Anthem of the Seas itinerary map for December 28, 2026
Anthem of the Seas
Anthem of the Seas
December 28, 2026
9 Night New Zealand Holiday

Anthem of the Seas December 28, 2026

The Anthem of the Seas December 28, 2026 cruise departs from Sydney, Australia. On this 9 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip) sailing, the Anthem of the Seas will visit a total of 7 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The ship sets sail on Monday, Dec 28th and returns on Wednesday, Jan 6th, 2027.

Cruise Length
9
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Sydney
Australia
Port Stops
7
Sea Days
4
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Cruise Price

Anthem of the Seas · December 28, 2026

The graph below tracks historic price of the Anthem of the Seas cruise ship departing December 28, 2026. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $2,733 ($304 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $2,204 ($245 per night), this represents a recent increase of 24%.

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INSIDE
Cabin
$2,733
Current price
24% above average
Average price: $2,204
🔔

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Cruise Itinerary Map

Anthem of the Seas · December 28, 2026

The Anthem of the Seas sails on December 28, 2026 for a 9 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 4:00 PM and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on Jan 6th at 5:30 AM. During the 12-day journey, the Anthem of the Seas will visit 6 additional ports and will spend 4 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

9 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

  • DEC28
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: — - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC29
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC30
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC31
    Picton, New Zealand
    Picton, New Zealand
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN01
    Christchurch, New Zealand
    Christchurch, New Zealand
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN02
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    A: 5:45 AM - D: 5:00 PM
  • JAN03
    Cruise Doubtful Sound
    Cruise Doubtful Sound
    A: 10:00 AM - D: 10:59 AM
  • JAN03
    Cruise Dusky Sound
    Cruise Dusky Sound
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 8:00 AM
  • JAN03
    Cruise Milford Sound
    Cruise Milford Sound
    A: 3:00 PM - D: 4:00 PM
  • JAN04
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN05
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • JAN06
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: 5:30 AM - D: —
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Cruise Ports

December 28, 2026 · 9 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sydney, Australia
Day 1•Monday, Dec 28

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: —•Departure: 4:00 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)

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 2•Tuesday, Dec 29

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 3•Wednesday, Dec 30

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Picton, New Zealand
Day 4•Thursday, Dec 31

Picton, New Zealand

Arrival: 8:00 AM•Departure: 5:00 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)

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Christchurch, New Zealand
Day 5•Friday, Jan 1

Christchurch, New Zealand

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
Day 6•Saturday, Jan 2

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrival: 5:45 AM•Departure: 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)

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Doubtful Sound
Day 7•Sunday, Jan 3

Cruise Doubtful Sound

Arrival: 10:00 AM•Departure: 10:59 AM

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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Dusky Sound
Day 7•Sunday, Jan 3

Cruise Dusky Sound

Arrival: 7:00 AM•Departure: 8:00 AM

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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Cruise Milford Sound
Day 7•Sunday, Jan 3

Cruise Milford Sound

Arrival: 3:00 PM•Departure: 4:00 PM

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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
At Sea
Day 8•Monday, Jan 4

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 9•Tuesday, Jan 5

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Sydney, Australia
Day 10•Wednesday, Jan 6

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: 5:30 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. (126 words)

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

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
88 / 100
safer than 88% of all cruises
88
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
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.
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.

Cruise Ship

Anthem of the Seas

⚓ Tonnage

168,666

vs avg 160,100

🛠️ Year Built

2,015

vs avg 2,009

📏 Length (ft)

1,142

vs avg 1,081

👥 Passenger Count

4,154

vs avg 4,070

The Anthem of the Seas has a construction date of 2015 and a total size of 168,666 gross tons. The ship measures 1,142 feet in length. Anthem of the Seas is included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class. At full capacity, the Anthem of the Seas holds 4,154 passengers. That includes 2,654 cruise vacationers and 1,500 staff members. The Anthem of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,102.

Click above for more Anthem of the Seas stats, tips, imagery, and more.

  • 📊 Size comparison chart against other ships
  • 🍸 Bars, restaurants, and venue highlights
  • 🛠️ Renovation and dry-dock schedule
  • ❓FAQ's about Anthem of the Seas

Also of interest:

Anthem of the Seas Deck PlansAnthem of the Seas Cabin SearchAnthem of the Seas Health Score

Cruise Director

On duty at sail date (December 28, 2026)

Kat Falcon

Kat Falcon

Country: N/A•Start: Feb 14, 2026•End: Current

Kat Falcon is a Royal Caribbean cruise director known for her upbeat energy, expressive hosting style, and strong guest rapport.

Kat Falcon Full Profile

Itinerary FAQ

How many nights is the Anthem of the Seas sailing on December 28, 2026?

This is a 9-night cruise itinerary departing from Sydney, Australia.

What ports does the Anthem of the Seas visit on the December 28, 2026 cruise?

This route includes sydney-australia, picton-new-zealand, christchurch-new-zealand, dunedin-new-zealand, cruise-doubtful-sound, cruise-dusky-sound, cruise-milford-sound.

How many sea days are included on this Anthem of the Seas December 28, 2026 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 4 sea days.

Who is the cruise director for the Anthem of the Seas sailing on December 28, 2026?

Kat Falcon is scheduled as cruise director for this sailing.

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 Anthem of the Seas itinerary?

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

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