3 day cruises from auckland

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Discover the best cruise from auckland, how can i find a cheap auckland cruise.

With Expedia, you can find plenty of Auckland discount cruises and cruise deals from Auckland to fit your travel wants and needs. For cheap cruises out of Auckland, consider staying in an economy-style cabin, booking an all-inclusive trip, or traveling with a low-cost cruise company. Regardless of your budget, you’ll likely be able to find deals from several of the top Auckland cruise lines. Planning and booking a 2025 cruise from Auckland in advance can help unlock even more discounts and a greater choice of itineraries. Booking last-minute cruise deals from Auckland can also be another way to experience new destinations at wallet-friendly prices.

How can I find good deals on cruises from Auckland?

You can search cruise ships leaving from Auckland throughout the year and then sort the results by price. Auckland cruise deals are automatically updated, so you can be sure you’re getting the right price at the right time. Auckland cruise prices will vary depending on your destination and the time of year you plan to travel, as prices can fluctuate with demand. However, booking 2025 cruises out of Auckland in advance can often lead to big savings and additional perks. If you have some flexibility or are just the spontaneous type, you can also find discounts on some of the best cruises out of Auckland by looking for last-minute deals.

What to look out for when you book your Auckland cruise?

When booking a Auckland cruise vacation on Expedia, you can look for the cabin experience you want, the amenities you’d like included, and which cruise lines out of Auckland you’d like to travel with. Whether you’re looking to book a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adults-only trip, you’ll be able to choose from a number of cruise ships out of Auckland, all while getting fantastic Auckland cruise prices. Expedia’s Auckland cruise finder will present you with some of the top cruise deals out of Auckland – and on some of the most popular cruise ships out of Auckland – so that you can plan and book with ease.

How to book a cruise from Auckland on Expedia?

Seamlessly find cruises departing from Auckland by inputting your travel dates and the number of travelers in the search wizard. The results will present you with a variety of cheap Auckland cruises and the most popular cruise lines from Auckland so you can find your dream Auckland cruise vacation. Our search wizard also allows you to select your cabin type, the included amenities, and the cruise type. Depending on the time of year, your preference of Auckland cruise ships, and your travel requirements, your choice of cruises departing from Auckland will vary. Once you’ve chosen your Auckland cruise, you’ll be redirected to cabin selection and be asked to finalize your details. After that, you’re ready to embark!

Do you need a passport to cruise out of Auckland?

Depending on your itinerary, you may be required to bring a passport for cruises leaving from Auckland. Passports are not required for closed-loop cruises out of Auckland to certain destinations. It’s advised to check entry requirements prior to your Auckland cruise vacation to ensure you have the right documents with you. While you may not need a passport for certain Auckland cruises, you will be required to show a valid ID card and your Auckland cruise ship boarding pass.

Can I cancel my Auckland cruise booking?

Yes, you can cancel or modify your cruise from Auckland via the ‘My Trips’ section on Expedia. For help canceling your cruise booking, it’s advised to contact customer service. Cancellation and refund policies are determined by your Auckland cruise line. Generally, the further in advance you cancel your Auckland cruise trip, the more likely you are to receive a refund.

Why should I book a cruise from Auckland with Expedia?

Searching for cruises leaving from Auckland is a seamless experience with Expedia, your one-stop-shop for all things travel. We put the best cruise lines out of Auckland at your fingertips, and all deals and discounts will be automatically applied to the displayed price. Expedia compiles the deals offered by top Auckland cruise lines so that you can find a cruise ship from Auckland that’s perfect for your needs – and at a price that won’t break the bank. Booking Auckland cruises in advance for 2025 can provide you with better flexibility, more itinerary options, and an abundance of Auckland cruise destinations.

Pre and Post Cruise Hotels in Auckland

Flatbush Holiday Accommodation

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2024

Imagine Beach Road

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2024

The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences

Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024

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P&O Short Breaks

• P&O 3 Day Short Cruises

Longing for a break? Need a holiday but have no time? No worries! If you’ve got 3 days, we’ve got you sorted. From themed cruises to one-stop destination trips, you can make the most of every moment on one of our fabulous 3 day cruise options. Our short break cruises come in all shapes and sizes, departing from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Cairns and Auckland.

Dance the night away on a boot scootin’ Country cruise, treat yourself to a Wine & Food adventure calling at Eden, or laugh your socks off on our famous Comedy cruise. Need to get out of town? Travel in style on a one way short cruise to your holiday destination, or when you’re heading back home. Or, if you want to add an extra night, you can even swing by a stunning destination like the Whitsundays on one of our four day cruises. The choice is yours!

