Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
Discover Celebrity Solstice
Explore the beauty of Celebrity Solstice in these photo galleries, where you'll get a glimpse of her luxurious accommodations and welcoming venues. Browse through these Celebrity Solstice photos and start daydreaming about your next vacation aboard this award-winning ship.
Experience a vacation like no other aboard Celebrity Solstice. Relax and enjoy unforgettable spaces, world-class amenities, and all of the distinct features that make our cruises so extraordinary. Enjoy all of the award-winning onboard experiences as we make our way to incredible destinations. Our stylish accommodations include Concierge Class staterooms and spa-inspired AquaClass® with exclusive clean cuisine dining at Blu. The Retreat® experience includes private restaurant dining and 24/7 lounge. Enjoy dining options that include distinctive restaurants with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef and the most awarded wine collection at sea. Play your favourite outdoor games, catch a concert, or just take in some sun at The Lawn Club. Invigorate your senses and discover an amazing level of soothing spa treatments at The Spa. Relax, rest, and recharge aboard Celebrity Solstice and we'll take care of every detail, so all you have to do is enjoy your vacation.
Celebrity Solstice is sailing with Starlink - the world's most advanced broadband satellite internet - to bring you high-speed connectivity for a better onboard experience.
Cruise ID: 371
A service gratuity will be automatically applied to each guest's SeaPass® account on a daily basis for sailings*, excluding guests in Excluding Bookings.** Current amounts*** for the daily gratuity are listed below. The gratuities described above are distributed to the crew, such as dining, bar and culinary services staff, stateroom attendants and other hotel services teams, and others who work to enhance the overall cruise experience.
A 20% gratuity will be automatically added to spa and salon purchases and a 20% gratuity will also be automatically added to specialty dining, beverage, beverage package, room service and mini bar purchases.
Gratuities may be adjusted at the guest's discretion onboard at Guest Relations up until the morning of their departure.
* Guests sailing in group reservations should check with their group's leader or travel agent for details.
**Excluded Bookings include all staterooms booked either (i) at the All Included rate (formerly Always Included on or before October 4, 2023); or (ii) in the Retreat or AquaClass stateroom category from July 14, 2022, to October 4, 2023. Stateroom and restaurant service gratuities, and a 20% beverage package gratuity, are included in the fare of all guests in an Excluded Booking.
***Gratuity amounts are subject to change.
| Date | Time | Price * | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 October 2024 | 18:00 | €1,547 | Call us to book |
* Price based on lowest available cruise only fare for double occupancy. Subject to change at any time.
1-4
Take your Celebrity vacation to new heights in a Sky Suite. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus enjoy exclusive access to dining and lounge areas reserved only for guests of The Retreat. Accessible Sky Suites available.
Perfectly designed Sky Suites offer a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature our signature Cashmere™ Mattress with eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, exclusive for guests of The Retreat.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
1-2
Solstice AquaClass guests enjoy a private veranda, Exhale® bedding, premium bathroom amenities, massaging showerhead and complimentary fitness classes. Plus, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge.
Available on Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette & Celebrity Solstice
Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Elements are thoughtfully infused throughout your stateroom. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you'll enjoy access to the Persian Garden, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. We've thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.
Spa Benefits
Amenities
Dining
AquaClass Features
*Additional charges apply
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
1-4
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring new services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Ocean View staterooms, the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the luxury king sized* mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-2
Your escape at sea, Inside staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities. Prime Inside staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Your escape at sea, Inside staterooms offer ample living space, including a sitting area and a flat screen TV. Each inside stateroom on board Celebrity includes world-class amenities.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax in a spacious stateroom and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day and enjoy fresh sea breezes.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Expansive views make Ocean View staterooms the ideal place to unwind at sea. These perfectly indulgent spaces come furnished with Celebrity's eXhale® bedding featuring the luxury king sized* mattress and everything else a modern traveler needs. Prime Ocean View staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-2
Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we've created a whole new way to nourish your mind and body. Aqua Sky Suites combine the best of our rejuvenating AquaClass® experience with the ultimate luxury of The Retreat®. These suites feature a king-sized** bed with exclusive eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Spa-inspired elements are thoughtfully infused throughout, including eco-friendly bathroom products, yoga mats, in-stateroom fitness amenities, and daily bottled water service, and an enhanced air filtration system—which you'll now find in all our staterooms. Aqua Sky Suite debut on Celebrity Solstice in April 2023.
Highlights
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Aqua Sky Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
1-4
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Unwind in modern spaces that will make you feel on top of the world. Relax in ultimate luxury on your private veranda.Lounge in the king-size Cashmere™ Mattress in your bedroom. Enjoy VIP treatment with your butler, expansive lounge areas and much more.
