Don't miss
It’s not all about the city; there is stunning natural beauty within easy reach, including black sand beaches, islands and extinct volcanic cones.
From Auckland to Brisbane
Australia & New Zealand Explorer
From Auckland to Brisbane
Australia & New Zealand Explorer
Voyage Itinerary
Before you board
One night in Auckland
Fly overnight to Auckland via Doha and on arrival transfer to your included Auckland hotel for a one-night stay (alternatively opt for a post-stay Brisbane hotel stay - just ask us when booking). The following day transfer to the port to embark the ship.
3 March
New Zealand: Auckland
Auckland offers a buzzing waterfront and a vibrant arts scene, and provides a fascinating introduction to New Zealand’s proud cultural heritage. The centre is home to excellent shopping and a number of fantastic restaurants, and to the west is the city's oldest wine region.
4 March
New Zealand: Tauranga
Tauranga is the largest city on the Bay of Plenty, and is said to be one of the sunniest spots in the whole of New Zealand. There’s a real boom town feel here, with new restaurants, bars and hotels opening all the time, and neighbouring Mount Maunganui is a popular beach destination.
5 March
New Zealand: Napier
When Napier was destroyed by an earthquake in 1931 the city was rebuilt entirely in the Art Deco style, making this a fascinating architectural time capsule. It’s a lovely, sunny seaside city, and a visit to the surrounding Hawke’s Bay wine region makes for an enjoyable day trip.
6 March
New Zealand: Wellington
New Zealand’s cosmopolitan capital is arguably the country’s most likeable city. Hemmed in by forest-clad hills, Wellington is compact and easily walkable, with a lovely waterfront area where you’ll find the must-see Te Papa national museum. The city is also renowned for its strong winds, so make sure you hold on to your hat!
7 March
New Zealand: Christchurch
A garden city where punts glide down the Avon River, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were still in the UK when arriving into Christchurch, New Zealand’s most English of cities.
8 March
New Zealand: Dunedin
Visitors to Dunedin are amazed by the extraordinary Victorian and Edwardian buildings dating back to the gold rush, which bring to mind the city's Scottish roots - not least when the sound of the pipes echoes through the streets.
9 March to 11 March - At sea
12 March to 13 March
Australia: Melbourne
Culturally sophisticated and fashionably hip, Melbourne combines edgy street art with gold rush era architecture while offering excellent restaurants and top museums. If you have time, check out some of Victoria's other attractions, including the beautiful 12 Apostles and the excellent wines of the Yarra Valley.
14 March - At sea
15 March
Australia: Sydney
One or our favourite cities in the world, we love pretty much everything about Sydney. Offering outdoor living at its best, the city is known for the excellent beaches but offers so much more, including a thriving and varied food scene inspired by Asian and European flavours.
16 March
Australia: Newcastle (New South Wales)
The port of Newcastle, just to the north of Sydney, is the second oldest city in Australia. Historically associated with convicts and coal mining, Newcastle is reinventing itself as a hip post-industrial city, with plenty of cool bars, restaurants and cultural attractions. It’s also the gateway to the Hunter Valley, one of Australia’s most famous wine regions.
17 March - At sea
18 March
Arriving in Brisbane
Brisbane has plenty of shopping malls and, with great weather, a fantastic café culture. Amongst the steel and glass skyscrapers are some interesting historic buildings, and with plenty surrounding the city there’s enough on offer to make for an interesting short stay.
Our tip
Stroll through the South Bank Parklands. An inviting stretch along the river with barbecue areas, pockets of rainforest, cafés and bars, and even man-made beaches and tropical swimming pools.
The ship
Crystal Serenity
- Capacity:
- 740 Guests
- Style:
- A new era of Crystal: Reduced guest capacity means nearly onestaff member per guest and together with enhanced contemporaryaccommodations, award-winning cuisine and extensive entertainmentoptions means this is a true luxury experience.
Arguably one of the finest ships at sea returned to the ultra-luxury cruise sector in 2023, completely refurbished and enhanced.
What we love
Following extensive refurbishment, Crystal Serenity has emerged reinvigorated with contemporary, spacious accommodations and an industry-leading space to guest ratio. The array of social areas, wide-ranging entertainment and world-class dining options deliver the ultimate in luxury cruising.
inclusions
- All meals including room service
- Drinks including premium spirits
- Onboard entertainment including shows, lectures, classes and more
- Onboard gratuities
- Complimentary WiFi
Tailor-make your trip
Ways to make it better
Where to stay in Auckland
There are some great luxury lodges within easy reach of the city. In the city itself we like the Langham.
Around Auckland
About 3 hours north of the city is the Bay of Islands, an area of pristine islands and turquoise water as well as small towns of historic and cultural interest.
Where to stay in Brisbane
Although not super luxury, we like the Spicers Balfour.
Around Brisbane
Moreton Bay is home to a great diversity of marine life, with stunning beaches and excellent wreck diving, and offers exciting 4x4 adventures.
How can we help?
Our frequently asked questions
From cruise tips to travel protection, here are some of our most-asked questions
visit our faqs
Will I save by booking with Mundy Cruising?
Absolutely. You'll save money and time by booking with us rather than directly with the cruise line and enjoy more flexibility in your travel arrangements. We have access to preferential rates and exclusive offers, and we offer expert advice on how to get the best value.
Can you help with pre and post-cruise arrangements?
From flights and transfers to hotels and tours, we can help with all your travel needs to make sure your trip is exceptional. What's more, we are members of ABTA and also offer full ATOL protection, not to mention a 24hr emergency contact, so we offer complete peace of mind.
What are the benefits of a small luxury ship?
Because small ships are able to reach smaller ports of call and provide a higher level of service than their big ship counterparts, we believe that small ship cruising is the very best way to travel. Usually they offer more space per person, and an attentive team to make sure you have the very best experience. Small ship cruising offers the very best of the best.
cruise news
Latest news and travel inspiration
News, trip reports, cruising advice and industry insight brought to you from our expert team.
Why Mundy?
Who we are
Founded in 1970, we have sold more luxury cruises for more years than anyone else in the UK.
Mundy Cruising was the very first cruise specialist in the UK. We have been making the best cruise holidays even better since 1970.
How? Simply by offering our clients more expertise, more personal service, more unique ideas, more fascinating add-ons, more fabulous freebies and more peace of mind.
We're happy to do all of that over the phone. But if you prefer to chat face to face, why not visit us at our comfortable offices on London's High Holborn - we'd be delighted to see you.
