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

MS Noordam - 12/20/2023

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

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

Cruise Itinerary

Itinerary

MS Noordam - December 20, 2023 - 13 Nights

DayDatePort
1Dec 20thSydney, Australia
2Dec 21stAt Sea
3Dec 22ndAt Sea
4Dec 23rdWaitangi, Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
5Dec 24thAuckland, New Zealand
6Dec 20thWhite Island, New Zealand
7Dec 26thNapier, New Zealand
8Dec 27thWellington, New Zealand
9Dec 28thTimaru, New Zealand
10Dec 29thPort Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
11Dec 20thCruise Fjordland National Park
12Dec 31stAt Sea
13Jan 1stAt Sea
14Jan 2ndSydney, Australia

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.

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
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 Size Infographic

MS Noordam

83 k
tonnage
936 ft
length
2006
year built
986
cabins
1,916
passengers
800
crew

MS NOORDAM SIZE

The MS Noordam has a construction date of 2006 and a total size of 82,500 gross tons. The ship measures 936 feet (285 meters) in length. MS Noordam is included in Holland America’s Vista Class Class. At full capacity, the MS Noordam holds 2,716 passengers. That includes 1,916 cruise vacationers and 800 staff members. The MS Noordam total number of staterooms is 986.

MS Noordam Size & Stats

  • Gross Tonnage:82,500 GT
  • Length:936 ft (285 m)
  • Beam:106 ft (32 m)
  • Draft:26 ft (8 m)
  • Max Speed:28 mph (24 kn)
  • Year Built:2006
  • Years Served:2006 - Present
  • Capacity:1,916
  • Crew Members:800
  • Total on Board:2,716
  • Total Staterooms:986
  • Flagged Country:Netherlands
  • Ship Cost:400 Million
  • Status:active

To see how this compares, click through to see MS Noordam age and stats vs all Holland America 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 MS Noordam Deck Plans.

Cruise Ports

Day1
DEC 202023
D: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. (126 words)

Day2
DEC 212023
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!

Day3
DEC 222023
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
DEC 232023
A:11:00 AMD: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.

Day5
DEC 242023
A:7:00 AMD: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. (126 words)

Day6
N/A N/AN/A

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.

Day7
DEC 262023
A:7:00 AMD: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. (126 words)

Day8
DEC 272023
A:7:00 AMD: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. (126 words)

Day9
DEC 282023
A:9:00 AMD: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.

Day10
DEC 292023
New Zealand
A:7:00 AMD: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. (126 words)

Day11
N/A N/AN/A

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.

Day12
DEC 312023
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
JAN 12024
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
JAN 22024
A:6:00 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)