Australia & New Zealand Cruise on Celebrity's Solstice

14 nights from Sydney, Australia to Auckland, New Zealand

January 5–19, 2016
Celebrity's Solstice

Join Pied Piper Travel as we celebrate 26 years of gay group cruising! Onboard the beautiful Celebrity Solstice you will travel down under to experience the unmatched beauty of Australia and New Zealand. You'll sail from gay friendly Sydney, Australia, to spectacular Auckland.

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 gay group cruise is a perfect combination of contemporary urban charm and stunning natural vistas.

All this is yours while you are pampered with gracious service, gourmet dining, and numerous venues for entertainment on one of the newest and most up-to-date luxury cruise ships - Celebrity's Solstice.

Celebrity's Solstice

As you stroll among the expansive decks, you'll experience the rich color palettes illuminated by beautiful natural light, and revel in the extensive amenities - all delivered with the attentive service for which Celebrity Cruises is renowned. Celebrity Solstice is built around you and the way you long to travel. Voyage with us, on the newest of our Solstice-class of ships, and discover a refined level of elegance - an unrivaled experience making a distinctive statement of style and design. We invite you to learn more about the new features and venues as details are revealed.

Celebrity Cruises' largest vessel, the Celebrity Solstice, made her grand debut in winter 2008, offering many genuine cruise industry firsts. Celebrity Solstice is to be the next grand addition to the Celebrity Cruises fleet. And it was to be the first of four Solstice-class ships, weighing a mighty 122,000 tonnes with a capacity of 2,852 passengers.

Let Solstice tantalize your palate with our award-winning cuisine. Prepared by world-renowned chefs, our culinary delights are made from scratch using only the finest, fresh ingredients. From casual eateries like the Aqua Spa Cafe serving light, healthy fare to specialty restaurants where meals are prepared tableside, there are choices sure to please those with even the most discerning tastes. Enjoy indoor dining in our smoke-free environments or outdoor dining poolside. Aboard Celebrity, the choice is yours.

Aboard Solstice, you'll find unlimited opportunities to indulge your interests. Attend an informative onboard lecture, discover unique treasures in our upscale boutiques or test your love for competition. Collect fine pieces of art during an onboard auction.

Celebrity Solstice was the first Celebrity ship to feature AquaClass cabins. These spacious veranda staterooms, located on the prestigious Penthouse Deck, have been designed exclusively for spa lovers. All 130 AquaClass rooms will feature a 53-square-ft balcony and will provide guests with unlimited access to the nearby AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Garden – an exotic aromatherapy steam room.

AquaClass passengers will also be entitled to complimentary dining in Blu, a chic boutique restaurant that will be in keeping with the rest of the ship's chic minimalist décor.

If you love to stay active, Celebrity has an abundance of entertaining activities to keep you moving day and night, regardless of your skill level. Whether you're looking for spirited competition, mind-bender challenges or just love the fun of a themed dance party, Solstice has it all. Your vacation experience can be filled with as many activities as you have the energy for. Your "Celebrity Today" daily program is delivered each night and serves as your map to a treasure of fun & exciting activities taking place onboard.

Uplift your spirit in the land Down Under

It's more than koalas and kangaroos. It's an emotional impact of incredible modern architecture, fascinating aborigine and Maori culture, and miles of breathtaking coastlines. Ascend into the mountains and ancient forests and experience the thrill of exploring active volcanoes. Even shopping will be an exhilarating experience through the fashionable district of Auckland, before stretching out on your veranda and watching the sun wash over Sydney's famed harbor.

Where adventure was invented

Cruise past the famed waves of Australia one day and surf on them the next. See the steaming belly of the Earth from the mouths of active volcanoes. Or dive deep into the magical underworld of the Great Barrier Reef. The only thing you'll risk is having too much fun.

Sydney, Australia

Considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Southern Hemisphere, Sydney offers just about anything-from beaches and wineries to stunning landmarks and world-class shopping. Tour architectural marvels like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbor Bridge, view life below the surface from Sydney Aquarium's underwater walkways, or take it all in from above on a tour of the Sydney Tower.

Bondi Beach
Australia's most famous beach draws visitors seeking sun, sand and surf - and also dining, theatre, films and festivals.

Harbour Bridge
Known locally as "the coat hanger," this single span, arch bridge was considered both an economical feat and an architectural triumph upon its completion in 1932.

Mrs.MacQuarie's Chair
The wife of Australia's first governor enjoyed the spectacular views from this point. Visitors and locals alike are drawn here for the sweeping city and harbour views.

Paddington
Dating back to the 1840s, this Sydney suburb of steep hills is lined with classic Victorian-style houses.

