An exclusive Crown Princess Northern Explorer Cruise
Before embarking on this 18 day / 17 night cruise around the Top of Australia, a four night stay in Perth includes a tour out to the Pinnacles Desert and the rich in history monastic town of New Norcia.
Your all meals and entertainment included cruise has port stops at Geraldton, Broome, Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane, plus cruising the Yampi Sound, the renowned Kimberley Coast and Willis Island.
Depart on Air New Zealand, A late afternoon arrival and transfer to your central city hotel. Evening is free to relax.
This morning, enjoy a tour taking in Perth and Fremantle with various stops. The tour takes in all major attractions of the revitalised Perth CBD, passing Western Australian Cricket Ground (WACA) and Optus Stadium, to Kings Park Botanical Gardens and the stunning views from the war memorial looking back over the city skyline. Continue along the beaches where the Indian Ocean sparkles through the affluent Western suburbs, known as Millionaire’s Row. Rest of the day at your own leisure. This evening a welcome dinner.
A fascinating day out, combining the history of Australia’s only Benedictine Abbey with the world-renowned mystical Pinnacle Desert. A little piece of Spain comes alive in New Norcia, full of history, art and architecture. A guided tour of the town and main sites including the museum and art gallery. Visit the Abbey Church; home to one of only two large Moser organs, originally crafted in Germany.
Today is at your leisure.
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the cruise terminal and board the Crown Princess bound for Sydney.
The capital of the Batavia Coast was founded in 1850 as a commercial port serving the Northampton lead mine some 30 miles to the north. While Geraldton remains one of Western Australia’s major ports, the city has become a magnet for vacationing Australians. Located between the Chapman and Greenough Rivers, Geraldton boasts a superb Mediterranean climate, scenic beauty and pristine beaches. A variety of (additional cost) shore excursions to choose from: Best of Geraldton, Kalbarri National Park, Greenough & Wildlife or your own arrangements.
Each day, a world of exciting activities awaits, from cooking demonstrations to dance classes, trivia contests and a range of enrichment programs, including our Encounters with Discovery at SEA™ speaker series from experts who offer insights into the places you’ll visit.
In the 1870s, pearl fishermen discovered the rich waters of Roebuck Bay. A decade later, Broome was founded as a base for the pearl trade and was soon described as “the pearling capital of the world.” For all its importance to the pearling industry, Broome remained a remote outpost on Australia’s Kimberley Coast until its discovery as a travel destination. Shore excursions to choose from include: Cable Beach, Willie Creek Pearl Farm, Best of Broome.
Yampi Sound is part of the Indian Ocean off the coast of northwestern Australia. The traditional owners of the areas are the Umiida peoples. The sound contains many islands of the Buccaneer Archipelago the largest being Koolan Island; others include: Cockatoo Island, Irvine Island, Bathurst Island, Finch Islands, Hidden Island, Baylis Islands and Iron Islands. The sound named in 1838 by Commander John Lort Stokes, Yampee being the local Indigenous peoples word for water.
Kimberley is one of the continent’s earliest settled regions, dating as far back as 40,000 years. But although its mainland has been inhabited for centuries, its over 8,000 miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline remain so unspoiled that the Kimberley Coast has been identified as one of the least impacted marine environments in the world, a prime spot for wildldlife viewing, from sea turtles to blue crabs, manta rays and the planet’s largest population of humpback whales.
There’s always something happening on board — from heading to the Princess Theater for a lavish original musical production to enjoying a blockbuster movie poolside under the stars or simply relaxing in a lounge sipping a cocktail where a live band is playing your song.
Darwin is the capital of the “Top End” - the remote, vast Northern Territory, the city reflects the rugged endurance and individualism required to survive the Outback. During World War II the Japanese bombed the city and threatened invasion. In 1974, Cyclone Tracy cut a destructive swath through the region. In addition, man-eating crocodiles, tropical monsoons, searing heat and bush fires that burn for weeks are all part of everyday life. Darwin City Explorer, Darwin Harbour Cruise, Litchfield National Park are the organised excursions or maybe do your own thing.
Take a dip in our sparkling freshwater pools or unwind in our hot tubs and padded loungers. You’ll also find Movies Under the Stars, hilarious pool competitions, cocktails mixing demonstration, bars, our world-famous pizza and even complimentary soft serve ice cream.
Cairns boasts some great Australian natural wonders. Offshore, living coral form the Great Barrier Reef, 16 miles of superb beaches while inland lays the immense Daintree National Park. Shore excursions to choose from include: Scenic Walk through Cairns, Kuranda & Skyrail Railforest Cableway and The Great Barrier Reef.
Willis Island is one of several tropical islands sitting beyond the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea Islands Territory, and is surrounded by thriving reefs where many creatures make their homes. Numbering into the thousands, Willis Island itself caters to many species of seabirds, including Masked, Brown and Red-footed Boobies that cry out nearly 24 hours a day. It is also an important nesting ground for turtles.
Another day to particpate in ship board activities.
Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches. The shore excursions include: East Brisbane & Botanical Gardens, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Australia Zoo & the Sunshine Coast or once again make your own arrangements.
Last day onboard maybe indulge in a manicure, pedicure or a makeover in the salon, or a soothing massage in the Lotus Spa or just a little “me time”
On arrival in Sydney, enjoy breakfast onboard before disembarking. If you aren’t extending your stay in Australia you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Auckland.
Please ask us about extending your stay in Sydney!
• Economy air travel on Air New Zealand Auckland – Perth //Sydney – Auckland
• Four nights’ accommodation in Perth
• Perth/Freemantle city sights tour
• Tour and lunch on the Pinnacle Desert trip
• All transfers as per itinerary
• Daily breakfast and Welcome Dinner in Perth
• 14 lunches
• 15 dinners
•18 days / 17 nights onboard the Crown Princess
• All gratuities included
• All government and port taxes included
• Your cruise includes all onboard meals and entertainment
• Pukekohe Travel host for the 4 night Perth stay
Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
---|---|---|
Balcony | $11,399 | $18,993 |
Oceanview | $10,450 | $16,660 |
Business Class Upgrade |
+$2,370 |
Premium Economy Class Upgrade |
+$1,635 |
Early Booking Discount (10 April 2024 ) | $150 |
Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
• Travel Insurance – compulsory (please ask us for a quote)
• Items of a personal nature
• Airport and airline taxes (approx. NZD$254)
•Princess Cruise shore excursions
• A non- refundable deposit of $3,000 per person will secure a place on this trip
• Full payment is due no later than 21 June 2024
• From the date of booking until 21 June 2024– loss of deposit
• After 21 June 2024 - no refund
Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.
Documentation
• A current passport is required, valid six months beyond date of travel
• No visa is required for New Zealand Passport holders
• All other passport holders – please ask
Clothing
• Daytime – comfortable touring clothes, good walking shoes. Evening – smart casual for hotels and on board the ship
Temperatures Max ˚c Min ˚c
Darwin 34 25
Perth 25 17
Cairns 31 22
Brisbane 28 19
• A good standard of fitness is required for this tour. The ability to walk unaided for 500 meters is essential.
• Mobility frames are not practical or permitted.
• It is expected you will arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change