertainment & Daily Activities
  • Onboard Children and Teen Programs
  • Convenience of Princess Medallion Class
  • Taxes & Port charges of $240 per person
  • Onboard Gratuities of $174 per person
  • Access to Facebook Group Event to network with other cruisers
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  • ​Extra benefits included you'll enjoy:
  • Unpacking just once after boarding ship
  • Celebrating Thanksgiving onboard
  • Network and Make New Friends and Connections
  • ​Families and Groups that play together stay together
What's not included in the price?
  • Travel Insurance (highly recommended)
  • Bottled Water, Specialty Coffees, Soft Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages (onboard packages are available)
  • Meals not listed on ground program
  • Shore Excursions
  • Wi-Fi onboard
  • Onboard spa services (onboard fitness facility is free)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Airfare (we can help arrange these if you like)
  • Pre/post hotels and tours​
Are there special prices for children or infants?
Per the Cruise Line’s rules; The first two guests sharing a cabin regardless of age are charged at the noted per person rate.  Additional guests (regardless of age) sharing the same cabin are charged at a discounted rate.  Most cabins have a maximum occupancy of 4 guests, but some suites can accommodate up to 6 guests.  All cabins must have a guest 21 or over registered in the cabin. If you have more than 4 guests in your party, we suggest booking adjoining cabins or cabins across from each other (i.e. balcony cabin for parents and inside cabin across the hallway for children).  On some balcony cabins the doors on the balconies can be opened creating a long balcony for a family or travel party to enjoy easy access to everyone’s cabins.  Highly recommend booking early for best selection of cabins that fit your family or travel party. 
 
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why should I book early?
  • Better Cabin Selection - Yes, for best selection of cabins, locations and pricing.  Unlike a hotel vacation when guests are checking in and out for multiple stays and dates, on a cruise vacation everyone checks in and out on the same dates.  This allows us to reserve a specific cabin for you and your guests according to your preference(s).  Suites, specialty and family cabins, mid-ship cabin locations, adjoining balcony cabins and inside cabins across from balcony cabins are always in high demand and get booked quickly.  Also, these are big ships so when traveling with friends and family it is always more fun to have your “tribe” close together in the same hallway and location so booking early makes it easier for us to secure cabins close together
  • Better Pricing – We have a limited number of cabins at our current group pricing.  Once our allotment is sold cabin prices will be at the prevailing prices and these prices always increase as it gets closer to departure date as most ships sail at 100% occupancy. We check pricing frequently so if prices do decrease after booking we can usually reprice your cabin to match the new promotion or discounted pricing and pass on these savings. ​
is a balcony stateroom worth it?
Yes, definitely!  The sights, shorelines of the Australia and New Zealand are inspiring and what better way to enjoy them than from the privacy of your own private balcony stateroom.
Private balconies are also a great way to escape the crowds. It is your own front row reserved seat to enjoy the same view from your own deck chair while having a cup of coffee or glass of wine- but without the crowds on the main decks.  Balcony cabins are bigger as well since the balcony adds an additional dedicated seating area and the balcony sliding doors provide a floor to ceiling view of some of the best scenery in the world. The fresh sea air along with the soothing sounds of the ocean make for restful sleep.  If you're already spending the money and taking time to cruise, then treat yourself to a balcony...you will not be disappointed and will be glad you did. We have been in the travel business for a long time and have never heard of anyone that purchased a balcony cabin later say they wish they had bought an inside cabin.   So, the answer is "YES." 
FYI, due to the popularity and demand of balcony cabins, all newer cruise ships are built with close to 75% or higher of cabins and suites with balconies.  
can I cruise with an infant or if I am pregnant?
Cruise lines will not allow infants under 6 months of age at time of sailing to board as well as women that are pregnant and have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check-in to ensure they are aware of our pregnancy policy.
what type of children's programs are onboard?
Cruise line has an extensive and variety of infant, chidren and teens programs onsite and we encourage you to check out their website for current information and programs.  Most of these are complimentary and included in your cruise fare. 
what if I get seasick?
Seasickness may hit one person hard, while others don’t feel a thing. So, what’s the deal?
Experts say there no way to prevent motion sickness 100 percent. However, the chances are far less now with sizes and new technology of modern cruise ships along with medications and proper precautions.  
Motion sickness occurs when what you see conflicts with what your inner ear senses. In other words, if you’re sitting in a car (not moving) but your inner ear detects movement (the car just hit 70 mph on the highway), the two signals being sent to your brain don’t match. Those mixed signals confuse the brain, and the resulting sensations and symptoms (dizziness, nausea) are the result.
Modern ocean cruising is all about having fun while visiting many exciting ports smoothly, safely and in good health.  To this end there has never been a better time than now to enjoy cruising while minimizing any discomfort or sea sickness.
Information, Tips and advice are below to help you get your sea legs while onboard:
  1. Cruise Ship Stabilizers - Built off a ship’s port and starboard sides along the water line, they reduce side-to-side motion or pitch and roll for a smoother ride, which helps cut down on feelings of seasickness. Stabilizers make a large ocean cruise ship much more stable than any small pleasure or fishing boat you may have been on before.
  2. Smooth Seas - With good weather forecasting and itinerary planning it is rare for a ship to encounter severe storms and very rough seas for an extended period as the Captain can simply steer clear. Additionally, unless you’re on a trans-ocean cruise most cruise itineraries seldom have multiple sea days in a row so even if you experience some sea sickness you will feel much better once in port and on land the next day. 
  3. Medications – Consult your doctor or pharmacist before boarding as medications like Dramamine and Meclizine (we suggest the non-drowsy versions if available) are very effective for motion sickness when taken as directed (some medications require being taken 1 or 2 days before cruising). Other helpful options like Scopolamine patches placed behind the ear and acupressure wristbands, which stimulate a pressure point that can relieve nausea.  We suggest buying any medications, patches or bands before cruising as they can sell out on the ship quickly or in port.
  4. Cabin Location – Lower level cabins located Mid-Ship or towards the Aft (rear) tend to have less motion than higher level cabins and being towards the stern (front of the ship).  Balcony cabins with open access to fresh sea air and floor to ceiling sliding door windows are also recommended. 
  5. Avoid Key Triggers - There are several factors that can contribute to the not-so-great feeling of being off balance. It is a good idea to avoid fatty foods or those high in salt and sugar, avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to sailing, and poor ventilation as strong smells can overwhelm the senses. Also, it is best to avoid reading. If you must, read small passages at one time and take frequent breaks to look up and find the horizon.
  6. Stay Cool - You do want to stay cool and eat small, plain meals throughout the day. Green apples, saltines and ginger (in the form of a pill, powder, tea) are all-natural stomach soothers.
  7. Avoid being inside - To acclimate to shipboard life and get those sea legs working, it is best to spend as much time as possible outside walking on deck or on your balcony. Use the horizon as a point to maintain your equilibrium. Your senses will be happy – visual input will agree with inner ear.
  8. Physicians onboard – If do feel or get sick your cruise ship has a fully staffed medical facility with Physicians and nurses onboard to help take care of you.  Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship's doctor. 
what travel documentation do I need?
Proper travel documentation is required at embarkation and throughout the cruise and is the responsibility of the guest.  Any guest traveling without proper documentation will not be allowed to board the vessel and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued.
 Required Travel Documentation:
You’re required to carry:
A Valid Passport (expiration date should be at least 6 months past your travel dates)A Visa is also required for US. Citizens visiting Australia (New Zealand does not require a visa)...  Please check with CIBT Passport & Visa Services to start your Visa process before your trip or ask us for assistance. 
What are the deposits and cancellation policy?
Deposit Policy:
​​Prices are listed per person, based on double occupancy and require a first deposit of 20% of the cruise fare per person  which is fully refundable until final payment date of September 7, 2020.  No-Interest installment payments are available until final payment date.  
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Cancellation Policy:
91 days or more prior to departure – No Fee
89 - 75 days prior to departure – 20%
74 – 61 days prior to departure – 50%
60 -31 days prior to departure – 75%
30 days prior to departure – 100%
Name changes of lead passenger count as a cancellation as do non or partial payment. 
​For additional information, terms and cancellation policies, please reference: 
https://www.princess.com/legal/passage_contract/
Majestic Princess℠ 
  • Inaugural Cruise: March 31, 2017
  • Guest Capacity: 3,560
  • Number of Crew: 1,346
  • Tonnage: 143,700
  • Number of Cabins: 1,780
  • Number of Decks: 19
  • Length: 1,083 feet
  • Height: 224 feet