Our Penthouse Suites feature a primary bedroom, bathroom, dining area, guest bedroom and bathroom, terrace, and private hot tub. They even have an attentive butler on hand to ensure you never have to lift a finger during your vacation.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Penthouse Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
1-4
With spaces fit for a king or queen, our Royal Suites deliver on style and comfort. Separate living, dining, and sleeping areas provide all the room you need to relax in luxury.
Unwind in a luxuriously large living area featuring floor to ceiling panoramic windows. The Royal Suite features our luxury Cashmere™ Mattress, a primary bathroom with a large soaking tub, a separate shower, a double sink vanity, and a spacious private veranda. No matter where you are in this suite, you'll enjoy stunning views of the sea, the way every royal should.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
1-4
It's time you got the Celebrity treatment. Your butler will assist you at every step and you'll receive exclusive restaurant and lounge access.
These two-room suites feature a large living area with floor to ceiling panoramic windows, private veranda, and a primary bedroom with a king-size bed featuring our signature eXhale® bedding and Cashmere™ Mattress. When you stay in a Celebrity Suite, you'll enjoy the luxury of a butler. This includes assistance with unpacking and packing. In-suite lunch and dinner service. Afternoon tea. Evening hors d'oeuvres and complimentary in-suite specialty coffees from Café al Bacio.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
1-4
Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Spacious staterooms located in the aft of the ship, each with its own private veranda to enjoy the beautiful sunsets. Sunset Veranda staterooms offer superb ocean views at the stern of the ship. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
By far the largest stateroom with a veranda - plenty of room for you and the family.
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day, enjoy fresh sea breezes, and soak in breathtaking sunsets.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax on your spacious veranda and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day and enjoy fresh sea breezes.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax in a spacious stateroom and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Prime Veranda staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Ample indoor and outdoor space come together to create your private sanctuary at sea. Relax on your spacious veranda and enjoy amenities that all contribute to your luxury experience. Your personal veranda lets you greet the day and enjoy fresh sea breezes.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Little details make a world of difference, and now our meticulously thought out Prime Concierge Class staterooms are even better. Prime Concierge staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. Featuring services, amenities, and exclusive events, step inside and discover a space that is so much more than a room—it's an experience. As a Concierge Class guest, your team of dedicated professionals will take care of all your vacation needs.
*Imagery of Revolutionized Celebrity Silhouette.
Amenities
Stateroom Features
Services
Dining
*Additional charges apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
1-4
Take your Celebrity vacation to new heights in a Sky Suite. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus enjoy exclusive access to dining and lounge areas reserved only for guests of The Retreat. Accessible Sky Suites available.
The perfectly designed Sky Suite offers a blend of expansive views and intimate luxury. These large suites feature a king-sized* bed with our signature eXhale® bedding and a spacious, private veranda. Be welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and enjoy the luxury of your butler throughout your stay. Plus, enjoy access to Luminae and The Retreat Lounge, exclusive for guests of The Retreat.
Highlights
*Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed.
Exclusive services and amenities
The best amenities, all included.*
As a guest of The Retreat, you'll also enjoy a long list of thoughtfully curated amenities that start with premium drinks and premium Wi-Fi, in addition to a private restaurant and exclusive lounge.
Premium Drinks | Enjoy your favorite beverages throughout the ship. Whether dining in our restaurants, out exploring, or relaxing by the pool.
Premium Wi-Fi | Always stay connected, no matter where you are, with complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi.
*Special fares and MoveUp upgrades from non-suite staterooms do not receive these amenities.
Services & amenities for Sky Suite guests
Intuitive Service
World-class cuisine
Thoughtfully curated amenities
1-2
Solstice AquaClass guests enjoy a private veranda, Exhale® bedding, premium bathroom amenities, massaging showerhead and complimentary fitness classes. Plus, unlimited access to the Persian Garden, complimentary dining at Blu, and personal spa concierge.
Available on Celebrity Eclipse, Celebrity Equinox, Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Silhouette & Celebrity Solstice
Wellness is so fundamental to our philosophy, we offer AquaClass® staterooms for a fully immersive, next-level wellness experience. Prime AquaClass staterooms are well-appointed, personal retreats located in the most-desirable locations on the ship. Savour clean cuisine, including new healthy options, at your exclusive restaurant, Blu. Plus, you'll enjoy access to the Persian Garden, a spa concierge, a complimentary fitness pass, preferential rates on AquaClass spa packages, daily in-room bottled water service, healthy room-service menu options, and a yoga mat for use on board. We've thought of everything so that you can focus on nourishing your mind, body, and spirit.
