MS Noordam itinerary map for December 20, 2023 (13 nights)

MS Noordam — December 20, 202313-Night New Zealand Holiday on Holland America

This 13-night cruise aboard the MS Noordam departs from Sydney, Australia on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 and returns on Tuesday, Jan 2nd. December weather across this route averages 82°/47°F.

The itinerary safety score for this sailing is 8.2 out of 10, averaged across 9 ports.

Cruise Length

Night Cruise

Departure Port

Sydney

Australia

Port Stops

Sea Days

Cruise Itinerary Map - 13 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

MS Noordam · December 20, 2023

The MS Noordam sails on December 20, 2023 for a 13 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 3:00 PM and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on Jan 2nd at 6:00 AM. During the 14-day journey, the MS Noordam will visit 8 additional ports and will spend 4 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

13 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

DEC20
Sydney, Australia
A: — - D: 3:00 PM
DEC21
At Sea
A: — - D: —
DEC22
At Sea
A: — - D: —
DEC23
Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
A: 11:00 AM - D: 7:00 PM
DEC24
Auckland, New Zealand
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
DEC20
White Island, New Zealand
A: — - D: —
DEC26
Napier, New Zealand
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
DEC27
Wellington, New Zealand
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
DEC28
Timaru, New Zealand
A: 9:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
DEC29
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
A: 7:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
DEC20
Cruise Fjordland National Park
A: — - D: —
DEC31
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN01
At Sea
A: — - D: —
JAN02
Sydney, Australia
A: 6:00 AM - D: —

Loading map...

Cruise Ports

December 20, 2023 · 13 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

Day 1•Wednesday, Dec 20

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: —•Departure: 3:00 PM

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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 2•Thursday, Dec 21

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Noordam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Northern Lights Nightclub & Photo Shop.

Day 3•Friday, Dec 22

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Noordam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Northern Lights Nightclub & Photo Shop.

Day 4•Saturday, Dec 23

Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Arrival: 11:00 AM•Departure: 7:00 PM

Waitangi, Bay of Islands, New Zealand, offers docking at Waitangi Port. Travelers explore Treaty Grounds and Paihia’s beaches. Excursions include dolphin-watching tours. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures historic sites and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes hangi, a Maori favorite. Souvenirs, like jade crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while water shoes enhance beach exploration. Waitangi’s cultural charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of historic treaties and scenic bays, making Waitangi an engaging destination for exploring New Zealand’s north.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 5•Sunday, Dec 24

Auckland, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 6•Wednesday, Dec 20

White Island, New Zealand

Arrival: —•Departure: —

White Island, New Zealand, offers scenic cruising without docking. Travelers view active volcanic craters and steaming vents from the ship. Excursions include zodiac tours around the island. No facilities exist; provisions are ship-based. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal cruising. Photography captures volcanic plumes and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes whitebait fritters, a Kiwi favorite. Souvenirs, like volcanic crafts, are sold in ship shops. Briefings cover Maori history. Light clothing and sun protection suit the temperate climate, while binoculars enhance crater viewing. White Island’s volcanic allure offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of geologic wonders and scenic seas, making White Island an engaging destination.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 7•Tuesday, Dec 26

Napier, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 8•Wednesday, Dec 27

Wellington, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 9•Thursday, Dec 28

Timaru, New Zealand

Arrival: 9:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 PM

Timaru, New Zealand, offers docking at Timaru Port. Travelers explore Caroline Bay and Aigantighe Art Gallery. Excursions visit Mount Cook’s trails. Local markets sell pavlova. The peak season, December to February, brings warm weather for coastal tours. Photography captures sandy beaches and Pacific vistas. Dining onboard includes lamb roast, 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 mountain hikes. Timaru’s coastal charm offers a vibrant New Zealand stop. Cruise travelers enjoy a mix of scenic beaches and cultural heritage, making Timaru an engaging destination for exploration.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 10•Friday, Dec 29

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 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.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 11•Wednesday, Dec 20

Cruise Fjordland National Park

Arrival: —•Departure: —

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand, offers no docking; ships cruise Milford Sound within the park. Travelers observe Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls from deck. Zodiacs spot bottlenose dolphins. No facilities; provisions from ship. Peak season December to March; rain frequent. Photography captures sheer cliffs and rainbows. Dining onboard includes green-lipped mussels. Souvenirs, like sound postcards, in ship shops. Briefings stress ecosystem protection. Kayaking explores Hall Arm. Rain gear essential for wet climate. UNESCO-listed Fiordland’s dramatic fjords and wildlife provide immersive nature experiences in this temperate rainforest paradise.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Day 12•Sunday, Dec 31

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Noordam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Northern Lights Nightclub & Photo Shop.

