MS Noordam itinerary map for December 20, 2023
MS Noordam

13 Night New Zealand Holiday on Holland America MS Noordam

December 20, 2023

MS Noordam December 20, 2023

The MS Noordam December 20, 2023 cruise departs from Sydney, Australia. On this 13 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip) sailing, the MS Noordam will visit a total of 9 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The ship sets sail on Wednesday, Dec 20th and returns on Tuesday, Jan 2nd, 2024.

Cruise Length
13
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Sydney
Australia
Port Stops
9
Sea Days
4
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Cruise Itinerary Map

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

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

Sydney, Australia
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 2•Thursday, Dec 21

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 3•Friday, Dec 22

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Auckland, New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
White Island, New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Napier, New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Wellington, New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Timaru, New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Fjordland National Park
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 LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 12•Sunday, Dec 31

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 13•Monday, Jan 1

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Sydney, Australia
Day 14•Tuesday, Jan 2

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: —

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 LinkPort 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
82
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.
9
/ 10
Waitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
Waitangi
Waitangi is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, well-maintained facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere for travelers.
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.
5
/ 10
White Island, New Zealand
White Island
Travelers to White Island must adhere to safety protocols due to its active volcanic status and restricted access for safety reasons.
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
Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington
Wellington is a safe cruise destination with low crime rates, allowing travelers to explore its attractions with minimal risk.
9
/ 10
Timaru, New Zealand
Timaru
Timaru is known for its low crime rates and exceptional safety, providing a secure environment for cruise travelers to explore.
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 Fjordland National Park
Fjordland Park
Travelers can safely enjoy the stunning beauty of Fjordland National Park from their cruise ship, prioritizing passenger safety.

Cruise Ship

MS Noordam

⚓ 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.

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 PlansMS Noordam Cabin SearchMS Noordam Health Score

Itinerary FAQ

How many nights is the MS Noordam sailing on December 20, 2023?

This is a 13-night cruise itinerary departing from Sydney, Australia.

What ports does the MS Noordam visit on the December 20, 2023 cruise?

This route includes sydney-australia, waitangi-bay-of-islands-new-zealand, auckland-new-zealand, white-island-new-zealand, napier-new-zealand, wellington-new-zealand, timaru-new-zealand, dunedin-new-zealand, cruise-fjordland-national-park.

How many sea days are included on this MS Noordam December 20, 2023 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 4 sea days.

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

Cruise director assignment data is not currently available for this sail date.

How is the itinerary safety score calculated for this cruise?

The itinerary safety score combines port-level safety indicators such as travel advisories, local risk signals, and historical context into a single overall score for this specific route.

Can I track price drops for this MS Noordam itinerary?

Yes — use the price tracking opt-in on this page to get updates when cabin prices change for this sailing.

Last Updated: Mar 26, 2026