Sydney Opera House
The city's most popular tourist attraction, the Opera House is actually a complex of theatres and halls. Its unique sail-like design makes it one of the most recognised buildings in the world.

The Rocks
Given its name due to the sandstone cliffs and bedrock, the site of Australia's first penal settlement is today an area rich in colonial history and vibrant with 5-star hotels, restaurants, pubs, shops, galleries, and museums.

Melbourne, Australia

Europeans and Asians each have put their stamp on this amazing city and turned Melbourne into a cultural melting pot of Greek, Chinese, Italian, English and Irish, and host to major international events. From the Old World architecture and a cricket field at the center of the city, to the abundance of Australia's unusual animals found at the Melbourne Zoo, this city never ceases to amaze.

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.

Rialto Towers Observation Deck
The tallest building in the southern hemisphere, the observation deck features majestic 360 degree views of Melbourne and offers a birdseye look at the Albert Park Grand Prix circuit.

Melbourne Cricket Ground
The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) is one of the greatest sporting arenas in the world and is mecca to Australia's sports fans. Take a guided tour of the stadium, a must see for any tourist to the city.

The Old Melbourne Gaol
provides a chilling example of 19th century prison life. It was the scene of 135 hangings, the most notorious being that of Ned Kelly.

The Royal Botanic Gardens
have been acclaimed as one of the most outstanding public gardens anywhere in the world. The 871/2 acres (35.4 hectares) boast a living exhibition of some 60,000 species of plant life.

The National Gallery of Victoria
has the most comprehensive selection of Australian art in the country. The paintings range from early colonial to the latest contemporary.

Hobart, Tasmania

Located at latitude 40 degrees south in the island State of Tasmania, Hobart is Australia's second oldest city. The city is rich in character and history, nestled next to one of the most beautiful natural harbors in the world and at the base of majestic Mount Wellington, which rises 4,166 feet (1270 meters) from the sea. Docking in Hobart gives you immediate access to Mount Wellington and its incredibly beautiful surroundings. From there you can look out over the busy harbor, which plays host to yachts from all over the world. The Salamanca Arts Centre also puts the region's incredible artwork on display, including some stunning Aboriginal pieces. Or, if you're looking for something less formal, just wander about the streets listening to street buskers, or stop into a pub and sample local wines.

Milford Sound, New Zealand

Milford Sound, located in the southwest of New Zealand's South Island, is located within the Fiordland National Park. Formed by the erosive effects of a glacier, Milford Sound is in fact a fjord and is in some places up to 400 metres deep. Bounded by steep cliffs and dense rainforest with dramatic rivers and cascading waterfalls Milford Sound is a national icon of New Zealand. It runs 15 km inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 1200 m or more on either side. Among its most striking features are Mitre Peak, rising 1,692 m above the sound, the Elephant at 1,517 m and resembling an elephant's's head, and Lion Mountain, 1,302 m, in the shape of a crouching lion. Lush rain forests cling precariously to these cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins populate the water.

Doubtful Sound, New Zealand

Sometimes called the 'Sound of Silence' Doubtful Sound is the deepest (421 metres) and second longest (40 kilometres) of the South Island's fiords. It is a powerful place - serene, mysterious and untouched by the modern world.

The fiord was originally named Doubtful Harbour by Captain James Cook, who didn't sail into the inlet because it looked a bit tight for safe manoeuvring. It was later named Doubtful Sound by whalers and sealers.

Like other fiords in the area, Doubtful Sound contains two distinct layers of water that don't mix. The top few meters is fresh water, fed by runoff from the surrounding mountains. Below this is a layer of salt water from the sea. The difference in refractive index between these two layers makes it difficult for light to penetrate. As a result, many deep-sea species - such as black coral - grow in the comparatively shallow depths.

Doubtful Sound has some splendid waterfalls, particularly during the wetter seasons. In the Hall Arm, the Browne Falls cascades 619 metres; Helena Falls at Deep Cove tumbles 220 metres. Wildlife is another reason to visit this fiord - keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, fur seals and penguins.

Dusky Sound, New Zealand

Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound. It's also a wildlife paradise, with seals and dolphins patrolling the water, and birds like broad billed prions, mottled petrels and sooty shearwaters floating on the overhead thermals.

Dusky Sound is a fjord on the south west corner of New Zealand, in Fiordland National Park. One of the most complex of the many fjords on this coast, it is also one of the largest, 40 kilometres in length and eight kilometres wide at its widest point. To the north of its mouth is the large Resolution Island, whose Five Fingers Peninsula shelters the mouth of the sound from the northwest. Along the east coast of the island, Acheron passage connects Dusky Sound with Breaksea Sound, to the north.