Why you should go on a 3 day short cruise

Oceans of variety.

A P&O 3 day cruise isn’t just a sampler cruise - there’s always something exciting happening on or off board. Our 3 day short cruises have something for everyone, from couples and families to friends and colleagues. Hop on a Sapphire Coast Food & Wine cruise, try our themed Comedy cruise  or Country cruise , or chill out on the OG Classic Short Break  cruise. Want to make the most of your travel time? Look out for our one-way cruises, which disembark at a different port from where they depart from. There are quite a few to choose from, and many are side-splitting comedy cruises - so you’ll be sure to disembark in high spirits.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to find the time to take a break. A short 3 day cruise can help you get the rest and relaxation you need to recharge, in no time at all. All the planning, accommodation , dining and entertainment are taken care of - so all you have to do is hop onboard, and we’ll do the rest! You can even choose between weekend and midweek breaks for extra flexibility. Get a massage at our spa, take a yoga class, or simply read a book by the pool, cocktail in hand. Wind down your way!

Want to visit somewhere new for a day, or reach your destination feeling relaxed rather than frazzled? Don’t waste precious holiday time in a cramped car - make the most of your short break and travel in the comfort of our world class ships. Our 3 day cruises sail from all departure ports, and have many of the same entertainment and dining options you’ll find on longer cruises, including a range of restaurants and bars, boutiques, and child-free Oasis. Why not take a one-way short cruise to your holiday destination, or on the way back home? You can even contact P&O Cruise Air  and we’ll book your air for you. We partner with all of the major airlines.

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Short Cruises are the perfect for first timers to get a taste of life onboard is all about. Of course, if you're a seasoned cruiser, a short cruise is a great way to satisfy your cruising fix, spend a few days at sea or a quick getaway to rest and rejuvenate. So what kind of short cruises are available and popular with New Zealanders.

The Best Short Cruises

• Comedy Cruises - Comedy Cruises from Auckland are a great way to get a little taste of what cruising is all about whilst also getting some great onboard entertainment. P&O Comedy Cruises depart from Auckland regularly on 3 night itineraries. Comedy Cruises also depart from Australian ports including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
• Island Hoppers - An Island Hopper cruise is a popular choice with itineraries heading out of Auckland towards Noumea and Vanuatu. If you've got a little bit longer than 3 or 4 day's a Pacific Island Hopper is a great choice.
• Classic Cruises - P&O run Classic Cruises regularly from Auckland on 3 night itineraries round trip. Enjoy life onboard a fabulous ship sampling a number of restaurants onboard and enjoying the best of the activities available on your ship.
• Australia Getaway Cruises - Sail across the ditch on an Auckland to Sydney Cruise or another exciting Aussie destination. P&O and Princess Cruises are sure to have an itinerary to suit.
• Food & Wine Cruises - One of the most popular cruises for New Zealanders, a Food and Wine Cruise is an ideal choice to test your Masterchef abilities. Passengers onboard can attend Barista classes, dabble in some Cheese and Wine tasting or simply laze by the pool soaking up the sun.
• Napier Cruises - Short Cruises from Auckland to Napier are another favourite with 4 night cruises sailing round trip for a quick getaway.

Last Minute Short Cruises

Do you have an unexpected few days off work, or requiring a quick getaway in the next week or two? Join our mailing list for the latest Last Minute Cruises sent to your inbox. You never know what you may find at a heavily reduced price!

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Cruise from Auckland, New Zealand

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Auckland Shore Excursions

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Taonga of the Maori

View of Auckland, New Zealand from Mount Eden

Visit the Auckland Museum to learn about the history, culture and treasures ( taonga ) of the Maori. A Maori cultural performance takes place several times daily concluding with a very loud haka , the traditional version of the dance that the local All Blacks rugby team uses to intimidate opponents.

Adrenaline Junkies

New Zealand is famous for adrenaline-boosting activities like bungee jumping and Zorbing. During your New Zealand cruise, get a rush by climbing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then bungee-jump off it. Walk the outside of the 190-metre-tall Sky Tower. You can even base jump all the way down, flying for 11 seconds at more than 50 miles per hour.

Local Cuisine

With the world's highest coffee roasters per capita, New Zealand is all about cafe culture. Though it's debated whether it was invented by Australians or Kiwis, drink a flat white while the kids have a fluffy, foamed milk with chocolate and marshmallow treats. Cruise to Auckland and seek out a hip farm-to-table spot for pastured-raised lamb roast, or feast on whitebait fritters or green-lipped mussels at a waterfront seafood spot.

