Ovation of the Seas itinerary map for December 18, 2024
Ovation of the Seas

10 Night New Zealand Holiday on Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas

December 18, 2024

Ovation of the Seas December 18, 2024

The Ovation of the Seas December 18, 2024 cruise departs from Sydney, Australia. On this 10 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip) sailing, the Ovation of the Seas will visit a total of 8 cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The ship sets sail on Wednesday, Dec 18th and returns on Saturday, Dec 28th, 2024.

Cruise Length
10
Night Cruise
Departure Port
Sydney
Australia
Port Stops
8
Sea Days
4
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Cruise Price

Ovation of the Seas · December 18, 2024

The graph below tracks historic price of the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship departing December 18, 2024. The most recent price for this sailing starts at $1,851 ($186 per night) for an Inside Cabin. Compared to the average price of $2,027 ($203 per night), this represents a recent decrease of 9%.

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inside cabin
$1,851
9% vs avg: $2,027
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Inside Cabin
$1,851
9% vs avg $2,027
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🌊
Oceanview Cabin
$1,993
24% vs avg $2,607
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🌅
Balcony Cabin
$2,727
15% vs avg $3,191
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👑
Suite Cabin
$4,619
12% vs avg $5,235
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Cruise Itinerary Map

Ovation of the Seas · December 18, 2024

The Ovation of the Seas sails on December 18, 2024 for a 10 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip). The ship will depart the port of Sydney, Australia at 5:45 PM and will return to the port of Sydney, Australia on Dec 28th at 5:30 AM. During the 13-day journey, the Ovation of the Seas will visit 7 additional ports and will spend 4 days at sea.

Cruise itinerary route

10 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

  • DEC18
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: — - D: 5:45 PM
  • DEC19
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC20
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC21
    Picton, New Zealand
    Picton, New Zealand
    A: 8:00 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC22
    Napier, New Zealand
    Napier, New Zealand
    A: 6:00 AM - D: 3:00 PM
  • DEC23
    Christchurch, New Zealand
    Christchurch, New Zealand
    A: 9:30 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC24
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand
    A: 5:30 AM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC25
    Cruise Doubtful Sound
    Cruise Doubtful Sound
    A: 10:00 AM - D: 11:00 AM
  • DEC25
    Cruise Milford Sound
    Cruise Milford Sound
    A: 3:00 PM - D: 4:00 PM
  • DEC25
    Cruise Dusky Sound
    Cruise Dusky Sound
    A: 7:00 AM - D: 8:00 AM
  • DEC26
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC27
    At Sea
    At Sea
    A: — - D: —
  • DEC28
    Sydney, Australia
    Sydney, Australia
    A: 5:30 AM - D: —
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Cruise Ports

December 18, 2024 · 10 Night New Zealand Holiday (Sydney Roundtrip)

Sydney, Australia
Day 1•Wednesday, Dec 18

Sydney, Australia

Arrival: —•Departure: 5:45 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 19

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 20

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•Saturday, Dec 21

Picton, New Zealand

Arrival: 8:00 AM•Departure: 4:00 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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link
Napier, New Zealand
Day 5•Sunday, Dec 22

Napier, New Zealand

Arrival: 6:00 AM•Departure: 3:00 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
Christchurch, New Zealand
Day 6•Monday, Dec 23

Christchurch, New Zealand

Arrival: 9:30 AM•Departure: 4:00 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 7•Tuesday, Dec 24

Port Chalmers (Dunedin), New Zealand

Arrival: 5:30 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 Doubtful Sound
Day 8•Wednesday, Dec 25

Cruise Doubtful Sound

Arrival: 10:00 AM•Departure: 11:00 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 Milford Sound
Day 8•Wednesday, Dec 25

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
Cruise Dusky Sound
Day 8•Wednesday, Dec 25

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
At Sea
Day 9•Thursday, Dec 26

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

At Sea
Day 10•Friday, Dec 27

At Sea

Arrival: 11:00 PM•Departure: 10:59 PM

Enjoy onboard activities and ocean views during this sea day.

Sydney, Australia
Day 11•Saturday, Dec 28

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.

Port Info LinkPort Excursions Link

Weather Forecast

Ovation of the Seas - December 18, 2024 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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.

Cruise Ship

Ovation of the Seas

⚓ Tonnage

168,666

vs avg 163,026

🛠️ Year Built

2,016

vs avg 2,010

📏 Length (ft)

1,142

vs avg 1,085

👥 Passenger Count

4,180

vs avg 4,184

The Ovation of the Seas has a construction date of 2016 and a total size of 168,666 gross tons. The ship measures 1,142 feet in length. Ovation of the Seas is included in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum class. At full capacity, the Ovation of the Seas holds 4,180 passengers. That includes 2,880 cruise vacationers and 1,300 staff members. The Ovation of the Seas total number of staterooms is 2,100.

Click above for more Ovation 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 Ovation of the Seas

Also of interest:

Ovation of the Seas Deck PlansOvation of the Seas Cabin SearchOvation of the Seas Health Score

Itinerary FAQ

How many nights is the Ovation of the Seas sailing on December 18, 2024?

This is a 10-night cruise itinerary departing from Sydney, Australia.

What ports does the Ovation of the Seas visit on the December 18, 2024 cruise?

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

How many sea days are included on this Ovation of the Seas December 18, 2024 itinerary?

This itinerary includes 4 sea days.

Who is the cruise director for the Ovation of the Seas sailing on December 18, 2024?

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 Ovation of the Seas itinerary?

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

Last Updated: Apr 1, 2026