PHONE1800 630 343
DECK PLANS
The Royal Princess, is a spectacular example of the next generation of innovative Princess ships. From the breathtaking Atrium & Piazza – over 50 per cent larger than other ships’ atriums in the line and featuring exciting new eateries – to signature features like The SeaWalk, a dramatic glass-bottom walkway, which has been called one of the “Top Gee-Whiz Features at Sea”, you’ll quickly come to love the many exciting dining and entertainment options available on this majestic ship. Royal Princess o ers a truly luxurious cruise experience.
During the day casual clothing is typical attire, although swimwear is not permitted in the restaurants. During the evening on formal nights a dinner suit or dark suit for gentlemen and eveningwear for ladies is required for the main restaurants. On other nights a collared shirt is required for gentlemen and equivalent for ladies. The self-service restaurants are casual attire.
The cruise is fully escorted and will be a fun holiday with plenty of activities. Each evening you can dine with the group at our reserved tables. You will meet a fun group of people with a love of gardens and nature in common, and have a fabulous time!
Sue McDougallhas been passionate about plants and gardening from a very young age. She ran her own garden centre for 16 years and for over 22 years has been part of the gardening programs on 6PR. Sue also writes regular gardening columns for magazines, websites and newsletters and runs gardening workshops. Sue is once again looking forward to sharing her love of gardens with you.
VIEW ITINERARYDay 1 Sunday 14 November, 2021 Embarkation
This afternoon we board Royal Princess for our garden cruise to New Zealand.
Meet Sue on deck to enjoy spectacular views as we cruise Sydney Harbour
and cruise out through Sydney Heads.
Day 2 Monday 15 November, 2021 At sea
The morning is free to enjoy the many facilities and activities aboard the ship. In the afternoon Sue McDougall will give a talk on her career in horticulture and the media, and answer any questions you might have. In the evening we will enjoy a drinks party to formally meet Sue McDougall and other tour members.
Day 3 Tuesday 16 November, 2021 Melbourne
Today we travel through the picturesque countryside on the Mornington
Peninsula to visit some of the best gardens in Australia. We first visit The
Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne. Sue will take us on an exploration of
the spectacular landscape which has a dramatic red sand garden, rock pool
waterways, Eucalypt walk and exhibition gardens all featuring Australian
plants. We continue to Heronswood Gardens, home of Diggers Seeds. Enjoy
a tour of Diggers, who have Australia’s largest range of heirloom vegetables,
cottage and fruit plants for sale. We continue to the Garden Vineyard,
featured in Monte Don’s Around the World in 80 Gardens.
Day 4 Wednesday 17 November 2021 At sea
The morning will be free to explore the ship. In the afternoon join Sue
McDougall for a game of Garden Trivial Pursuit. We will divide the group into
teams to compete in answering garden questions. This is a great way to meet
your fellow group members and there will be prizes for the winners.
Day 5 Thursday 18 November, 2021 Hobart
We will have a short tour of picturesque Hobart before visiting the ‘Patch’ at
the Hobart Botanical Garden, an inspiring example of an urban community garden that was first started in 1995. We will see gorgeous mature trees and
beautiful spring flowers in the Botanical Garden. In the afternoon we visit
Corinda, an enchanting inner-city garden positioned around a beautifully
restored Victorian house. A pleached linden tree walk in the shape of a U is
under planted with clipped box hedges, frames the garden. Flower-packed
perennial beds overflow with colour, contrasting with an intricate, stylized
parterre and a profusion of hostas, lilies and other shade-lovers under mature
trees, one of which is a 100 year old magnolia tree.
Day 6 Friday 19 November, 2021 At sea
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities available aboard
Royal Princess. Why not enjoy a spa or massage in the Wellness Centre, take
a relaxing swim, an exercise class at the gym or play quoits or lawn bowls on
the grass area.
Day 7 Saturday 20 November, 2021 At sea
The morning is free to enjoy the many facilities and activities aboard the ship.
In the afternoon Sue will talk about her favourite gardens and plants from
around the world.
Day 8 Sunday 21 November, 2021 Fiordland National Park
Nothing can prepare you for the majesty of Milford Sound, star of Fjordlands
National Park. New vistas mesmerise at each turn, towering Mitre Peak,
rising 1692 metres above the sound, plunging waterfalls, bottlenose and
dusky dolphins, fur seals and Fjordland crested penguins are among the wonders in this place of outstanding natural beauty. Sometimes called 'The
Sound of Silence', there is a cloistered serenity within Doubtful Sound that
contrasts with Milford Sound. At 40 kilometres long and eight across at its
widest point, Dusky Sound is one of the largest and most complex fiords in
Fjordland. Dusky Sound was discovered and named by Captain Cook in 1773
who originally called it Dusky Bay because of its sombre aspect.
Day 9 Monday 22 November, 2021 Dunedin
Arriving at Port Chambers this morning, we’ll be met by our private coach
to travel to the city of Dunedin. Originally founded by Scottish settlers and
known as the Edinburgh of the South, it features beautifully preserved
buildings overlooking parklands. We’ll visit the Glenfalloch Woodland
Garden, situated in a fertile coastal valley above the harbour. Originally
developed by Philip Brady in 1917, it has a collection of superb European
trees from 1872, under planted with azaleas and rhododendrons. Fuchsias and native ferns grow luxuriantly beside Russell Creek. Returning to Dunedin,
we visit the historic, Jacobean style Olveston House, containing a treasure
trove of art and antiques, set in nearly half a hectare of garden.
