Silversea: 18 nights from Auckland with Silver Dawn (Feb 24, 2026)

Auckland

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, which is located on the North Island. It got its start in 1840 and was named after George Eden, he was the first Earl of Auckland. Before Europeans showed up, the area was home to the Māori, New Zealand’s indigenous people. Key historical spots like Mount Eden and Maungakiekie are still super important to the Māori. The Māori have a bunch of myths and legends about Auckland. One such myth tells of a giant lizard, Taniwha, who supposedly lives in the Hauraki Gulf waters.

These tales are passed down through the generations and are a vital part of the local culture. Back in the 19th century, Auckland was a major port and trading center, which helped it grow fast. In 1865, the capital of New Zealand was moved to Wellington, but Auckland kept booming thanks to its strategic location and industrial potential. It’s called the "City of Sails'' because there are so many yachts in the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland has a bunch of museums and art galleries, like the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery.

The city’s surrounded by gorgeous beaches, volcanic hills and dense forests. There are also several nature reserves and national parks nearby. Auckland’s cuisine is super diverse, reflecting its multicultural vibe. You’ll find restaurants serving Asian, European, Polynesian and Māori dishes. One of New Zealand’s national dishes is hangi, it’s a traditional Māori meal cooked in an earth oven. Meat and veggies are cooked in underground pits with hot stones, giving them a unique smoky flavor. Auckland is a major cruise hub for cruise tourism in the Pacific. The Port of Auckland sees a bunch of cruise ships heading out to the Pacific Islands, New Zealand’s coast and Australia. Popular cruise destinations include Vanuatu, Fiji and New Caledonia.

Cruises from Auckland offer not only luxury and relaxation on board but also a chance to see awesome landscapes and get a taste of New Zealand’s culture. Auckland is a city with a rich history, cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty, attracting tourists from all over the world with its cuisine, attractions and cruise opportunities.

Hobart

Hobart, on the southeastern coast of Tasmania, is the capital city of Tasmania, an island state of Australia. It's the second oldest capital city in Australia, after Sydney, and is known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and vibrant culture. All these attractions make the city a unique and appealing destination for visitors. Its location provides a picturesque setting with a mix of mountainous and waterfront views.

There, tourists have the opportunity to admire beautiful views and enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. For this reason the city is considered the ideal destination both for nature and sport lovers. For example, Mount Wellington offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and sightseeing. Hobart is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cultural events.

The city hosts several major events and festivals, such as the Taste of Tasmania, Dark Mofo, and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Hobart is a gateway for tourists exploring the rest of Tasmania, including destinations like Port Arthur, Bruny Island, and the wilderness of the West Coast.

Melbourne

Historical Tapestry

Rich in history, Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was established in 1835 and quickly prospered during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, becoming one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities of its time. This period left an indelible mark on the city's architecture, with grand Victorian buildings still dominating the streetscapes. Melbourne's historical narrative is also deeply interwoven with the stories of the Aboriginal peoples, the traditional owners of the land, offering a complex and enriching cultural heritage to discover.

Varied Climate

Melbourne is famous for experiencing "four seasons in one day," thanks to its temperate oceanic climate. This weather pattern adds to the city's charm, offering warm to hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters. Such diversity encourages visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the year, from summer festivals to cozy winter markets.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

As a city celebrated for its culture, Melbourne is brimming with attractions. The arts and coffee culture here are unparalleled, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cafes at every turn. Sports enthusiasts will find a haven in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while nature lovers can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. For those interested in wildlife, the Melbourne Zoo offers close encounters with Australian and exotic animals. The city's bustling laneways and arcades also provide a unique shopping and dining experience.

Exquisite Culinary Scene

Melbourne's culinary landscape is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering an array of exquisite flavors from around the globe. The city takes pride in its quality coffee, vibrant food markets like the Queen Victoria Market, and a plethora of dining options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Melbourne is also at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, showcasing local Victorian produce in many of its eateries.

Gateway to the Seas

Embarking on a cruise from Melbourne opens up a world of possibilities. The city's state-of-the-art cruise terminal is your gateway to exploring the scenic beauty of Tasmania, the untouched wilderness of New Zealand, or the tropical paradises of the Pacific Islands. Starting your journey in Melbourne means beginning with an experience rich in culture, history, and gastronomy, setting the stage for an unforgettable maritime adventure.

Melbourne

Historical Tapestry

Rich in history, Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was established in 1835 and quickly prospered during the Victorian gold rush of the 1850s, becoming one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities of its time. This period left an indelible mark on the city's architecture, with grand Victorian buildings still dominating the streetscapes. Melbourne's historical narrative is also deeply interwoven with the stories of the Aboriginal peoples, the traditional owners of the land, offering a complex and enriching cultural heritage to discover.

Varied Climate

Melbourne is famous for experiencing "four seasons in one day," thanks to its temperate oceanic climate. This weather pattern adds to the city's charm, offering warm to hot summers, mild springs and autumns, and cool winters. Such diversity encourages visitors to enjoy a wide range of activities throughout the year, from summer festivals to cozy winter markets.

