Australia & New Zealand Cruise

12 nights from Auckland, New Zealand to Sydney, Australia

January 6–18, 2012
Celebrity's Century

Join Pied Piper Travel as we celebrate 22 years of gay group cruising! Onboard the newly renovated Celebrity Century you will travel down under to experience the unmatched beauty of Australia and New Zealand. You'll sail from Auckland, New Zealand, to spectacular Sydney harbor.

Along the way you'll experience some of the most beautiful landscapes and panoramas on the planet. The grandeur and magnificent of the New Zealand countryside and fiords are unparalleled in the size and pristine beauty. This popular Pied Piper Travel gay group cruise is a perfect combination of contemporary urban charm and stunning natural vistas.

Celebrity's Century

Immerse yourself in Celebrity Century's warm, open spaces and soaring atriums. Indulge yourself in soothing spa services. Enjoy dining in world-class restaurants. And sipping a favorite after-dinner drink as you mingle with new friends. A cruise aboard Celebrity Century is exactly what you've been looking for. New accommodations include 314 private verandas, fourteen additional Sky Suites and 174 new-and utterly modern Concierge Class staterooms complete with fresh-cut flowers, a luxurious pillow menu, and upgraded bathroom amenities, even personalized stationery. Welcome aboard.

The Celebrity Century enjoyed a $55 Million makeover in May 2006, revitalizing the ship and in keeping with the style and standards you can expect from Celebrity Cruises. At 71,000 tonnes and 1,800 passengers the Century is one of Celebrity's more intimate ships.

With less passengers on board you have more opportunities to enjoy the fabulous Morano Restaurant, new Martini Bar and the refurbished staterooms and suites. The celebrated style, luxury and atmosphere is comparable with any 5* luxury cruise line and is enhanced by the incredible service and attentiveness of the ships staff.

• $55 Million makeover in May 2006 marking Celebrity's most extensive refurbishment ever.
• Upgraded Staterooms including 23" Flatscreen TVs
• New Speciality Restaurant
• Wide range of wellness treatments including Acupuncture at Sea
• Casual Dining Boulevard
• New Martini Bar

Cuisine and Dining on Century
Dining on board the Celebrity Century is on a par with the very best of Celebrity Cruises incredible standards. You can enjoy the stunning floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant service of the two story Grand Dining room or the more intimate style of Murano's where tableside cooking is mixed with flambe flair under the beautiful chandeliers.

• The Grand Restaurant with menus by Master Chef Michel Roux
• Cova Café
• Sky Bar
• Pasta and Pizza Bar
• Ice Cream Parlour
• Buffet Breakfasts
• Other features include a Murano speciality restaurant, a 76-seat Shushi bar and an ice bar.

Entertainment on Century
• Fortune's Casino
• Celebrity Theatre
• Cinema and Conference Room
• Rendez-Vous Bar and Lounge
• Images
• Michael's Club
• Crystal Room
• Martini bar
• Hemisphere Lounge

Spa & Fitness on Century
• AquaSpa by Elemis
• Fitness Centre
• Hair salon
• 2 outdoor swimming pools, 1 indoor pool
• 4 jacuzzis
• Paddle Tennis
• Golf Simulator
• Jogging track

Recreation on Century
• Shipmates Fun Factory supervised children's club
• Online@Celebrity Internet Cafe
• Card Room
• Library
• Boulevard Shops
• Medical centre

Auckland, New Zealand

The "City of Sails," known for its sparkling waters, bustling harbor and cosmopolitan flair, and an ideal spot for water sports and sailing.

Wellington may be New Zealand's capital but Auckland is the most important city and is the country's major gateway for ship and air traffic moving between Oceania and North or South America. Auckland is also designated as the largest city in the country with nearly 1.3 million residents. Built atop a cluster of extinct volcanoes, the municipality is located on a constricted isthmus that helps the landscape blend nicely with the city's modern skyline.

Auckland has a reputation of being old-fashioned and traditional which visitors find refreshing. The polite manner of the local people and the cleanliness of the streets are what help to keep visitors returning year after year. Auckland were hosts to the "Americas Cup," the most revered trophy in the sport of yachting. With Team New Zealand's' win over Italy's Prada Challenge in March of 2000, this country became the first to successfully defend the Cup outside the U.S. The Cup activity around Auckland's waterfront has transformed the area into one of the most fashionable eating areas in the city, which was already renowned for its International restaurants.