Day 10 Tuesday 23 November, 2021 Christchurch
We first visit Ohinetahi, a gorgeous formal garden with a wonderful layout
and planting. Sue will make sure you get the most out of this garden. A
series of small, but perfectly proportioned garden rooms give a strong sense
of structure and protect the garden from strong sea breezes. The garden
is planted densely with rhododendrons, camellias and a variety of native
New Zealand plants. The group will love the spectacular traditional double
herbaceous border planted with roses and delphiniums. We travel into
Christchurch where we will enjoy a sightseeing tour with our driver/ guide.
The centre of Christchurch was devastated by the 2011 earthquake. We will
drive by landmarks in the old CBD and see how much of the city has been re-
built. We will stop at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with time to explore
these beautiful and tranquil gardens.
Day 11 Wednesday 24 November, 2021 At sea
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities available aboard
Royal Princess. Why not enjoy a spa or massage in the Wellness Centre, take
a relaxing swim, an exercise class at the gym or play quoits on the deck. In
the afternoon we will have Garden Trivial Pursuit led by Sue McDougall with
questions based on the gardens we have explored over the past 10 days. We
will divide the group into teams with prizes for the winners.
Day 12 Thursday 25 November, 2021 Tauranga (Rotorua)
We dock in Tauranga and travel to Rotorua to visit two beautiful gardens today.
The 12 hectare Tikiteret garden, developed since 1987, incorporates a natural
stream, established trees and bog plants including hostas, iris and primulas.
Bridges cross the stream, which is lined with a collection of Japanese maples
and cherry trees, while azaleas and rhododendrons cover the slopes beyond. We travel on to visit Miller’s garden, a private, well-established garden with
many interesting features.
Day 13 Friday 26 November, 2021 Auckland
This morning we arrive in Auckland, the largest city and commercial centre
of New Zealand. After disembarking we enjoy a sightseeing city tour. We will
take in the main sights of Auckland, including the Harbour Bridge, which
spans the beautiful Waitemata Harbour and the quaint and stylish shopping
area of Parnell. At gorgeous Ayrlies Garden, created from 1964 by Beverley
and Malcolm McConnell, gardening is an art form. Covering 4.5ha, it is one
of New Zealand’s finest and best-known gardens, incorporating three large
ponds, cascading waterfalls, a rose garden, rockery, meadow garden and the
stimulating “lurid border”. There’s also an adjoining 14 ha wetlands reserve.
This is a superb garden which is considered to be the best garden in New
Zealand. We then transfer to our hotel. This evening we will enjoy an included
dinner to say goodbye to the other tour members and Sue McDougall.
Day 14 Saturday 27 November, 2021 Departure
This morning we transfer to the airport for flights back to Australia.
Deposit refundable up to 90 days before departure
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ID | Interior | 10,11,12,14 | $6,295 | $8,260 |
| IC | Interior | 8,15,16 | $6,350 | $8,345 |
| IB | Interior | 8,9,10,11,12,14,15 | $6,395 | $8,420 |
| BD | Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $7,150 | $9,840 |
| BC | Balcony | 15,16 | $7,195 | $9,955 |
| BB | Balcony | 9,10,11,12,15 | $7,295 | $10,120 |
| DD | Deluxe Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $7,295 | $10,080 |
| DC | Deluxe Balcony | 8,15,16 | $7,350 | $10,205 |
| DB | Deluxe Balcony | 9,10,11,12,14 | $7,395 | $10,320 |
| MC | Mini-Suite | 15,16 | $7,795 | $11,075 |
| Included port & handling charges | $740 | $1,100 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 3 October 2020 | $60 | $60 | ||
All cabins are subject to cabin availability. Please call for fares and information on other cabin categories. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy.
You can stay longer in New Zealand for minimal additional cost. Please contact 1800 630 434 for more information.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser.
Deposit and Payment: A deposit of $900 per passenger for the Garden Cruise to New Zealand should be sent with a completed Travelrite International booking form to Travelrite International. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite International 45 days prior to departure for the Spring Garden tour and 90 days prior to departure for the Garden Cruise to New Zealand. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by credit card.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
Cancellations received 44 or fewer days before departure for the Spring Garden Exploration of Tasmania tour or 89 days or fewer for the Garden Cruise to New Zealand will result in a loss of all monies paid.
Refunds:
The tour is based on arrangements that do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals, airfare or other services not utilized after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. If not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International for visa requirements.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage:
Due to coach restrictions, tour members can only bring one large suitcase.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The tours has been priced on the basis of a minimum number of passengers having booked 45 days prior to departure. Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of all monies paid or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified cost.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd. (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organizer. Travelrite acts only as an agent in the making of arrange- ments for hotels, transportation, restaurants or any other service and does not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in the tour, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break- down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this tour and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any tour and/or make such changes in the tour as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the tour. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria.
Delays And Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite International to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite Interna-
tional acts as your agent for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite International may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any good or service which Travelrite International reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information or a booking form can be obtained by telephoning Travelrite International on the following numbers:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Fax (03) 9836 8068
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established family-owned business that’s been operating in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs for more than 35 years. Travelrite International is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA), is fully Accredited with ATAS (A10538) and IATA. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators.
“The whole tour was wonderful and the group was a good mix of personality. The gardens visited were interesting and varied.”
“Very enjoyable. Good mix of people in the group.”