Spa Benefits
Amenities
Dining
AquaClass Features
*Additional charges apply
† $9.95 service fee and 20% gratuity may apply
**Bed as large or larger than average standard international king-size bed
Day 1 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Capital of Hawaii, and a popular tourist destination, Honolulu is known for surfing and water sports. However, there's more to the city than surfing; with museums, the only royal palace in the country, and a mall, there's bound to be something of interest for any visitor.
Days 2-6 Cruising
Day 7 Moorea, French Polynesia
Mo'orea is one of the Society Islands of the French Polynesia. Located in the South Pacific, it is considered a magical island thanks to its majestic volcanic mountains, set against warm lagoon waters and green meadows. It is an island that attracts visitors of all abilities wanting to explore both above and below the ocean waters.
Day 8 Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Papeete will be your gateway to the tropical paradise of French Polynesia, where islands fringed with gorgeous beaches and turquoise ocean await to soothe the soul. This spirited city is the capital of French Polynesia, and serves as a superb base for onward exploration of Tahiti – an island of breathtaking landscapes and oceanic vistas. Wonderful lagoons of crisp, clear water beg to be snorkelled, stunning black beaches and blowholes pay tribute to the island's volcanic heritage, and lush green mountains beckon you inland on adventures, as you explore extraordinary Tahiti. Visit to relax inside picturesque stilted huts, which stand out over shimmering water, as you settle into the intoxicating rhythm of life, in this Polynesian paradise.
Day 9 Raiatea, French Polynesia
Days 10-14 Cruising
Day 15 Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland is called the City of Sails, and visitors flying in will see why. On the East Coast is the Waitemata Harbour—a Maori word meaning sparkling waters—which is bordered by the Hauraki Gulf, an aquatic playground peppered with small islands where many Aucklanders can be found "mucking around in boats."Not surprisingly, Auckland has some 70,000 boats. About one in four households in Auckland has a seacraft of some kind, and there are 102 beaches within an hour's drive; during the week many are quite empty. Even the airport is by the water; it borders the Manukau Harbour, which also takes its name from the Maori language and means solitary bird.According to Maori tradition, the Auckland isthmus was originally peopled by a race of giants and fairy folk. When Europeans arrived in the early 19th century, however, the Ngati-Whatua tribe was firmly in control of the region. The British began negotiations with the Ngati-Whatua in 1840 to purchase the isthmus and establish the colony's first capital. In September of that year the British flag was hoisted to mark the township's foundation, and Auckland remained the capital until 1865, when the seat of government was moved to Wellington. Aucklanders expected to suffer from the shift; it hurt their pride but not their pockets. As the terminal for the South Sea shipping routes, Auckland was already an established commercial center. Since then the urban sprawl has made this city of approximately 1.3 million people one of the world's largest geographically.A couple of days in the city will reveal just how developed and sophisticated Auckland is—the Mercer City Survey 2012 saw it ranked as the third-highest city for quality of life—though those seeking a New York in the South Pacific will be disappointed. Auckland is more get-up and go-outside than get-dressed-up and go-out. That said, most shops are open daily, central bars and a few nightclubs buzz well into the wee hours, especially Thursday through Saturday, and a mix of Maori, Pacific people, Asians, and Europeans contributes to the cultural milieu. Auckland has the world's largest single population of Pacific Islanders living outside their home countries, though many of them live outside the central parts of the city and in Manukau to the south. The Samoan language is the second most spoken in New Zealand. Most Pacific people came to New Zealand seeking a better life. When the plentiful, low-skilled work that attracted them dried up, the dream soured, and the population has suffered with poor health and education. Luckily, policies are now addressing that, and change is slowly coming. The Pacifica Festival in March is the region's biggest cultural event, attracting thousands to Western Springs. The annual Pacific Island Secondary Schools' Competition, also in March, sees young Pacific Islander and Asian students compete in traditional dance, drumming, and singing. This event is open to the public.At the geographical center of Auckland city is the 1,082-foot Sky Tower, a convenient landmark for those exploring on foot and some say a visible sign of the city's naked aspiration. It has earned nicknames like the Needle and the Big Penis—a counterpoint to a poem by acclaimed New Zealand poet James K. Baxter, which refers to Rangitoto Island as a clitoris in the harbor.The Waitemata Harbour has become better known since New Zealand staged its first defense of the America's Cup in 2000 and the successful Louis Vuitton Pacific Series in early 2009. The first regatta saw major redevelopment of the waterfront. The area, where many of the city's most popular bars, cafés, and restaurants are located, is now known as Viaduct Basin or, more commonly, the Viaduct. A recent expansion has created another area, Wynyard Quarter, which is slowly adding restaurants.These days, Auckland is still considered too bold and brash for its own good by many Kiwis who live "south of the Bombay Hills," the geographical divide between Auckland and the rest of New Zealand (barring Northland). "Jafa," an acronym for "just another f—ing Aucklander," has entered the local lexicon; there's even a book out called Way of the Jafa: A Guide to Surviving Auckland and Aucklanders. A common complaint is that Auckland absorbs the wealth from the hard work of the rest of the country. Most Aucklanders, on the other hand, still try to shrug and see it as the parochial envy of those who live in small towns. But these internal identity squabbles aren't your problem. You can enjoy a well-made coffee in almost any café, or take a walk on a beach—knowing that within 30 minutes' driving time you could be cruising the spectacular harbor, playing a round at a public golf course, or even walking in subtropical forest while listening to the song of a native tûî bird.