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

With beaches considered some of the best in the world, with perfect white sand and crystalclear water, home of the Waitangi National Reserve and known as the Birthplace of a Nation.

Tauranga, New Zealand

Located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbors in New Zealand and nestled beside magnificent Mount Maunganui. Tauranga's majestic Mauao (Mount Maunganui) marks the harbor entrance of the Bay of Plenty region, with Tauranga as its main center. The Bay of Plenty is aptly named – it has a wide range of recreational activities, a mild climate, New Zealand’s most popular beaches, and the world’s first kiwifruit orchards. The Port of Tauranga has a full range of services available, with only a short stroll to the Mount Maunganui shopping center and banks. Also, within walking distance of the port are two magnificent beaches – the inner harbor has a gentle beach, while on the ocean side is a well-known surf beach.

Rotorua, perhaps best known for its geothermal activity, is only a 1.5 hour drive from Tauranga. For nearly 150 years the thermal wonders of Rotorua have lured visitors. Bubbling mud pools, silicone terraces and other earthly forces capture the imagination of all visitors. There is no better place in New Zealand for people to experience first hand the arts and crafts of the Maori people. From carving and weaving to song and dance, there are endless opportunities to experience the warmth and friendliness of the Maori in Rotorua.

Napier, New Zealand

Arguably one of the prettiest cities in New Zealand, with elegant art deco architecture,captivating beaches and award-wining vineyards. Lying on sweeping Hawkes Bay, Napier is a fascinating city, architecturally rich, blessed with a fine coastal position, good restaurants and a friendly population. Hawkes Bay enjoys a Californian/Mediterranean climate and is known for its fruit growing and wine vineyards. Following the 1931 earthquake Napier city was rebuilt in the Art Deco architectural style, which was popular at the time. Today Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of the world. Bluff Hill, located just south of the port, was originally an island connected to the mainland by a bridge. When the 1931 earthquake raised the level of the land in the area surrounding Napier, the island became part of the mainland. The buildings and homes on Bluff Hill were the only ones to survive the quake intact and as a result, this is the only remaining Victorian-style suburb in Napier. Napier and its neighbor city, Gisborne, are the first urban areas to see the sun rise on 1st January of each New Year.

Wellington, New Zealand

The cultural, commercial, cosmopolitan capital of New Zealand and home to one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. New Zealand's capital has a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants. The city's focal point is undoubtedly the harbor, one of the world's best protected and the world's most beautiful. Flooding of a very large, long extinct volcano crater formed Wellington's harbor. The city bends gracefully around the port and the houses seem to flow out of the hills right down to the sea. Edwardian buildings and narrow streets contrast sharply with the modern skyscrapers. The picturesque rugged hills and cable cars have often caused this city to be compared to San Francisco. Since Wellington lies in the path of the only major gap in New Zealand's central mountain range, the city has earned its nickname of Windy Wellington.

Christchurch, New Zealand

New Zealand's "Garden City," featuring numerous parks and gardens as well as Victorian architecture, avenues and squares. Christchurch, the "Gateway to the South Island" is on the east coast and is surrounded by the province of Canterbury. The city is bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, and is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains. Best known as the Garden City, the city is renowned for its expansive gardens and tree-lined avenues. Christchurch's unique blend of contemporary and neo-gothic architecture sets the scene for a city that prides itself on arts, culture, festivals and events. To the west, beyond the extensive alluvial plain, are the imposing Southern Alps and Arthur's Pass National Park; to the north, beyond the rolling hills, are Hanmer and more forest parks; and to the south-east is the absorbing Banks Peninsula. A short drive away is Lyttelton, the Port of Christchurch/ Canterbury. Lyttelton Harbour, crater of a long extinct volcano, offers visitors spectacular scenery, Maori and European history and an abundance of activities. The township of Lyttelton offers banking/foreign exchange, telephones, shops, restaurants/bars, taxis, public transport, postal facilities, and a visitor information center.