Several large islands lie in the sound, notably Anchor Island, Long Island, and Cooper Island. Sightseeing highlights include the hundreds of waterfalls cascading into the sound during the rainy season, seals and dolphins. Bird and wildlife sanctuaries are also attractions with sightings of Curlew, Shag, Petrel, Pigeon and Parrot Isles; Shag River; Seal Rock; Goose, Duck and Woodhen Coves.

Dunedin, New Zealand

Were it not for the absence of the Scottish brogue, you might think you'd landed in Edinburgh. Both the scenery and the architecture borrow heavily from Scotland. You can even shop for kilts or dig into a piece of fresh haggis. Dunedin is also home to New Zealand's only castle, a 15-year construction endeavor complete with the only staircase of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and magnificent woodwork.

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.

Akaroa, New Zealand

Nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano, Akaroa is rich with beautiful bays, French and English colonial history, even the largest little penguin colony on the mainland. It's also home to the rarest and smallest marine dolphin and lots of water sports-kayaking, sailboats, also hiking paths and cycle tours. Pick up a unique souvenir from one of the many local craft shops and boutiques.

Christchurch
From the moment you step onshore, you'll understand why locals long ago tabbed this the "Garden City." Lush gardens and parks punctuate well-spaced avenues and squares, all adorned with Victorian architecture. Of particular note is the 57-acre Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which features wide-open lawns, some of New Zealand's oldest trees, and a thriving population of ducks. At the center of town is Christchurch Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture.

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.

Canterbury Museum
This fine museum, on Rolleston Ave. at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens. Particularly interesting are the early colonist exhibits and the Antarctic Discovery section. Christchurch is the headquarters for "Operation Deep Freeze," the supply link to Antarctica. There is also a gallery called "Ancient People – New Land", which features displays of the now extinct Moa and the early Polynesians who hunted them. Included in this informative exhibit are three life-size dioramas, a crawl-in sinkhole cave and computer information system.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
Located on the corner of Worcester Blvd and Montreal Street. The gallery hosts one of New Zealand's largest art collections including a fantastic selection of works by Canterbury artists.

The Arts Centre of Christchurch,
formerly the University of Canterbury town site, has been transformed into the biggest arts center in New Zealand. It's worth a look, even if just to see the beautiful old buildings. New Zealand has a lot of good handicraft centers producing some fine pottery, jewelry and other crafts, and Christchurch is particularly well represented. The Arts Centre has everything from handmade toys to Maori carvings, a couple of good restaurants and a good bookshop.

Christchurch Cathedral
Built of native stone, the cathedral is the finest Gothic-style Church in New Zealand.

Wellington, New Zealand

From the new to the old, Wellington offers a bit of everything. Locals are particularly proud of the National Museum of New Zealand- Te Papa Tongarewa. Loosely translated as "our place" from the native Maori tongue, the museum is one of the world's largest and most progressive. A great way to explore the city is on the restored cable cars, which traverse the shopping district. And if you want to experience it all from above, take in the panoramic views from Mount Victoria.

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.

Wellington Botanic Gardens
The tranquil Botanic Gardens are worth a visit, with 64 acres (26 hectares) of native bush and a wide variety of gardens including the Lady Norwood Rose Garden which has over 100 kinds of roses blooming from November to the end of April. Other gardens include: succulents, ferns, threatened species, Australian plants, rhododendrons, fuchsias, camellias, begonias and herbs.

Wellington Zoo
This zoo has a wide variety of native and other wildlife, including outdoor lion and chimpanzee parks plus a nocturnal kiwi house.

Katherine Mansfield House
Katherine Mansfield is New Zealand's most distinguished author, known throughout the world for her short stories. They show an excellent video 'A Portrait of Katherine Mansfield,' and the 'Sense of Living' exhibition displays photographs of the period alongside excerpts from her writing. Located at 25 Tinakori Road.

Wellington Cable Car
From a narrow alley off Lambton Quay a cable car runs up to Kelburn which over-looks the city. It's one of Wellington's historic attractions – the cable-car service began in 1902, carried nearly half a million passengers in its first year and by 1912 was transporting a million passengers a year. In the late 1970s the track was reconstructed and the two old wooden cable cars were replaced with shiny red Swiss-made ones. The Skyline restaurant at the top offers great views over the city and harbor. From the top you can stroll back down through the Botanic Gardens or return to town by a series of steps which interconnect with roads.

Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa Tongarewa
The National Museum is a museum of art, history, Maori culture and the natural environment. It has an excellent Maori and Pacific Islands collection plus many other interesting exhibits. It is located on Wellington's waterfront, and an easy walk from all parts of the central city.

