13 Night Best Of New Zealand (Auckland To Sydney)
Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice
October 18, 2026
13 Night Best Of New Zealand

Celebrity Solstice - 10/18/2026

The October 18, 2026 cruise on the Celebrity Solstice departs from Auckland, New Zealand. On this 13 Night Best Of New Zealand (Auckland To Sydney) sailing, the ship will visit a total of 11 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The Celebrity Solstice sets sail on Sunday, Oct 18th and returns on Saturday, Oct 31st.

Cruise Length
13
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Auckland
New Zealand
Port Stops
11
Sea Days
4

Cruise Pricing

The graph below tracks historic price of the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship departing October 18, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $2,479 ($191 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $2,023 ($156 per night), this represents a recent increase of 22%.

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Inside Cabin
$2,479
22%
vs Avg $2,023
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Cruise Itinerary

Itinerary

Celebrity Solstice - October 18, 2026 - 13 Nights

DayDatePort
1Oct 18thAuckland, New Zealand
2Oct 18thAuckland, New Zealand
3Oct 20thAt Sea
4Oct 21stTauranga, New Zealand
5Oct 22ndAt Sea
6Oct 23rdNapier, New Zealand
7Oct 24thPicton, New Zealand
8Oct 25thWellington, New Zealand
9Oct 26thChristchurch, New Zealand
10Oct 27thPort Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
11Oct 28thCruise Doubtful Sound
11Oct 28thCruise Dusky Sound
11Oct 28thCruise Milford Sound
12Oct 29thAt Sea
13Oct 30thAt Sea
14Oct 31stSydney, Australia
show more...

The Celebrity Solstice sails on October 18, 2026 for a 13 Night Best Of New Zealand (Auckland To Sydney). The ship will depart the port of Auckland, New Zealand at N/A and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on Oct 31st at 6:30 AM. During the 16-day journey, the Celebrity Solstice will visit 10 additional ports and will spend 4 days at sea.

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on my comprehensive research of cruise port safety information, including recent crime reports, travel advisories, Global Peace Index rankings, and specific port security concerns, we've created a "safety score" for each cruise port stop. The overall rating below represents a combined score for your specific cruise itinerary.

Itinerary Safety Rank
87 / 100
safer than 87% of all cruises
87
8
/ 10
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland
Auckland offers a generally safe environment for cruise travelers, but visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime in tourist areas.
9
/ 10
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga
Tauranga, New Zealand, offers a low-crime environment and well-developed facilities, ensuring a safe experience for cruise travelers.
9
/ 10
Napier, New Zealand
Napier
Napier, New Zealand, offers travelers a safe experience with a low crime rate and well-maintained infrastructure for exploration.
9
/ 10
Picton, New Zealand
Picton
Picton is a safe cruise port with low crime rates, but travelers should prioritize road safety and remain vigilant about environmental hazards.
9
/ 10
Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington
Wellington is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, allowing travelers to explore its attractions with minimal risk.
8
/ 10
Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch
Christchurch is generally safe for cruise travelers, but it's wise to stay aware of your surroundings and take standard precautions.
9
/ 10
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Port Chalmers
Port Chalmers offers a safe environment for cruise travelers with low crime rates and well-maintained facilities for exploration.
10
/ 10
Cruise Doubtful Sound
Doubtful Sound
Travelers can safely enjoy the stunning beauty of Doubtful Sound from their cruise ship without concerns about land-based excursions.
10
/ 10
Cruise Dusky Sound
Dusky Sound
Travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty of Dusky Sound safely while remaining on board their cruise ships, minimizing potential risks.
10
/ 10
Cruise Milford Sound
Milford Sound
Travelers can safely enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Milford Sound from the stability of their cruise ship, ensuring a secure experience.
8
/ 10
Sydney, Australia
Sydney
Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in tourist areas and nightlife districts while enjoying the overall safety of Sydney.

Cruise Ship

Celebrity Solstice Size Infographic

Celebrity Solstice

122 k
tonnage
1,033 ft
length
2008
year built
1,426
cabins
2,852
passengers
1,250
crew

CELEBRITY SOLSTICE SIZE

The Solstice has a construction date of 2008 and a total size of 121,878 gross tons. The ship measures 1,033 feet (315 meters) in length. Celebrity Solstice is included in Celebrity’s Solstice Class. At full capacity, the Celebrity Solstice holds 4,102 passengers. That includes 2,852 cruise vacationers and 1,250 staff members. The Solstice total number of staterooms is 1,426.

Celebrity Solstice Size & Stats

  • Gross Tonnage:121,878 GT
  • Length:1,033 ft (315 m)
  • Beam:121 ft (37 m)
  • Draft:27 ft (8 m)
  • Max Speed:28 mph (24 kn)
  • Year Built:2008
  • Years Served:2008 - Present
  • Capacity:2,852
  • Crew Members:1,250
  • Total on Board:4,102
  • Total Staterooms:1,426
  • Flagged Country:Malta
  • Ship Cost:640 Million
  • Status:active

To see how this compares, click through to see Celebrity Solstice age and stats vs all Celebrity ships. There you’ll find graphs showing length, capacity, tonnage and more for this ship vs all in the fleet.

To check out the ship from top to bottom, click here for Celebrity Solstice Deck Plans.

