Atlantis Events - 2010 Auckland to Sydney Cruise

Natural Wonders and Brilliant Distractions

Your adventure begins in the harbour city of Auckland, a remarkable and friendly city with the largest gay population in New Zealand. We’ll cruise past scenic volcanic White Island on our way to the capital city of Wellington, newly famous for the many film shoots in its spectacular countryside. The spectacular vistas of Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, bring you in touch with the most “English” city outside England set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. In Dunedin you’ll discover ancient castles along with wildlife and kayaking adventures.

After two exciting days at sea crossing the Tasman, we arrive in the cosmopolitan and diverse city of Melbourne. Our overnight stay there let’s you make the most of this vibrant city’s Victorian buildings, serene parks, magnificent art scene, and outstanding dining & nightlife. We then head north to Sydney where we’ll be docked for 2 days at Circular Quay in the heart of the city.

Sailing Into The World’s Largest Gay Event

Our first cruise to Australia had to be grand, so we’ve worked closely with Sydney’s Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras to perfectly coordinate our schedules. We’ll arrive in Sydney the same day as the famous Mardi Gras Parade, disembarking late on Sunday to allow you time to truly experience the world’s largest gay and lesbian celebration. We’ll update our plans for Mardi Gras more completely in mid-2009, but Atlantis will offer priority access to all the major events during our weekend stay.

For complete details on Sydney Mardi Gras, visit their website at mardigras.org.au.

Days That Shine

Whether it’s an Atlantis day at sea or you’re returning from a day of adventure, there’s always plenty to do onboard the Volendam. Relax by one of our two stunning pools, take in a cooking class in the culinary center, or pamper yourself in the expansive spa. Stay in shape at our fully equipped fitness center, jogging track, and many classes. Drag yourself out to Bingo with Miss Richfield. Or learn something new with an enrichment lecture or an iPod tour of the ship’s extensive art collection.

Dining as Beautiful as the Scenery

The dramatic two-story restaurant offers soaring views of the ocean and Holland America’s award-winning cuisine. Attentive yet unobtrusive service makes dining an event to savor. As on all Atlantis cruises, we feature open seating and a casual atmosphere with no dress code. There’s never an assigned table or dining time, allowing you to dine at your leisure with friends old and new.

For a special occasion, make a date at Pinnacle Grill for one of the most elegant meals at sea, featuring premium beef and fresh seafood. An exciting taste of Asia awaits you in Tamarind, a fusion restaurant with incredible views of the ocean and a rich, intimate setting.

If you’re looking for something casual, the Lido Grill features offers buffet selections, pizza, and late-night snacks, virtually 24 hours a day. Start your day with an espresso with fresh-baked croissants at the Explorers Cafe. Or stay in and relax with complimentary 24-hour room service.

Two Continents of Entertainment

We’ll showcase leading gay and lesbian entertainers from the USA and Australia, featuring comedians, singers, drag performers, variety acts, and more. Our 800 seat theater hosts spectacular productions, Atlantis main stage shows, and most likely a surprise guest star. Joan Rivers, Patti LuPone, Rosie O’Donnell, Blondie, Chita Rivera, Deborah Cox, Jennifer Hudson, and many others have joined us in the past. Who knows who will show up this year!

Our intimate cabaret lounges feature up-and-coming entertainers, unique specialty acts, and some outrageous fun in ways you never imagined. Enjoy Atlantis signature piano bar talent in a relaxing setting, meet a friend in one of our many bars, or try your luck in the casino. Every night offers a new adventure.

We’ll transform the upper pool deck into the most spectacular parties in any continent, featuring top DJ talent from around the world. Our themed afternoon t-dances are legendary fun, and nothing compares to dancing outdoors under the stars as we sail across the South Pacific.

With 1.3 million residents, Auckland is not only the largest city in New Zealand, it has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world. Also known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland also has more yachts per capita than any other city in the world, with an active social life centered around its beautiful harbor and adjoining marinas. Among its many attractiona, don’t miss the Sky Tower, completed in 1997, and at 328 meters, is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

Enjoy a close up view of one of the world’s most active marine volcanoes, first discovered by Captain Cook in 1769, who only saw a cloud of white steam, hence its name. Rising 1600 meters from the sea floors, its eruptions produce both lava flows and explosive columns of ash, attracting both scientists and tourists to its location in the Bay of Plenty.

New Zealand’s political center, housing Parliament, all Government Ministries and Departments, as well all foreign diplomatic missions in New Zealand, Wellington supports an arts, culture, and nightlife scene much larger than most other cities its size. Wellington is also center of the nation’s film making industry, serving as the jumping off point for all films made in New Zealand, including the most recent Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The largest city of New Zealand’s South Island and the second largest city in the country, Christchurch’s location has earned its name as the Gateway to the Antarctic. Not only have historic explorers like Earnest Shackleton used Christchurch and its port of Lyttelton as a departure point for their expeditions, it serves as the major base for many of the world’s Antarctic programs, using Christchurch’s airport as the main supply station for their Antarctic bases. Be sure to visit the International Antarctic Center for a behind the scenes look at Antarctic exploration and research.

The farthest city in the world from both London and Berlin, Dunedin is New Zealand’s oldest city, first settled by Maori settlers over 4 four centuries ago. A 19th century gold rush made Dunedin the country’s largest city and its industrial and commercial heart for a period. That period of prosperity brought Dunedin magnificently ornate Victorian and Edwardian architecture, for which the city is still known today.

The second most populous city in Australia, Melbourne is the country’s sporting and cultural capital. With a large and booming live music scene, other cultural attractions, temperate year-round climate, low crime rates, and generous health care system, Melbourne has topped The Economist’s list of World’s Most Livable Cities three times in the last 10 years.

The Harbour City has earned its place as one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities with its warm welcome to the world in the 2000 Olympics. One of the world’ most multicultural cities, its residents are known for their warmth in sharing their city, from the natural beauty of Bondi beach, to the man-made marvels of the Sydney Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, and the world-famous Taronga Zoo.