Old St. Paul's Cathedral
Just a few doors up the hill on Mulgrave St. is Old St Paul's Cathedral. It was built from 1863 to 1864 and looks quaint from the outside, but the interior is a good example of Early English Gothic design.

Tauranga, New Zealand

Known as the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbors in New Zealand. You can take a ride on a bush jet boat, go white-water rafting on the Rangitaiki River, or dine on the freshest fish and chips you'll ever taste, served al fresco. If you're looking for a more exotic counter, travel to the Mount Mauganui Hot Salt Water Pools.

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.

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Those who love beaches consider these some of the world's finest, with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water. And as tempted as you'll be to pull up a lounge chair and soak in the surroundings, many consider this the ideal place to partake in more active pursuits, such as kayaking, mountain-biking, parasailing, swimming with dolphins and scuba-diving.

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealands great holiday destinations - enjoyed by 'Kiwis' and international visitors alike. This is authentic New Zealand - both stunningly beautiful and historically significant.

With a sub-tropical climate, you can enjoy beach and water activities, go exploring one of the many nature walks, swim with dolphins, charter a boat to go fishing or to explore the 144 different islands in our bay.

The Bay of Islands was where the first European settlers arrived, and where they forged the first relationships with local Maori - not always a friendly experience! The famous Treaty of Waitangi became the founding document for our new nation, and is celebrated every year here in the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Each town in the Bay of Islands has it's own unique culture and lifestyle - from the more up-market lifestyle focus of Kerikeri, to bustling Paihia with its focus on providing a great visitor experience, to the calming historic atmosphere of Waitangi and the Haruru Falls, and the beautiful and sometimes quirky sea-side town of Russell.

Auckland, New Zealand

Your official welcome to New Zealand comes by way of a bustling harbor. Step ashore and into a surprisingly cosmopolitan environment. And once you venture inland, even more surprises await, including a total of 48 dormant volcanoes, a lush, leafy urban cityscape filled with beautiful parks, and a number of renowned art galleries.

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.

Auckland Museum
Located in the Auckland Domain offers an excellent display of Maori artifacts and culture including an 82 foot (25 meter) long war canoe. The museum also houses a fine collection of South Pacific items and New Zealand wildlife including a giant Moa model and exhibits from around the world.

Auckland Art Gallery
Located atWellesley and Lorne Streets and Wellesly and Kitchener Streets is New Zealand's first permanent art gallery opened in 1888. The country's most significant collections of New Zealand and European art, over 10,000 works, are housed in the gallery's two buildings.

Sky Tower
Located on the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets. At 1,176 feet (328 meters), the Sky Tower is the tallest structure in the southern hemisphere. Three observation levels (including and outdoor deck) offer superb panoramic views of Auckland cityscape and beyond. "Orbit" is the brasserie-style revolving restaurant in the tower. Sky City is designed to be a New Zealand experience. Its indigenous theme is carried throughout the complex with commissioned works representing different aspects of New Zealand's heritage, drawing on Maori legend and early settlement. Murals and sculptures by leading New Zealand contemporary artists have a spectacular visual and physical presence.

Hobson Wharf Maritime Museum
Located harborside at the Viaduct Basin, on the corner of Quay and Hobson Streets. This museum on the downtown waterfront is dedicated to one of New Zealand's national obsession – sailing. This extensive museum is a must for lovers of the sea and explores 1,000 years of the seafaring history of this Pacific island nation.

Auckland Zoological Park
One of New Zealand's leading family attractions set in stunning park-like surroundings. Spend a day exploring native New Zealand bush, African grasslands or a subtropical rainforest. Over 1,500 native and exotic animals including kiwi, tuatara, elephants, rhino, giraffe, monkeys and lions.

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World
Kelly Tarlton's is a unique aquarium housed in old stormwater holding tanks. An acrylic tunnel runs through the aquarium and you travel through on a moving footpath, with the fish swimming all around you. You can step off at any time to take a better look and the whole place is designed to recreate the experience of scuba diving around the coast of New Zealand. Located at 23 Tamaki Drive, 3.75 miles (6 km) from downtown.

Rangitoto Volcanic Islands
Rangitoto is just 6 miles (10 km) northeast of the city. The youngest of the 50 or so volcanic cones in the Auckland region, Rangitoto rose from the sea only about 600 years ago, in a series of volcanic explosions. Rangitoto is a good place for a picnic. It has lots of pleasant walks, a saltwater swimming pool, BBQs near the wharf and a great view from the summit of the 853 foot (260 meter) cone. Lava caves are another attraction. The hike from the wharf to the summit takes about an hour. Up at the top a loop walk goes around the crater's rim. The walk to the lava caves branches off the summit walk and takes 15 minutes one way. A tractor train tour also meets the ferry and goes to the summit for a charge.