Cruise Ports

Day1
N/A N/AN/A

Auckland, New Zealand, offers docking at Auckland Port. Travelers explore Sky Tower and Waiheke Island. Excursions include Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Hauraki Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Auckland’s urban charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic islands, making Auckland an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day2
OCT 192026
D:7:00 PM

Auckland, New Zealand, offers docking at Auckland Port. Travelers explore Sky Tower and Waiheke Island. Excursions include Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Hauraki Gulf vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Auckland’s urban charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern landmarks and scenic islands, making Auckland an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day3
OCT 202026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day4
OCT 212026
A:6:00 AMD:5:15 PM

Tauranga, New Zealand, offers docking at Tauranga Port. Travelers explore Mount Maunganui and Rotorua’s geothermal sites. Excursions include Maori cultural tours. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures geysers and Bay of Plenty vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance geothermal hikes. Tauranga’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of natural wonders and indigenous heritage, making Tauranga an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day5
OCT 222026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day6
OCT 232026
A:7:00 AMD:5:00 PM

Napier, New Zealand, offers docking at Napier Port. Travelers explore Art Deco District and Hawke’s Bay wineries. Excursions visit Cape Kidnappers’ gannets. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Art Deco buildings and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Ngāti Kahungunu history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Napier’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of architectural heritage and scenic vineyards, making Napier an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day7
OCT 242026
A:8:00 AMD:7:00 PM

Picton, New Zealand, offers docking at Picton Port. Travelers explore Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Track. Excursions include wine-tasting in Blenheim. Local markets sell whitebait fritters. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures fjord-like sounds and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance track hikes. Picton’s coastal charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic waterways and wine regions, making Picton an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day8
OCT 252026
A:7:00 AMD:6:00 PM

Wellington, New Zealand, offers docking at Wellington Port. Travelers explore Te Papa Museum and Mount Victoria. Excursions visit Weta Workshop. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures urban harbors and Cook Strait vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like Maori crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Polynesian history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Wellington’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of modern museums and scenic lookouts, making Wellington an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)

Day9
OCT 262026
A:7:00 AMD:5:00 PM

Christchurch, New Zealand, docks at Lyttelton Port, 12 kilometers from downtown, with shuttles for 20-minute rides. The city, population 380,000, features the Botanic Gardens and Transitional Cathedral. Local markets sell pavlova. Excursions to Akaroa, 1 hour south, offer dolphin cruises. Peak season December to March; taxis 10-20 NZD. Dining includes lamb shanks at riverside cafes. Souvenirs feature greenstone pendants.

Day10
OCT 272026
New Zealand
A:7:00 AMD:5:00 PM

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand, offers docking at Port Chalmers. Travelers explore Larnach Castle and Otago Peninsula. Excursions include wildlife tours for albatross. Local markets sell hokey pokey. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures Gothic castles and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes whitebait fritters, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like paua crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while sturdy shoes enhance peninsula hikes. Port Chalmers’ cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic castles and scenic wildlife, making Port Chalmers an engaging destination. (126 words)

Day11
OCT 282026
A:12:30 PMD:2:00 PM

Doubtful Sound, a pristine fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park, offers no docking; ships cruise the tranquil waterway. Travelers marvel at fur seals basking on rocky outcrops and rare Fiordland crested penguins diving in the clear waters. Zodiac excursions venture to Blanket Bay, revealing lush rainforests and cascading waterfalls framed by steep cliffs. No facilities are available, so all provisions come from the ship. The peak season, from December to March, brings milder weather, though rain is frequent. Photography captures the fjord’s misty cliffs and serene waters, a haven for nature lovers. Dining is limited to onboard menus, often featuring fresh seafood like salmon. Souvenirs, such as fjord-themed postcards, are available in ship gift shops. Briefings emphasize environmental protection to preserve the delicate ecosystem. Kayaking offers intimate views of dolphins and seals. The remote setting requires layered clothing for comfort.

Day11
OCT 282026
A:3:30 PMD:5:15 PM

Dusky Sound, a remote fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland, features no docking; ships glide through its serene waters. Travelers observe bottlenose dolphins leaping gracefully and royal albatross soaring above rugged cliffs. Zodiac trips explore Resolution Island, showcasing native flora and historic Maori sites. No facilities exist, so provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to March, offers milder temperatures, though rain is common. Photography captures misty peaks and reflective waters, ideal for wilderness enthusiasts. Dining is onboard, often featuring local fish like cod. Souvenirs, including penguin postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings stress minimal environmental impact to protect the pristine habitat. Kayaking provides close encounters with seals and seabirds. The unpredictable weather demands waterproof gear and warm layers. Scenic cruises reveal the fjord’s untouched beauty, making it a highlight for nature-focused travelers.

Day11
OCT 282026
A:8:00 AMD:9:00 AM

Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage fjord in New Zealand’s Fiordland, has no docking; ships cruise its serene waters. Travelers spot fur seals lounging on rocks and Fiordland crested penguins diving. Zodiacs approach Stirling Falls, surrounded by towering cliffs. No facilities are present; provisions come from the ship. The peak season, December to March, brings frequent rain. Photography captures Mitre Peak’s reflection in calm waters. Dining onboard features green-lipped mussels. Souvenirs, like fjord postcards, are sold in ship shops. Briefings stress ecosystem protection. Kayaking explores quiet coves, revealing marine life. Rain gear is essential for the wet climate. Milford Sound’s dramatic cliffs and waterfalls create a breathtaking natural spectacle, drawing nature lovers to its pristine wilderness.

Day12
OCT 292026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day13
OCT 302026
At Sea

Take advantage of the many on board activites during your day at sea. You'll have more than enough to fill your day!

Day14
OCT 312026
A:6:30 AM

Sydney, Australia, offers docking at Circular Quay. Travelers explore Sydney Opera House and Bondi Beach. Excursions visit Blue Mountains. Local markets sell meat pies. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures iconic landmarks and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamingtons, an Australian favorite. Souvenirs, like opal crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Aboriginal history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while comfortable shoes enhance city walks. Sydney’s urban charm offers a vibrant Australian stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of cultural landmarks and scenic coasts, making Sydney an engaging destination for exploration. (126 words)