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dramatic scenery and some of the finest historic buildings in New Zealand, including remarkable architecture that reflects the city's Scottish roots. Dunedin is a bustling university city, located at the head of the long, narrow and wonderfully picturesque Otago Harbour. Originally a Presbyterian Scottish settlement, this second-largest city in the South Island retains a distinct Scottish ambience. It is known for its grand 19th century public buildings and homes reflecting the wealth derived from the goldfields in the interior of the Otago Province in the 1860s. The early arrivals of settlers in Dunedin and the anticipated growth of the gold rush obliged the authorities in Britain to undertake some hasty planning. Plans for a classic 19th century English town were quickly drawn-up in England without regards to the actual topography of the land. As a result many of the streets in the city go straight up very steep hills. Dunedin actually boasts the steepest street in the world as recorded by the Guinness Book of Records. Fortunately the city center is largely unaffected. The Otago Peninsula that protects the harbor is also a haven for wildlife seldom seen so close to a major city. Best known is the royal albatross colony, at Taiaroa Head, and the yellow-eyed penguins, both have received international recognition. Port Chalmers cruise ship terminal is 8 miles (13 km) or a 15-minute drive from central Dunedin.

Dusky Sound, New Zealand

One of three amazing sounds featured on most itineraries. The largest and most complex of the many fjords along this coast, with steep-sided cliffs and hundreds of cascading waterfalls.

Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

One of three amazing sounds featured on most itineraries. An unusual sound with two distinct layers of water: fresh mountain water atop cold, heavy, saline water teeming with remarkable deep-sea species.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

One of three amazing sounds featured on most itineraries. Situated within Fiordland National Park, part of the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Site and surrounded by sheer rocks and lush forests.

Melbourne, Australia

The capital of Victoria and Australia's second largest city. A cultural melting pot of Greek,Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese and Lebanese and host to major international events. Melbourne is Australia's second largest city with only three-quarters of the population of its rival Sydney. Melbourne still retains a Victorian air and there's still a distinctly conservative feel to the place, compared with the rest of Australia. Many Victorian bluestone buildings may be found amongst brand-new high-rise blocks and English-style parks and gardens, contribute to the air of stability, reserve and tradition. Melbourne was given a much-needed influx of life after the Second World War, with the arrival of large numbers of southern European immigrants. This brought in a colorful multi-ethnic mix, with a particularly high proportion of Italians and Greeks. Indeed, Melbourne now contains more Greeks than any city outside Athens. But Melbourne also contains thriving communities of Serbs, Turks, and Lebanese, Vietnamese, Indian, African as well as a large Chinese community whose origins date back to the gold-rush era. Melbourne is the sports, art and culture capital of Australia. The city also enjoys the reputation as a "Fashion Capital" with many streets being lined with rows of modern and trendy boutiques. This incongruous mix of old and new, conservative and colorful, makes Melbourne a fascinating place to visit.

Sydney, Australia

Among the world's most exciting cities with dazzling beaches and the Sydney Opera House, an architectural marvel and arguably the most recognizable performing arts venue. The brightest star in the Southern Hemisphere is Sydney, home to one quarter of Australia's residents and the financial, and cultural heart of the country. From its majestic Harbour Bridge to the spectacular Blue Mountains, this city yields a rich feast for visitors: great natural beauty, a clean and safe environment, exquisite cuisine and the vibrant energy that sets Sydney apart from other cities in Australia. Sydney impressed the world with its hosting of the Olympic Games in the year 2000, the validity of its claim to be "God's Country."

Sailing into Sydney harbour is one of the world's great maritime moments. Almost without warning, the golden sandstone cliffs that edge the Pacific coastline part to reveal a huge natural harbour with a beautiful city at its heart. Sydney is a premier cruising destination, offering first-class passenger facilities and infrastructure, all within walking distance of city experiences and a short hop to other attractions. Sydney proper is bounded by a natural harbour to the north and west and flanked to the east by the green park lands of the Botanic Gardens and Domain. Within these boundaries is an exciting and vibrant city. A simple ride on one of the cross harbour ferries or a stroll through the narrow back lanes of The Rock's area will provide a small slice of the history and magnitude of this great metropolis.