Sail to the home of kangaroos, koalas and kiwis - Australia, New Zealand and the islands, some of the most exciting and enchanting destinations in the South Pacific. Ports of call include: Sydney, Melbourne, Wellington, Christchurch, Tasmania, and more. If you've ever dreamed of an exotic cruise to the South Pacific, this is the way your dreams can come true. With dramatic walls of glass and retractable canopy, Rhapsody of the Seas has already embarked on the course other cruise ships will someday follow. When you're not enjoying the magnificent ocean views, you'll be relaxing in the soothing ShipShape® Day Spa, swimming in one of the two pools, taking a much-needed whirlpool or catching up with friends over your favorite drink in one of our eight lounges.
Embarkation will begin on March 13, 2009 in Perth, Australia. It is located alongside the peaceful waters of the Swan River, twenty Kilometres inland of the Indian Ocean on the West Coast of Australia. The Perth city centre bustles with activity and offers a range of choices for shopping.
On March 14th the cruse with be docked in Bunbury, Australia. This is a major port and business centre of the southwest and a hub of regional development. 173km south of Perth, Bunbury has all the major benefits of city-living – commercial opportunities, facilities and attractions – mixed into a beautiful, lush seaside setting with a country pace. The fishing, swimming beaches, temperate climate and proximity to the southwest’s popular towns make Bunbury a popular spot for holidaymakers heading down the coast south of Perth.
On March 15th the cruise will take you to Albany, Australia. Named by Governor Stirling in 1832, after Frederick, the Duke of Albany and York. The beautiful Princess Royal Harbour and King George Sound surround the City of Albany, renowned for its history, whales and spectacular coastline.
With breathtaking views from Mount Clarence and Mount Melville, visitors can spot dolphins and seals frolicking in the waters, and Humpback and Southern Right whales as they migrate south.
Albany's attractions are diverse enough to cater for everyone. Enjoy relaxing holidays wining and dining in the many gourmet restaurants, exploring the local art galleries and craft shops, catching up on the city's history, bushwalking, visiting national parks or whale watching. It is a beautiful spot to relax and unwind with its long stretches of white sandy beaches quiet spot all to your self.
The next two days will be relaxing days at sea. Maybe to take a swim in one of the outdoor pools, catch up on your reading or to enjoy a day at the spa.
On March 18th the Rhapsody of the Seas will be docked in Adelaide, Australia where you can visit places such as the Adelaide Botanic Garden, or to the Adelaide Zoo which has around 1400 exotic and native mammals, birds, reptiles and fish reside at the 8-hectare Adelaide Zoo. The major attraction is the Southeast Asian rainforest exhibit.
March 19th will be another day at sea where you can just lounge around the pool deck or find a nice quiet place on the lifeboat deck, grab a chair and read a book.
March 20th will find us in Melbourne, Australia.
Melbourne boasts great events, a passion for food and wine (as if there is not enough of that on the ship), and a fabulous arts scene. Known as a style-setter, Melbourne is home to a non-stop program of festivals, renowned dining, major art exhibitions and extravaganzas.
March 21st we will find ourselves docked in Burnie, Tsamania. There are plenty of other things to keep you occupied in Burnie. There is spectacular scenery around Burnie with some beautiful waterfalls, including the Guide Falls. For views of the area head to the Fern Glade and Roundhill Lookouts. As well as admiring the views, nature lovers should also visit the Burnie Park and the Emu Valley Rhododendron Gardens. Other places of interest include the Burnie Regional Art Gallery, Lactos Cheese Factory and the interesting Pioneer Village Museum.
March 22nd we will be docked in Hobart, Tasmania.
It is Australia's southernmost capital city; that it is also the smallest is the key to its particular charm. A river-side city with a busy harbour, its mountain backdrop offers fine views over the beautiful Georgian buildings, numerous parks and compact suburbs below.
March 23rd and 24th will be relaxing days at sea. Maybe some shuffleboard or try your luck in the casino.
March 25th we will find ourselves cruising for about an hour Milford Sound, New Zealand. Milford Sound, located in the Fiordland region, was described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Milford Sound in New Zealand is a 22-kilometre narrow fiord off the Tasman Sea which is hedged in by cliffs, peaks and waterfalls, on the southwestern edge of New Zealand’s South Island. In an area often visited by rain, the mountain peaks rising from the waters of Milford Sound are often softened by mist and an air of almost flawless and overpowering mystic calm.
After lunch we will be cruising Doubtful Sound which is the deepest of all the fiords at 420 metres, and is the second longest fiord at 40 kilometres long. There are three distinct arms off the main fiord and several outstanding waterfalls including the Browne Falls, cascading 619 metres to the fiord near the beautiful Hall Arm, and the Helena Falls at Deep Cove. The soaring 900 metres sea cliff of Commander Peak is an imposing sight at the entrance to Hall Arm. Doubtful Sound is home to Bottlenose dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and the Fiordland crested penguin.
Then we will cruise on over to Dusky Sound which is one of the most complex fjords on New Zealand's southern coast, Dusky Sound is a place of serene beauty, accessible today only by sea or air. European explorers first spotted this treasure when Captain Cook and his crew happened upon its opening in the late eighteenth century. Although they returned to explore its waters months later, Cook and his crew named it Dusky Sound for the time of night when they first found it.
Finally after three days of cruising we find ourselves on March 26th docked in Dunedin, New Zealand.
It is the oldest city, a university city of Scottish heritage, possesses a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture, and world-famous wildlife reserves on the Otago Peninsula. Dunedin offers a wide range of Accommodation, Restaurants, Arts & Crafts, Attractions and Eco Tours & Cruises to the Wildlife situated on the Otago Peninsula that is unique in the world.
March 27th we are docked in Christchurch, New Zealand for the day.
This is alive with colour, atmosphere and world-class attractions. It's a place known internationally for its spectacular gardens, such as the Botanical Gardens. Highlights include Lyttelton, Sumner, Akaroa and Banks Peninsula.
March 28th we find ourselves docked in Wellington, New Zealand.
Wellington is New Zealand’s capital city, and it’s also known as our arts and culture capital. A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine food and live entertainment opportunities make this city a great place to visit in any season. Part of Wellington’s charm is its close proximity to nature. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Wildlife sanctuaries, islands, seaside villages, ocean beaches and regional parks provide huge scope for outdoor fun. Many visitors choose to base themselves in the vibrant inner city, where it’s easy to walk to boutique shops, art galleries, trendy cafés and restaurants. Dominating the spectacular waterfront is Te Papa Tongrewa - the interactive, innovative museum that’s one of New Zealand’s key cultural attractions.
March 29th & 30th we will be at sea where you might now try tackling the Rock Climbing Wall or try your luck at Jackpot Bingo, and last but not least…pack.
March 31st this 18- Night Circumnavigation cruise of Australia will come to an end arriving in Sydney at 6:00 am.
It is a major international tourist destination notable for its beaches and twin landmarks: the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. The metropolitan area is surrounded by national parks, and contains many bays, rivers and inlets.
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