Azamara : 14 nights from Auckland with Azamara Pursuit
Jan 21, 2028

Waitangi (Bay Of Islands)

Norfolk

Norfolk: Naval History and Culture in the Heart of Virginia

Norfolk, located on the coast of Virginia, is an ideal stop to explore naval history and vibrant local culture. Start your visit at Nauticus, the interactive maritime center, where you can also explore the USS Wisconsin, one of the largest battleships ever built by the United States Navy. Stroll along the Elizabeth River Waterfront to enjoy a splendid view of the bay and discover local restaurants and shops. For an immersive experience, visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden, a green oasis perfect for relaxing.

A Journey Through Norfolk's History

Norfolk, Virginia, with its strategic location at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, boasts a rich tapestry of American history. Founded in 1682, it has been a witness to numerous pivotal moments, from colonial settlements to significant naval battles. The city's maritime heritage is prominently displayed at the Nauticus museum, alongside the Battleship Wisconsin, a testament to Norfolk's enduring naval significance. This deep-rooted history is intertwined with the growth of Norfolk as a cultural and economic hub, offering visitors a glimpse into America's past and present.

Embracing the Climate of Norfolk

Norfolk enjoys a mild, subtropical climate, characterized by warm summers and cool winters. This pleasant weather allows for year-round outdoor activities and exploration. Spring brings blooming azaleas and dogwoods, transforming the city into a vibrant palette of colors, while fall cools down the summer heat with a gentle breeze, perfect for strolling along the Elizabeth River Trail. Norfolk's weather enhances the beauty of its landscapes, making it an inviting destination for those who appreciate the outdoors.

Discovering Norfolk's Attractions

Norfolk's attractions reflect its rich maritime history and cultural diversity. The Virginia Zoo and Norfolk Botanical Garden offer immersive experiences with nature. The Chrysler Museum of Art, renowned for its impressive glass art collection, and the vibrant NEON District, with its outdoor murals and art installations, highlight the city's artistic flair. For those interested in the performing arts, the Virginia Opera and the Norfolk Symphony provide enchanting evenings of entertainment. These attractions, among others, position Norfolk as a compelling destination for visitors and cruisers seeking enrichment and adventure.

Tasting Norfolk's Culinary Scene

The culinary scene in Norfolk is a celebration of the region's bounty, especially its seafood. Local specialties include Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, oysters, and the city's unique take on Southern cuisine. The revitalized downtown area, particularly the Waterside District, offers an array of dining options from upscale eateries to casual breweries, reflecting Norfolk's growing foodie culture. The city's commitment to local produce and seafood ensures that every meal is an opportunity to explore Virginia's flavors.

Setting Sail from Norfolk

Norfolk's status as a coastal city makes it an ideal starting point for cruises. The Half Moone Cruise and Celebration Center, a state-of-the-art facility, welcomes travelers embarking on journeys to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and beyond. Starting a cruise from Norfolk not only offers the convenience of a local departure but also the chance to explore this historic city's attractions, cuisine, and culture. With unique itineraries and packages available, Norfolk provides a distinctive gateway to the sea, inviting cruisers to begin their voyage in a city where history and modernity blend seamlessly.

New Plymouth

Nelson

Nelson is a city in New Zealand located in the northern part of the South Island overlooking the Cook Strait. It is the administrative capital of one of the country's four unitary authorities, in fact it concentrates both the tasks of the region and those of the district. Nelson is an art center of some importance in New Zealand: it hosts the annual Wearable Arts Awards festival (whose winners have the privilege of seeing their works exhibited at the appropriate museum, the Wearable Arts Museum); equally important is the Nelson Arts Festival. Nelson takes its name from English Admiral Horatio Nelson, winner of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, in which he defeated the French and Spanish fleets. In the Nelson area there are clear signs of an ancient Māori settlement, dating back to around 900 AD. The first English settlers arrived around 1841 following the New Zealand Company. Nelson acquired the status of city in 1858, as the seat of an Anglican bishop; the role that the church played in the development of the city is remarkable: Nelson boasts the second oldest church in the country (1846), the parish of St. John. Andrew Sutter, bishop of Nelson from 1867 to 1891, can be considered the "artistic" father of the city, being himself a great connoisseur of art as well as a fine painter: the city's gallery that bears his name, the fulcrum of cultural activities in the area, owes its birth to the donation that the bishop made to the city of his valuable collection of watercolors, a testimony of the first colonial period. The economic life of Nelson is linked to summer tourism (attracted thanks to the beautiful endless beaches), and to cultivation. Agriculture produces most of the hops and all the tobacco in New Zealand; also noteworthy is the cultivation of various types of fruit.

Akaroa

Located just 75 km from the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement located in the heart of an ancient volcano.

Explore the village with its colonial architecture, galleries, craft shops and cafes, or take part in the many activities offered, you can take 4WD trips to the largest small penguin colony on the mainland.

Many dolphins, smaller and rarer in the world, can be found within Akaroa port, it's the perfect way to see these wonderful creatures, along with the fascinating life of birds and other mammals in their natural habitat, one of the great tourist attractions. Akaroa has superb examples of historic homes and there are about fifteen gardens within 20 minutes of Akaroa that are open to the public, the area is unique for its heritage roses and micro climates, the popular Akaroa Herb Farm, road landscapes and historic churches.

Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers

Kaikoura

Napier

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.