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    22 December 2026 Royal Princess New Zealand Discovery Cruise (1701)
    13 nights
    From $3,890* per person twin share
    Exclusive Mastercard Gift Card valued up to $500 per booking when you book directly with Carl Retschlag*
    Celebrate Christmas and New Year at sea aboard the magnificent Royal Princess, sailing roundtrip from Sydney on a wonderful festive journey to New Zealand.

    Discover the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Picton, Christchurch and Dunedin, together with unforgettable scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park, where dramatic mountains, deep fiords and cascading waterfalls provide a spectacular backdrop to your holiday.

    Onboard, enjoy the special atmosphere of the festive season without any of the usual Christmas rush. Indulge in delicious dining, Movies Under the Stars®, live entertainment, sparkling pools, the adults-only Sanctuary, Lotus Spa® and the spectacular SeaWalk® as Royal Princess takes care of the celebrations.

    With Christmas and New Year aboard, beautiful New Zealand destinations to explore and relaxing days at sea in between, it’s a wonderful opportunity to leave the cooking and entertaining behind, unpack once and simply enjoy the festive season.

    Price Guide Standard Fares

    Request your free quote for current pricing

     

    Interior Cabin
    👉 From $3,890pp*

    Balcony Cabin
    👉 From $5,499pp*

    Deluxe Balcony Cabin
    👉 From $5,519pp*

    Mini Suite
    👉 From waitlist

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    Princess Plus Upgrade
    From $79 per person, per day*

    Includes Beverage Package, Wi-Fi, casual dining meals and more.

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    Princess Premier Upgrade

    From $129 per person, per day*

    Includes unlimited beverages, specialty dining, casual dining, Wi-Fi, room service and more.

    CLICK HERE TO REQUEST YOUR PERSONALISED CRUISE QUOTE

    Carl Retschlag Exclusive Offer

    Receive an exclusive Mastercard Gift Card valued up to $500 per booking* when you book this voyage directly with Carl Retschlag.

    Princess Standard Fare
    $200 Balcony & Above | $100 Oceanview & Below

    Princess Plus Fare
    $400 Balcony & Above | $200 Oceanview & Below

    Princess Premier Fare
    $500 Balcony & Above | $250 Oceanview & Below

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    Onboard Royal Princess

    Enjoy dining venues, bars and lounges, Movies Under the Stars®, live entertainment, relaxing pools and hot tubs, The Sanctuary adults-only retreat, Lotus Spa®, fitness centre, casino, boutiques, enrichment activities and beautifully appointed cabins and suites. Royal Princess features the spectacular SeaWalk® glass walkway.

    Offer expires
    1 Dec 2026 unless sold prior

    Itinerary

    Collapse all Expand all

    Day 1

    Sydney, Australia

    Tuesday, 22 December 2026
    Departure from Sydney
    Your adventure begins as Royal Princess departs Sydney Harbour at 4:00 PM. Check-in opens at 3:30 PM, giving you time to explore the ship, enjoy your welcome drink, and watch the iconic skyline fade into the horizon.

    Sydney, Australia

    Day 2

    At Sea

    Wednesday, 23 December 2026
    Settling In at Sea
    Spend your first day at sea discovering the ship’s many offerings—from enriching onboard activities to luxurious lounges and ocean-view pools. It’s the perfect start to your holiday escape.

    At Sea

    Day 3

    At Sea

    Thursday, 24 December 2026
    Christmas Eve on the Ocean
    Embrace the magic of Christmas Eve at sea. Attend festive events, enjoy carols and seasonal menus, and perhaps leave a note for Santa at guest services.

    At Sea

    Day 4

    At Sea

    Friday, 25 December 2026
    Christmas Day at Sea
    Celebrate Christmas Day with special meals, themed entertainment, and time to relax with loved ones. Whether it’s a sunrise walk or a festive feast, today will be one to remember.

    At Sea

    Day 5

    Bay of Islands, New Zealand

    Saturday, 26 December 2026
    Tropical Beauty and Maori Heritage
    Arrive at 8:00 AM via tender to the idyllic Bay of Islands. Explore subtropical beaches, visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds, or take a boat tour before departing at 6:00 PM. Water shuttle required; limited wheelchair access.

    Bay of Islands, New Zealand

    Day 6

    Auckland, New Zealand

    Sunday, 27 December 2026
    City of Sails
    Dock in Auckland at 6:30 AM. Discover the blend of natural beauty and urban energy, from the Sky Tower to waterfront precincts, before your 7:00 PM departure.

    Auckland, New Zealand

    Day 7

    At Sea

    Monday, 28 December 2026
    Mid-Voyage Recharge
    Enjoy a day of rest and renewal as you cruise toward New Zealand’s South Island. Try a cooking class, enjoy a wine tasting, or lounge by the pool with a good book.

    At Sea

    Day 8

    Picton, New Zealand

    Tuesday, 29 December 2026
    Gateway to Marlborough
    Arrive at 9:00 AM in Picton, the scenic gateway to New Zealand’s wine country. Explore the town, sample local Sauvignon Blancs, or join a Marlborough Sounds cruise before sailing at 5:00 PM.

    Picton, New Zealand

    Day 9

    Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

    Wednesday, 30 December 2026
    Resilience and Renewal
    Arrive at 7:00 AM and venture into Christchurch, known for its blend of English charm and modern design. Visit botanic gardens or ride the historic tram before departing at 5:00 PM.

    Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand

    Day 10

    Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand

    Thursday, 31 December 2026
    Scottish Roots and Southern Charm
    Dock at 12:30 PM and explore Dunedin’s Edwardian architecture, wildlife-rich Otago Peninsula, and lively arts scene. Depart at 8:00 PM, just in time to ring in the New Year onboard.

    Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand

    Day 11

    Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruising)

    Friday, 1 January 2027
    New Year in the Fjords
    Start the year surrounded by towering cliffs, waterfalls, and mirror-like waters as you cruise through majestic Fiordland from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. A highlight of the voyage and a truly unforgettable way to begin 2027.

    Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruising)

    Day 12

    At Sea

    Saturday, 2 January 2027
    Reflect and Rejuvenate
    Relax and reflect on your incredible journey. Take in a live show, enjoy an elegant dinner, or simply watch the ocean roll by as you head homeward.

    At Sea

    Day 13

    At Sea

    Sunday, 3 January 2027
    Farewell at Sea
    Your final day at sea offers one last chance to indulge in spa treatments, sip champagne, and enjoy the onboard entertainment. Say farewell to new friends and favourite places onboard.

    At Sea

    Day 14

    Sydney, Australia

    Monday, 4 January 2027
    Return to Sydney
    Royal Princess returns to Sydney at 6:00 AM. Disembark with memories of festive celebrations, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable experiences across New Zealand.

    Sydney, Australia

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    * Conditions

    Offer Terms & Conditions – Carl Retschlag Exclusive Christmas & New Year Mastercard Gift Card

    Receive a Mastercard Gift Card valued up to $500 per booking when booking this Christmas & New Year New Zealand voyage directly with Carl Retschlag.

    Princess Standard Fare
    Balcony Cabins & Above — $200 Mastercard Gift Card per booking*
    Oceanview Cabins & Below — $100 Mastercard Gift Card per booking*

    Princess Plus Fare
    Balcony Cabins & Above — $400 Mastercard Gift Card per booking*
    Oceanview Cabins & Below — $200 Mastercard Gift Card per booking*

    Princess Premier Fare
    Balcony Cabins & Above — $500 Mastercard Gift Card per booking*
    Oceanview Cabins & Below — $250 Mastercard Gift Card per booking*

    The offer is available for new bookings only and applies per booking, not per person. Twin, triple, quad-share and eligible single-occupancy bookings charged at 200% of the twin-share fare may qualify.

    The applicable Mastercard Gift Card value is determined by the Princess fare type and cabin category confirmed at the time the original booking is made.

    To qualify for the higher Princess Plus or Princess Premier Mastercard Gift Card value, guests 1 and 2 on a twin, triple or quad-share booking must both be booked on the applicable Princess Plus or Princess Premier Fare at the time the original booking is made. For an eligible single-occupancy booking, the sole guest must select the applicable fare at the time of the original booking.

    A subsequent upgrade to a higher fare type will not increase the Mastercard Gift Card value. For example, if a booking is originally confirmed on a Princess Standard Fare and Princess Plus or Princess Premier is added later, the booking remains eligible only for the Mastercard Gift Card value applicable to the original Princess Standard Fare.

    If the fare type is subsequently downgraded, removed or changed to an ineligible fare, eligibility for the higher Mastercard Gift Card value is forfeited and the promotional value may be reduced or withdrawn.

    The Mastercard Gift Card is provided by Carl Retschlag and is not supplied, sponsored or administered by Princess Cruises or TravelManagers Australia.

    Only one Mastercard Gift Card is provided per eligible booking. The lead passenger named on the booking must personally travel on and complete the cruise voyage to receive the Mastercard Gift Card. If the lead passenger cancels, does not travel or is removed from the booking, the promotional Gift Card is forfeited.

    The applicable Mastercard Gift Card will be provided to the lead passenger after completion of the cruise voyage, provided all promotional conditions have been met. The Gift Card is subject to the card issuer’s applicable terms, conditions, validity period and merchant acceptance requirements.

    If an eligible booking is cancelled for any reason before departure, the promotional Mastercard Gift Card is forfeited.

    Advertised cruise fares are based on Princess Standard Fares unless otherwise stated. Princess Plus and Princess Premier are available at an additional cost, with pricing and inclusions subject to change and confirmed at the time of booking.

    Any onboard credit offered is promotional and will be advised and confirmed at the time of booking, if applicable. Onboard credit, where applicable, is per cabin, non-transferable, not redeemable for cash and cannot be used in the medical centre or casino.

    Guests may also receive 10% off Cover-More travel insurance when the policy is purchased within 7 days of confirming the cruise booking. Insurance conditions, eligibility criteria and Cover-More policy terms apply.

    All deposits are non-refundable. When applying a Princess Future Cruise Deposit (FCD), an additional non-refundable deposit may apply.

    Changes to a confirmed booking, including changes to fare type, cabin category, guest numbers, pricing or promotional offers, may require the original booking to be cancelled and rebooked at the prevailing fare and availability. This may result in the loss of the original fare, deposit and promotional eligibility.

    Cruise fares are not live and may change without notice. Quotes must be requested to confirm current pricing, availability and promotional eligibility. Prices advertised are correct as at 16 August 2026.

    This promotion may be withdrawn, amended or extended at any time prior to booking without notice and cannot be combined with another Carl Retschlag promotional offer unless expressly stated.

    Cruise fares are cruise-only, per person, in AUD, based on twin-share accommodation unless otherwise stated, and include applicable taxes, government fees and charges (subject to change). Availability is limited and cabins may sell out without notice. Some Oceanview and Balcony staterooms may have obstructed views. Some Mini Suites may feature windows only. Single supplements apply.

    All bookings are subject to the Princess Cruises Passage Contract and TravelManagers Australia Terms & Conditions.