Souvenirs with New Zealand's unofficial emblem, the silver fern, are popular; rugby fans will want one in the form of All Blacks' paraphernalia. Pick up some raw Manuka honey; many believe it has medicinal benefits. Kids young and the young at heart will love anything with a kiwi bird on it.

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Cruises From Auckland 2025

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How suri cruise’s new name is a tribute to mom katie holmes.

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Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ daughter — now known as Suri Noelle — chose her new name to “praise her mother,” says a source.

Suri didn’t just drop Cruise from her name, but is  using Holmes’ middle name , Noelle, as her surname. 

“She is showing praise for her mother by using her middle name,” says a source, who speculates that the 18-year-old made the change because she “wants her own identity.”

The new name will also help her “avoid the paparazzi” and allow her to “ start fresh at college ,” says our source.

Suri used the moniker at her graduation ceremony from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, better known as the “Fame School,” earlier this month.

But that wasn’t the first time.

The teenager — who played the lead role of Morticia Addams in her high school’s performance of “The Addams Family: A New Musical” — was listed in the playbill for the December show as “Suri Noelle” as well.

It’s unclear whether her name has been legally changed.

Page Six confirmed in March 2023 that Cruise has  remained estranged from his daughter and had “no part” in her life.

Holmes and Cruise had a high-profile divorce in 2012, and the former “Dawson’s Creek” actress has been parenting solo ever since.

“I feel very blessed to have such a special daughter. Being her mom is absolutely the greatest gift and privilege,” Holmes has said.

The “Top Gun” actor, meanwhile, attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour show in London  a day after his daughter’s graduation.

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My First Trip to Norway, With A.I. as a Guide

Can artificial intelligence devise a bucket-list vacation that checks all the boxes: culture, nature, hotels and transportation? Our reporter put three virtual assistants to the test.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

The assignment was clear: Test how well artificial intelligence could plan a trip to Norway, a place I’d never been. So I did none of my usual obsessive online research and instead asked three A.I. planners to create a four-day itinerary. None of them, alas, mentioned the saunas or the salmon.

Two assistants were, however, eager to learn more about me in order to tailor their initially generic recommendations, which they had spewed out within seconds. Vacay , a personalized travel planning tool, presented me with a list of questions, while Mindtrip , a new A.I. travel assistant, invited me to take a quiz. (ChatGPT, the third assistant, asked nothing.)

Vacay’s and Mindtrip’s questions were similar: Are you traveling solo? What’s your budget? Do you prefer hotels or Airbnbs? Would you rather explore the great outdoors or pursue a cultural experience?

Eventually, my chat sessions yielded what seemed like well-rounded itineraries, starting with one day in Oslo and moving on to the fjord region. Eventually, I locked down a trip that would combine the assistants’ information and go beyond a predictable list of sites.

This time around, my virtual planners were far more sophisticated than the simple ChatGPT interface I used last year on a trip to Milan. Though it offered more detailed suggestions for Norway, I ended up ditching ChatGPT in the travel-planning stage after it repeatedly crashed.

Vacay’s premium service, which starts at $9.99 per month, included in-depth suggestions and booking links, while Mindtrip, which is currently free, provided photos, Google reviews and maps. During the trip itself, each delivered instantaneous information by text and always asked if more specific details were needed. Sadly, only ChatGPT offered a phone app, whose information I found to be outdated (the $20-per-month premium version is more current).

I’m not alone when it comes to turning to A.I. for help: Around 70 percent of Americans are either using or planning to use A.I. for travel planning, according to a recent survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of the personal finance app Moneylion, while 71 percent said using A.I. would most likely be easier than planning trips on one’s own.

I decided to find out for myself in Norway.

A whirlwind day in Oslo

After I landed at Oslo Airport, all three assistants directed me to the Flytoget Airport Express Train , which got me to town in 20 minutes. I was delighted to find my hotel adjacent to the central railway station.

Choosing accommodations had not been easy. I was looking for a midrange boutique hotel, and the A.I. assistants generated many options with little overlap. I went with Hotel Amerikalinjen , Vacay’s recommendation, which it described as “a vibrant and unique boutique hotel in the heart of Oslo.” Its location was the main draw, but overall the hotel exceeded my expectations, blending comfort and style with the 20th-century charm of its building, which once housed the headquarters of the Norwegian America Line shipping company.

For the one-day Oslo itinerary, the assistants were in agreement, packing in the city’s top sights, including the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace , the Nobel Peace Center, Akershus Fortress and the Munch Museum. I shared my location and asked each assistant to restructure the itineraries to start from my hotel. But when I gave in to my own research instincts and pulled up Google Maps, I saw that the order they suggested didn’t make sense, so I plotted my own path.

