15 Jan – 31 Jan 2016
Join Wine Diva Deb on the Azamara Quest and explore ‘Down Under’.
Sydney’s got it all: a stunning harbor, opera house, botanic gardens, great shopping and nightlife, too. In Melbourne, discover the breathtaking coastlines, forests and famous wineries near Great Ocean Road. A morning at the famous penal colony at Port Arthur is followed by Hobart, a lively food-and-wine destination with a colorful waterfront and markets. In New Zealand, sail scenic Milford Sound and opt to visit the jaw-dropping lake and mountain country around Queenstown, rejoining the ship in Dunedin the next day (added cost). There’s much more: Marlborough wine country from Picton; Cape Kidnappers, Hawke’s Bay wineries and art deco tours from Napier; and Tauranga’s kiwi farms and Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal springs.
Voyage Details
| Date | Port/City | Activity | Arrival | Depart |
| Fri 15 Jan | Sydney, Australia | Embark | ||
| Sat 16 Jan | Sydney, Australia | Docked | 5:00pm | |
| Sun 17 Jan | At Sea | Cruising | ||
| Mon 18 Jan | Melbourne, Australia | Docked | 8:00am | 9:00pm |
| Tue 19 Jan | At Sea | Cruising | ||
| Wed 20 Jan | Port Arthur, Tasmania | Tendered | 7:00am | 1:00pm |
| Wed 20 Jan | Hobart, Tasmania | Docked | 6:30pm | |
| Thu 21 Jan | Hobart, Tasmania | Docked | 6:00pm | |
| Fri 22 Jan | At Sea | Cruising | ||
| Sat 23 Jan | At Sea | Cruising | ||
| Sun 24 Jan | Milford Sound, New Zealand | Cruising | 7:00am | 10:00am |
| Mon 25 Jan | Dunedin, New Zealand | Docked | 10:00am | 7:30pm |
| Tue 26 Jan | Akaroa, New Zealand | Tendered | 9:00am | 7:00pm |
| Wed 27 Jan | Picton, New Zealand | Docked | 11:00am | 7:00pm |
| Thu 28 Jan | Napier, New Zealand | Docked | 1:00pm | 7:00pm |
| Fri 29 Jan | Tauranga, New Zealand | Docked | 5:00pm | |
| Sat 30 Jan | Tauranga, New Zealand | Docked | 6:00pm | |
| Sun 31 Jan | Auckland, New Zealand | Debark | 7:00am |
Port Details
Sydney, Australia
The state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in the country, Sydney sits on the Tasman Sea, along the southeast coast of Australia. Surrounding Sydney Harbour, the city has a rich artistic and cultural life: the iconic Sydney Opera House is not only a prominent feature of the famous skyline, but also a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the streets of the city to shop, dine, and view spectacular architecture and heritage buildings including Parliament House, Sydney Town Hall, and the Australian Museum. Visit popular sites like Manly Beach, Darling Harbour and Taronga Zoo for the Australian wildlife exhibits plus wonderful views of Sydney Harbour, or tour the city on your own via bike along Sydney’s cycleways.
Melbourne, Victoria
Victoria’s capital city, Melbourne sits on the Yarra River and around the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Widely considered the cultural capital of Australia, it is the hub of the film and television industry, and also has been named a UNESCO City of Literature. Take in the restored 19th-century architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition building, much of which was built following the Victorian gold rush. Visit the seaside suburb of St. Kilda for such renowned attractions as Luna Park, Fitzroy Street, and St. Kilda Beach, the city’s most famous beach. Stroll through Melbourne’s interconnected arcades and laneways, filled with vibrant street art, boutiques, restaurants and cafes, or enjoy a leisurely walk though the heart of the city center at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Port Arthur, Tasmania
Located on the Tasman Peninsula, 37 miles southeast of the state capital of Hobart, Port Arthur, and its arresting history, forms part of the Australian Convict Sites, which has earned a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Visit the 18th- and 19th-century structures built within the British Empire, which now serve as the best surviving examples of Australia’s rich history of its captive population and their labor, which produced much of this architecture. Tour The Coal Mines Historic Site, Tasmania’s first operational mine, and visit the ruins of the buildings where the workers and their families once lived. Those who wish for a more immersive experience can brave the Paranormal Investigation Experience, using scientific techniques to search for paranormal activity.
Hobart, Tasmania
The capital and most populous city in Tasmania, Hobart is also the second-oldest capital after Sydney, New South Wales. Stroll the historic waterfront, famous for its Georgian buildings, and make sure to view the 1830s sandstone treasure, Salamanca Place. Climb Mount Wellington or take a day trip to discover the vast beauty of Bruny Island. Drive along the East Coast Escape to Freycinet National Park, part of the World Heritage-listed wilderness, and hike the six-day Overland Track, stretching over 40 miles. Visit the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula, a mid-19th-century prison which was considered inescapable due in part to its surrounding of shark-infested waters.