Cultural and Natural Attractions

As a city celebrated for its culture, Melbourne is brimming with attractions. The arts and coffee culture here are unparalleled, with numerous galleries, theaters, and cafes at every turn. Sports enthusiasts will find a haven in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, while nature lovers can explore the Royal Botanic Gardens. For those interested in wildlife, the Melbourne Zoo offers close encounters with Australian and exotic animals. The city's bustling laneways and arcades also provide a unique shopping and dining experience.

Exquisite Culinary Scene

Melbourne's culinary landscape is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering an array of exquisite flavors from around the globe. The city takes pride in its quality coffee, vibrant food markets like the Queen Victoria Market, and a plethora of dining options ranging from street food to high-end restaurants. Melbourne is also at the forefront of the farm-to-table movement, showcasing local Victorian produce in many of its eateries.

Gateway to the Seas

Embarking on a cruise from Melbourne opens up a world of possibilities. The city's state-of-the-art cruise terminal is your gateway to exploring the scenic beauty of Tasmania, the untouched wilderness of New Zealand, or the tropical paradises of the Pacific Islands. Starting your journey in Melbourne means beginning with an experience rich in culture, history, and gastronomy, setting the stage for an unforgettable maritime adventure.

Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital of South Australia. Here, you have the opportunity to see elegant architectures, boutiques, sandy beaches, beautiful arts events, nightlife and great restaurants.

It is a refined city without traffic jams, with a simply perfect Mediterranean climate. Hills and beaches are distant only 20 minutes from the center. Swim with dolphins in Glenelg and take part into summer celebrations along the beaches of Henley waterfront are just some of the actives that the city offers. If your passion is fresh food, in Adelaide Central Markets you can buy top quality local products produced by local farmer from all over the state. The Torrens river flows from Adelaide Hills to Henley Beach. Lake Torrens in Adelaide city is a famous and picturesque place to relax in the sun or having a pic-nic, while cycling and walking trails can help you stretch your legs in peace or walk and jog.

Adelaide has a beautiful natural environment: the shores of its western suburbs are composed of long beaches, where the waves crash toward the Gulf of St Vincent, while a wide expanse of green hills, Adelaide Hills, sorrounds the city. In this city full of public parks, birds are free to flight such as Cacatua perched on lampposts, groups of colourful parrots and black swans gracefully glide over the waves of the river. For inhabitans, they are part of everyday life.
While other Australian cities focued on skyscrapers made of glass and steel, Adelaide has decided to mantain its traditional architecture and, even in the city center stone buildings are no more than a couple of storeys high. Consequently, Adelaide is human-scale city in a quiet and convenient atmosphere.

Unlike the hills, the west side can be discovered in seaside neighbourhoods: Glenelg is the city's most famous beach. During summer, tha main street can be reached on foot passing through waterfront.

Kangaroo Island

Port Lincoln

Esperance

Busselton

Perth

A Glimpse into Perth's Past

Perth, the capital city of Western Australia, boasts a vibrant history that dates back thousands of years, with the Noongar people as its original inhabitants. European exploration began in the late 17th century, but it was not until 1829 that Perth was founded as part of the Swan River Colony. Since then, Perth has grown into a bustling, dynamic city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern innovation. Visitors are invited to explore historic sites such as Fremantle Prison and the Perth Mint to delve into the city's fascinating past.

Sunshine and Blue Skies

Renowned for its sunshine and mild weather, Perth enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. This idyllic weather pattern allows for year-round exploration and enjoyment of the city's stunning beaches, beautiful parks, and outdoor activities. Whether you're basking in the summer sun at Cottesloe Beach or enjoying a winter walk through Kings Park, Perth's climate is one of its most inviting attributes.

Must-See Attractions

Perth is a treasure trove of attractions, offering everything from scenic natural landscapes to a thriving arts scene. Kings Park, one of the world's largest inner-city parks, provides spectacular views of the city skyline. Meanwhile, Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride away, is home to the adorable quokka and offers pristine beaches and unique wildlife. The city's cultural precinct, Northbridge, buzzes with art galleries, theaters, and museums, making Perth a dynamic mix of natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.

Flavours of Perth

The culinary scene in Perth is a reflection of its multicultural population, offering an array of dining experiences that range from street food markets to high-end restaurants. Fresh local produce, seafood, and wines from nearby Swan Valley and Margaret River regions highlight menus, providing a taste of Western Australia's bounty. Food festivals and markets, such as the Twilight Hawkers Market, offer the perfect opportunity to sample a variety of dishes and local delicacies.

Embark from the Edge of the World

Starting your cruise from Perth opens up a world of adventure, offering voyages along the stunning western coast of Australia, to the exotic destinations of Asia, and beyond. As a city that combines modern amenities with natural beauty, Perth serves as an ideal starting point for your maritime journey. Explore the city's wonders, then set sail from its world-class ports on a cruise that promises to be as unforgettable as Perth itself.