By the time I got to Frogner Park at midday, I had already covered half of the sights, and after walking past more than 200 sculptures by the Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland, I was happy to sit down and admire his granite monolith of entwined humans.

For lunch, the assistants recommended high-end restaurants in the bustling waterfront neighborhood of Aker Brygge . But I wanted a quick bite in a more relaxed atmosphere, so I ditched A.I. and walked to the end of the promenade, where I stumbled upon the Salmon , a cozy establishment where I started with salmon sashimi that melted in my mouth and finished with a perfectly grilled fillet. How had my assistants not mentioned this place?

Next on my list was the Nobel Peace Center, the Opera House and the Munch Museum. The assistants had not recommended prebooking tickets, but fortunately, I had done so, learning, in the process, that the Peace Center was closed, a crucial bit of information that A.I. did not relay.

It was chilly for mid-June, and as I walked along the harbor promenade toward the Munch Museum, I spotted small floating saunas, which my assistants had not included. I went back to the ChatGPT phone app for recommendations. Even though I was eager to try a floating sauna, where people warmed themselves and then plunged straight into the frigid waters of the Oslofjord, I took ChatGPT’s suggestion and booked the Salt sauna, which is where I headed after spending a few hours at the Munch Museum, with its extensive works by the Norwegian artist and its sweeping views of Oslo’s harbor.

At the Salt cultural complex , a large pyramidal structure on the water, I was relieved that swimsuits were a requirement. In Scandinavia, saunas are usually taken naked , and earlier, I had asked ChatGPT for the etiquette at Salt, but it failed to give me a definitive answer. After sweating it out with around 30 strangers in Salt’s main sauna, I dipped into a cold-water barrel tub and then tried the smaller sauna options, which were hotter and quieter. It was the perfect ending to a long day.

Waterfalls, lush valleys, raging waters

Each of my assistants had different ideas on how to reach the fjord region. ChatGPT suggested taking a seven-hour train ride and then immediately embarking on a two-hour fjord cruise, which sounded exhausting. Mindtrip suggested taking a short flight to Bergen, known as the “gateway to the fjords,” and setting out on a cruise the next day, which was perhaps more efficient, but would also mean missing one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Vacay also recommended a train ride.

After conversing with the assistants, I decided on a shorter train journey (six hours) that would deliver me to Naeroyfjord , a UNESCO World Heritage site with lush valleys and thundering waterfalls. But to figure out the logistics for transport and accommodation, I needed live train timetables, which I found on my own, and information on hotel availability that none of the assistants had.

At this point, I was desperate for human guidance to navigate the region’s expensive and limited accommodations. This is where the pictures and reviews on Mindtrip were useful, helping me to understand that I would be paying premium prices for the spectacular setting of a mediocre hotel.

The train ride from Oslo to Myrdal was breathtaking: rolling hills, mountain villages, fjords, waterfalls. But nothing prepared me for the majestic one-hour Flam railway ride that followed. Vacay had described it as an “engineering marvel” with a breathtakingly steep descent as it passes picturesque villages, dramatic mountains, raging rivers and pounding waterfalls, complete with a dance performance featuring a mythological spirit known as a huldra.

The next morning I boarded a Naeroyfjord cruise, recommended by Vacay, on an electric, 400-person vessel. I was surprised by the serenity of the fjord. Later I learned from a tour guide that I had been lucky to visit when there were no large cruise ships. It was hard to imagine an ocean liner maneuvering through the narrow, windy fjord, but when I asked ChatGPT, it told me 150 to 220 cruise ships squeezed through the fjord each year, a detail that I felt the travel assistants should warn travelers about.

The cruise ended in the village of Gudvangen, where rain made me cancel a hike to a waterfall and instead try my hand at ax-throwing in the Viking Village Njardarheim. The assistants had told me that there were buses that left town every four hours, a time frame that had worked with my original hiking plan, but now I was stuck. Thankfully, I took note of the A.I. disclaimers to check all information and found an alternative shuttle bus.

On my way to Bergen, I decided to stop in the town of Voss, famous for extreme sports like skydiving and spectacular nature. All the A.I.-suggested hotels were booked, but a Google search led me to the lakeside Elva hotel , which had delicious farm-to-table food. I suspect it didn’t make the A.I. shortlist because it was new.

I ended my trip in Bergen, which, despite being Norway’s second-largest city, maintains a small-town charm with its colorful wooden houses and cobblestone streets. With only half a day to explore, I followed Mindtrip’s short itinerary, starting with a hearty lunch of fish and chips at the bustling waterfront fish market and ending with a funicular ride up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of the city and fjords. The A.I. dinner suggestion at the Colonialen was perfect: cozy vibe, live jazz and locally sourced dishes.