Dunedin, New Zealand
Located in the South Island region of New Zealand, Dunedin is bordered by the Tasman Sea. The gold rush in the early 1860s not only made it the richest province in the country, but also brought people from far and wide in search of wealth. Settled by Scotland, a statue of the poet Robbie Burns looks over the Octagon in the city’s center. Take a guided coach tour around the city and view the Flemish architecture and the Otago Peninsula. Stroll along one of the many beautiful, white sandy beaches. View some of the wildlife unique to the area, like the Northern Royal Albatross, the Little Blue Penguin, and the Kiwi. Learn more about local culture at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, where you’ll discover the story of the people who settled here.
Akaroa, New Zealand
Named for the Māori word for “Long Harbor”, Akaroa is a village situated in the heart of an ancient volcano on the South Island of New Zealand. With waters that are home to the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin, the Hector’s Dolphin, Akaroa is a haven for animal lovers. Spot New Zealand fur seals, little blue penguins, and various sea life. Take a tour of an Alpaca farm, and get up close and personal with the unique animals. View the Colonial architecture, crafts, and cafés as you explore the Outer Bays. For some great surf, visit Le Bons Bay or Okains Bay beaches. The drama of the landscape allows you to slow down to take it all in.
Picton, New Zealand
A seaside town situated in the Marlborough region, and close to the head of Queen Charlotte Sound on the South Island, Picton is a great jumping off point for exploring the Marlborough Sounds. The area offers a variety of adventures including fishing, swimming, and bird watching—not to mention enjoying delicious local seafood. The Edwin Fox Maritime Museum is also a popular attraction, showcasing the fascinating adventures of the Edwin Fox, one of the oldest ships in the world, as she sailed around the globe. Take a wine tour through one of the vineyards of Picton, and sample acclaimed wines like Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Visit the playful fur seal pups at their colony near the waterfall at Ohau Point or conquer The Queen Charlotte Track on foot or by mountain bike.
Napier, New Zealand
Located in Hawke’s Bay on the eastern coast of the North Island, Napier has a population of over 58,000 and has a sister city, Hastings, which together are known as “The Bay Cities.” Its exceptional concentration of 1930s Art Deco architecture is symptomatic of the city having been razed by the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Make a pilgrimage to Pania of the Reef, a statue of a figure of Māori mythology, and one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Take a guided walk around the city, or visit the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers. Spend a day testing out the local vineyards, or stop by the Napier farmers’ market for fresh artisan products.
Tauranga, New Zealand
Initially settled by the Maori in the 13th century, Tauranga is situated midway on the North Island’s eastern coast, and is now the most populous city in New Zealand’s renowned Bay of Plenty. A popular coastal town with a subtropical climate, Tauranga features beautiful golden beaches, lush parks, and a laidback atmosphere, while offering an array of adventures including dolphin watching, hiking, fishing, sailing, and diving. Choose from such activities as nature discovery tours, a Tauranga sightseeing trip, or even a jet boat ride. Head to Mount Maunganui—a favorite locale with both surfers and hikers alike—or visit such sites as Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, Kaiate Falls, and The Strand waterfront area for its variety of restaurants, pubs, cafes, and nightclubs.
Auckland, New Zealand
The urban area of Auckland, in the North Island, is the most populous in New Zealand. The only city in the world built on an active basaltic volcanic field, its warm, coastal climate allows for surfing at black-sand beaches, picnics in secluded coves, or horseback riding. Tour a sheep farm, take a guided tour of the coastal rainforest, or go on a harbor cruise. Immerse yourself in Auckland’s art, Māori culture, and history. View the beauty of the coastline from above when you go hang gliding, or take a trip around the winemaking regions of either Matakana or Waiheke Island. No matter what your speed, it’s easy to find an authentic New Zealand experience.
On Board Inclusions
- An AzAmazing EveningSM event
- Select standard spirits, and international selection of beers in addition to boutique red and white wines throughout the voyage
- Gratuities (dining, bar and housekeeping)
- Shuttles to/from port communities, where available
- Bottled Water, Sodas and specialty Coffee & Teas
- Concierge Service
- Self-Service Laundry
- Spa and Wellness Center
- All gourmet meals
- Casino
- Aqua Spa and Fitness center
- Piano and Wine bar, and Live Entertainment
Pricing Details* (per person US$)
*Airfare not included in prices listed
| Pricing | ||
![]() |
Balcony Cabin | $7,436 |
![]() |
Oceanview Cabin | $6,096 |
![]() |
Inside Cabin | $6,036 |
![]() |
Suite | Sold Out |
To Reserve your space
Send email to: winedivadeb@yahoo.com or call Wine Diva Deb on 206-617-6160.
A deposit of $1,100/cabin is required. Final Payment is due September 1, 2015.
All reservations based on double occupancy. Non refundable $25 booking fee will apply to all booking. Travel Insurance highly recommended as well as Personal & Medical Insurance.
Azamara Club Cruises reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds US$65 per barrel.