Day 16 Bay of Islands, New Zealand
The Tasman Sea on the west and the Pacific Ocean on the east meet at thetop of North Island at Cape Reinga. No matter what route you take, you'll passfarms and forests, marvellous beaches, and great open spaces. The East Coast,up to the Bay of Islands, is Northland's most densely populated, often withrefugees from bigger cities—looking for a more relaxed life—clustered aroundbreathtaking beaches. The first decision on the drive north comes at the footof the Brynderwyn Hills. Turning left will take you up the West Coast throughareas once covered with forests and now used for either agricultural orhorticulture. Driving over "the Brynderwyns," as they are known,takes you to Whangarei, the only city in Northland. If you're in the mood for adiversion, you can slip to the beautiful coastline and take in Waipu Cove, anarea settled by Scots, and Laings Beach, where million-dollar homes sit next tosmall Kiwi beach houses.An hour's drive farther north is the Bay of Islands, known all over theworld for its beauty. There you will find lush forests, splendid beaches, andshimmering harbors. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840 betweenMaoriand the British Crown, establishing the basis for the modern New Zealandstate. Every year on February 6, the extremely beautiful Waitangi Treaty Ground(the name means weeping waters) is the sight of a celebration of the treaty andprotests by Maori unhappy with it. Continuing north on the East Coast, theagricultural backbone of the region is even more evident and a series ofwinding loop roads off the main highway will take you to beaches that are bothbeautiful and isolated where you can swim, dive, picnic, or just laze. .The West Coast is even less populated, and the coastline is rugged andwindswept. In the Waipoua Forest, you will find some of New Zealand's oldestand largest kauri trees; the winding road will also take you past mangroveswamps. Crowning the region is the spiritually significant Cape Reinga, theheadland at the top of the vast stretch of 90 Mile Beach, where it's believedMaori souls depart after death. Today Maori make up roughly a quarter of thearea's population (compared with the national average of about 15%). The legendaryMaori navigator Kupe was said to have landed on the shores of Hokianga Harbour,where the first arrivals made their home. Many different wi (tribes) livedthroughout Northland, including Ngapuhi (the largest), Te Roroa, Ngati Wai,Ngati Kuri, Te Aupouri, Ngaitakoto, Ngati Kahu, and Te Rarawa. Many Maoriherecan trace their ancestry to the earliest inhabitants
Days 17-18 Cruising
Day 19 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Sydney belongs to the exclusive club of cities that generate excitement. At the end of a marathon flight there's renewed vitality in the cabin as the plane circles the city, where thousands of yachts are suspended on the dark water and the sails of the Opera House glisten in the distance. Blessed with dazzling beaches and a sunny climate, Sydney is among the most beautiful cities on the planet.With 4.6 million people, Sydney is the biggest and most cosmopolitan city in Australia. A wave of immigration from the 1950s has seen the Anglo-Irish immigrants who made up the city's original population joined by Italians, Greeks, Turks, Lebanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thais, and Indonesians. This intermingling has created a cultural vibrancy and energy—and a culinary repertoire—that was missing only a generation ago.Sydneysiders embrace their harbor with a passion. Indented with numerous bays and beaches, Sydney Harbour is the presiding icon for the city, and urban Australia. Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the 11-ship First Fleet, wrote in his diary when he first set eyes on the harbor on January 26, 1788: "We had the satisfaction of finding the finest harbor in the world."Although a visit to Sydney is an essential part of an Australian experience, the city is no more representative of Australia than Los Angeles is of the United States. Sydney has joined the ranks of the great cities whose characters are essentially international. What Sydney offers is style, sophistication, and great looks—an exhilarating prelude to the continent at its back door.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has up-to-date advice for Irish citizens on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more security, local laws, health, passport and visa information see https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/ and follow dfatravelwise