Attention Group Leaders
Calling all Group Leaders.  If you have a group of at least 10 cabins or more, contact us directly to discuss additional perks, promotions and even fund raising opportunities that can be tailored and exclusive to your group. 

 Cabin Pricing & Reservations 

Reserve the Cabins that are Best for your Family  
Most cabins accommodate 2 guests. Larger cabins and VIP Suite Class, connecting cabins and family cabins that accommodate 3rd and 4th guests available upon request.  Once we receive your reservation request(s) we'll be in touch with your best options & pricing.  
  • Mini-Suite 
  • Deluxe Balcony 
  • Balcony  
  • Suites/Other
  • Pricing Info
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Best Value - Starting @ ​$6,833 Per person (pp) Double Occupancy 
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Mini-Suite Stateroom (MB)
Cabin Information:
Same as Balcony but with more living space, two flat screen TV's, spacious closet,  larger bathroom with tub, welcome glass of champagne, bathrobe, upgraded towels & Linens and more.
(299-319 sq. ft. includes balcony)
Includes:
​-6- Night Pre-Cruise Escorted Land Tour 
-Onboard gratuities of $174 pp
-Gov't Taxes/Port Charges of $240 ​
Starting @ $6,413 Per person (pp) Double Occupancy.  
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Deluxe Balcony Stateroom (DD)
Cabin Information:
Floor to ceiling windows open to a private balcony and amazing ocean views. Two twin beds or 1 queen-size and sitting area, upgraded bathroom amenities and robe.
(227-233 sq. ft. including balcony )
Includes:
-6- Night Pre-Cruise Escorted Land Tour ​
-Onboard gratuities of $174 pp
-Gov't Taxes/Port Charges of $240 ​
Starting @ ​$6,313 Per person (pp) Double Occupancy.  
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Balcony Stateroom (BD)
Cabin Information:
Floor to ceiling windows open to a private balcony and amazing ocean views. Two twin beds or 1 queen-size and sitting area 
(222 sq. ft. including balcony )
Includes:
-6- Night Pre-Cruise Escorted Land Tour ​
-Onboard gratuities of $174 pp
-Gov't Taxes/Port Charges of $240 ​
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VIP Suite with extra space and large balcony
This ship offer many different cabin categories from smaller cabins for singles to ultra VIP deluxe suites with butler service that can accommodate larger families.   Family cabins, Connecting Cabins and Spa Cabins are also available.  Just let us know what you're preferences and budget are and we'll work to match you with the perfect accommodations onboard. 
Please Note:  Cabins that can accommodate 3rd & 4th guests are in high demand and based on availability.  Tour or Package may not be suitable for guests with mobility challenges.  Pricing and availability not guaranteed until first deposit is applied to booking. 12- night cruise only pricing (no land package) also available...just ask.     We will always consult with you directly to offer options and match you with the best cabin and  pricing for your family.   Thank you for booking early for better selection, pricing and availability.