Day 13•Monday, Jan 1

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Day at sea aboard the MS Noordam — featuring Canaletto, Club Hal, Northern Lights Nightclub & Photo Shop.

Day 14•Tuesday, Jan 2

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: —

Returning to Sydney, Australia — see Day 1 above for port info.

Port Info Link Port Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

MS Noordam - December 20, 2023 Weather Forecast

Average monthly weather for your cruise ports

Sydney, Australia

⛅

December

Typical Weather

100°F

Average High

57°F

Average Low

Rainfall

0.09in

Daily average

2.8 in monthly total

Shore Excursions

Explore the most popular excursion options at each port.

From beach breaks and snorkeling to local food tours and cultural landmarks, these shore excursions help you make the most of every stop. Browse by port below to compare top-rated options and plan your day before you board.

See all Sydney Shore Tours

Itinerary Safety Score

Based on 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

82 / 100

safer than 82% of all cruises

/ 10

Sydney

Travelers should remain vigilant against petty theft in tourist areas and nightlife districts while enjoying the overall safety of Sydney.

/ 10

Waitangi

Waitangi is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, well-maintained facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.

/ 10

Auckland

Auckland offers a generally safe environment for cruise travelers, but visitors should remain vigilant against petty crime in tourist areas.

/ 10

White Island

Travelers to White Island must adhere to safety protocols due to its active volcanic status and restricted access for safety reasons.

/ 10

Napier

Napier, New Zealand, offers travelers a safe experience with a low crime rate and well-maintained infrastructure for exploration.

/ 10

Wellington

Wellington is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, allowing travelers to explore its attractions with minimal risk.

/ 10

Timaru

Timaru is known for its low crime rates and exceptional safety, providing a secure environment for cruise travelers to explore.

/ 10

Port Chalmers

Port Chalmers offers a safe environment for cruise travelers with low crime rates and well-maintained facilities for exploration.

/ 10

Fjordland Park

Travelers can safely enjoy the stunning beauty of Fjordland National Park from their cruise ship, prioritizing passenger safety.

Cruise Ship

⚓ Tonnage

82,500

vs avg 84,029

🛠️ Year Built

2,006

vs avg 2,008

📏 Length (ft)

936

vs avg 922

👥 Passenger Count

1,916

vs avg 2,157

The MS Noordam has a construction date of 2006 and a total size of 82,500 gross tons. The ship measures 936 feet in length. MS Noordam is included in Holland America’s Vista Class class. At full capacity, the MS Noordam holds 1,916 passengers. That includes 1,116 cruise vacationers and 800 staff members. The MS Noordam total number of staterooms is 986.

Full MS Noordam Ship Info

Click above for more MS Noordam stats, tips, imagery, and more.

📊Size comparison chart against other ships
🍸Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
🛠️Renovation and dry-dock schedule
❓FAQ's about MS Noordam

Also of interest:

MS Noordam Deck Plans MS Noordam Cabin Search MS Noordam Health Score

Other MS Noordam Sailings

Same ship, different dates

All sailings

MS Noordam schedule

Full itinerary calendar

Next sailing →

Jan 2, 2024

11-Night 11 Night Southern Australian Discovery (Sydney Roundtrip)

MS Noordam December 20, 2023 FAQ

What's the cheapest cabin on the MS Noordam December 20, 2023 cruise?▾

Live pricing is not currently available for this sailing. Sign up for price-drop alerts above to be notified when fares appear.

What's the weather like on the MS Noordam December 20, 2023 route?▾

Across the ports visited on this 13-night route, December averages 82°F highs and 47°F lows. See the per-port weather forecast section above for daily detail.

How safe is the December 20, 2023 MS Noordam itinerary?▾

This itinerary scores 8.2 out of 10 on the Gangwaze Itinerary Safety Score, averaged across 9 ports. We weight current travel advisories, recent crime data, and Global Peace Index signals — see the Safety Score section above for the full per-port breakdown.

When does the MS Noordam sail and return on this itinerary?▾

The MS Noordam departs Sydney, Australia on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 3:00 PM and returns on Tuesday, Jan 2nd, 2024 at 6:00 AM. Total duration: 13 nights.

Who is the cruise director for the MS Noordam sailing on December 20, 2023?▾

Cruise director assignment for this sail date is not currently confirmed in our records.

Can I track price drops for this MS Noordam itinerary?▾

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get an email when cabin prices drop for this exact sailing. We snapshot fares daily.

Researched and assembled by Gangwaze Cruise Editorial using daily-refreshed itinerary, pricing, weather, and safety data.

Last Updated: May 20, 2026