The bottom line

None of the A.I. programs were perfect, but they did complement one another, allowing me to streamline my travel decisions.

Overall, Mindtrip — with its polished, dynamic interface that allowed me to cross-check details with maps, links and reviews — was my favorite. While it gave some good recommendations, Mindtrip needed more prompting than Vacay, which offered a wider variety of suggestions in more detail. Unfortunately, Vacay doesn’t save chat history, which I discovered halfway into my planning after closing the website’s tab on my browser.

The biggest drawback was the absence of phone apps for Mindtrip and Vacay, which led me to rely on ChatGPT’s basic A.I. assistant when I needed on-the-spot guidance. Mindtrip, I’ve since learned, is planning to debut an app in September.

Still, there were times when I desperately craved the human touch. Before setting out on a trip, I always contact friends and colleagues for recommendations. This time, as part of the A.I. experiment, I refrained from reaching out to a Norwegian friend until after my trip, only to find out that we had both been in Oslo at the same time.

That’s one element of travel that I doubt A.I. will ever master: serendipity.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

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Wealthy travelers are paying $17,000 a week for the most luxurious cabin on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship — see inside

• Silversea Cruises ' new Silver Ray embarked on its maiden voyage in mid-June.
• The ship's most luxurious 1,324-square-foot Otium Suites have amenities like a private hot tub and library.
• The cabin starts at $17,000 per person in 2024, and it's mostly sold out for the year.

Silversea is one of the highest-end cruise lines on the market. So, as you can imagine, its new ship's most expensive suites are luxurious.

Like, really luxurious. And really expensive.

Silversea's new Silver Ray departed on its maiden voyage in mid-June. As is expected of Royal Caribbean Group's ritziest brand , the cruise line's 12th ship is outfitted with 364 of some of the most sumptuous suites at sea, the smallest of which already have a balcony, marble bathroom, and on-demand caviar.

Not too shabby, right?

Well, after seeing Silver Ray's most glamorous 1,324-square-foot Otium Suites, you could find yourself scoffing at its other accommodations.

Its balcony alone is larger than the ship's smallest suites. And its cost is more than three times that of the cheapest option.

In 2024, Silver Ray's Otium Suites start at $17,000 per person for a seven-day roundtrip cruise from Venice, Italy.

It's a steep price compared to the itinerary's least expensive $4,850 per person suite (there's an even cheaper category, but it's sold out for the sailing).

Despite the cost, Silver Ray's two Otium Suites are almost completely booked through 2024.

Upon entering, you're immediately greeted with the library and dining room — spaces you'd be hard-pressed to find in a typical cruise cabin.

Forgot a book? The reading nook is perfectly stocked for travelers interested in learning about bicycle brand Brompton ("The Brompton" by Will Butler-Adams and Dan Davies) and British microchip maker Arm ("The Everything Blueprint: The Microchip Design that Changed the World" by James Ashton).

Or, grab one of the neatly packaged games, such as tic-tac-toe and dominoes.

The dining table would be perfect for churning out a quick round of backgammon.

If you enjoy playing with a side of snacks, the fresh fruit bowl might do. Otherwise, you could call your butler for complimentary caviar or foie gras.

If it looks like a long game, brewing one of the bar's espresso pods or teas might be a good idea. Or, help yourself to some liquor, stocked according to the guests' preferences.

The dining table opens onto a living room with sprawling ocean views.

The couch can convert into a bed to sleep an additional guest. There's certainly ample room for three travelers, after all.

Take note of the chessboard and fresh-cut flowers, small touches that are, again, uncommon in the average suite.

If just one TV isn’t enough, you’re in luck. There’s another one in the bedroom.

It's also where you'll find the vanity, walk-in closet, and sizable bathroom — decorated with marble, of course.

Silver Ray’s cheapest suites have a dual vanity bathroom with a shower.

To out-luxe these cheaper accommodations, the Otium Suite comes with both a shower and a bathtub.

No need to worry about full privacy. The toilet is behind another closed door.

All of the ship's suites have balconies. None are as large as Otium's.

There's no need to hit the pool deck when your 431-square-foot balcony has a private hot tub, lounge chairs, and an outdoor dining table.

To compare, Silver Ray's smallest suites come with a 53-square-foot balcony. Size does matter, after all.

A private hot tub is included in the suite, which starts at $2,430 per person and day.

Hey, at least the cost includes a $399 spa treatment per person, too. Maybe a luxurious massage would help melt away the stress of the payment.

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