28th Annual Mark Belling Cruise - Australia to New Zealand
The Mark Belling Cruise, which I am rightly proud of, has taken thousands of my listeners to some of the most exotic and interesting warm weather spots in the world on beautiful, fun and exciting cruise ships. But in 2019, we are taking this cruise to an entirely new level. We will literally be going to the other side of the world to experience both glamour and urban sophistication to astonishing natural beauty. My 28th annual listener cruise heads for the first time to Australia and New Zealand with an incredible itinerary on an outstanding ship.
Our home for this incredible trip will be the Majestic Princess. Princess Cruises has built many incredible ships but none as exotic and cosmopolitan as the Majestic. This ship didn’t even debut until 2017 and was built with this part of the world in mind.
And, it gets even better. For those with the time to enjoy, we have options to depart early and add two days in Sydney and maybe even see the famed Outback or to extend at the end with additional time in Auckland or Queenstown.
My 2019 cruise is going to be very special. You might even say it is Majestic.
Mark BellingPer Person Double Occupancy
From $6899
Single Supplement Available
Feb. 15-March 2, 2019
16 Days / 15 Nights
FREE $300 Per Couple Shipboard Credit
FREE Gratuities ($324 – $372 Savings Per Couple)
Itinerary
Depart USA
In Air
Arrive in Sydney, Australia
Sydney is Australia’s oldest and largest city, born in 1788 with the arrival of the “First Fleet” transporting 760 British convicts. Harbour Bridge and the sail- like curves of the Sydney Opera House grace the backdrop of this picturesque harbor, hailed by many as “the most beautiful harbor in the world.” Experience a Sydney Harbour sunset from the water during our exclusive harbor cruise just for Mark Belling cruisers. Watch the sun melt into the horizon as you sail under the Harbour Bridge with a glass of Champagne in hand and tasty hors d’oeuvres to nibble on. Later, enjoy a delectable dinner while watching the harbor come to light before spending the night at The Grace Hotel in the heart of downtown.
Sydney & Board Ship
Embark on a half day tour of Sydney complete with spectacular views of the Sydney Opera House and a stop at famous Bondi Beach before boarding the Majestic Princess.
Cruising
Melbourne, Australia
Victoria may be Australia’s smallest continental state, but Melbourne, its capital, is big on everything. With a population of 4.25 million people living in 59 separately named communities, Melbourne is a sprawling city offering culture, art, fashion and friendly, sports-minded Australians. Spend the day exploring the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens or take a trip to the Healesville Sanctuary to see koalas and kangaroos.
Cruising
Hobart (Tasmania), Australia
Tasmania’s capital has much in common with Sydney. Founded just a few years later in 1804, Hobart also owes its origins to the establishment of a penal colony – and its natural setting is just as impressive. Seen from its fine deep-water harbor, Hobart spills over the lower reaches of the Derwent Valley as Mt. Wellington towers in the background. Visit Port Arthur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was Australia’s largest penal colony or explore Bonorong Sanctuary, home to kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, koalas, wombats, wallabies and golden possums.
Cruising
Cruising
Fiordland National Park
Sail through New Zealand’s largest national park, formed millennia ago by massive glacial flows that carved deep fiords into the coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Lined by cliffs that soar nearly a mile above its surface, Milford Sound cuts into the heart of the Southern Alps. The rainforest clings to the cliffs and graceful waterfalls plummet into the void. Mile-high Mitre Peak dominates the upper reaches of the sound.
Dunedin, New Zealand
Perched on the hills above one of New Zealand’s loveliest harbors, Dunedin is a Kiwi city with a Scottish heart. Hailed as the “Edinburgh of New Zealand,” Dunedin is proud of its heritage. Travel the fabled route of gold prospectors and pioneers through spectacular Taieri River Gorge or sample a favorite New Zealand beer, “Pride of the South” at historic Speight’s Brewery.
Akaroa, New Zealand
On the eastern shores of New Zealand’s South Island on the volcanic Banks Peninsula, visitors are lured by Akaroa’s secluded beaches and quaint boutiques. Akaroa Harbour is home to a diverse array of marine life, including rare Hector’s dolphins. Take a scenic train ride on the Tranz Alpine Express to Arthur’s Pass or visit one of Christchurch’s famous rose gardens.
Cruising
Tauranga, New Zealand
Tauranga is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort town. It’s also the gateway to Rotorua – a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture and New Zealand’s primary tourist attraction. Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui. Visit the Tamaki Maori Village, discover Rainbow Springs or unwind at Polynesian Spa, featuring four relaxing hot spring pools and stunning views of Lake Rotorua.
Auckland, New Zealand
Straddling a narrow isthmus created by 60 different volcanoes, New Zealand’s former capital boasts scenic beauty, historical interest and a cosmopolitan scene. After disembarking the ship, explore Auckland on a city tour including Auckland Domain, home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and an exhilarating ascent up Sky Tower, the tallest man- made structure in New Zealand. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
Included
- FREE $300 per couple Shipboard Credit
- FREE gratuities ($324-$372 savings per couple)
- Roundtrip economy class airfare from Chicago
- Roundtrip transportation Milwaukee to Chicago
- 1-Night Sydney Package: Accommodations at the Grace Hotel*, early check-in upon arrival, Sydney Harbour Sunset Cruise, Sydney day tour
- Auckland city tour & Sky Tower ascent
- Ground transportation and custom luggage handling
- 12 nights of cruising aboard the brand new Majestic Princess
- Complete services of Cruise & Tour
Mark Belling Cruise Exclusives:
- Sydney Harbour Sunset Cruise & Dinner *Signature Event*
- Auckland city tour & Sky Tower
- The Mark Belling Show “Live at Sea”
- Second Mark Belling Show
- WISN Welcome Event
- Cocktail party
- Mark Belling Cruise gift set
- Photo & autograph opportunities
- WISN Hospitality Desk
*The tour operator reserves the right to substitute hotel for similar accommodations should circumstances so require
Not Included
- Taxes & visa fees of $225 (subject to change regardless of payment status)
- Travel insurance
- Baggage fees
- Tips for local guides
- Increase in visa fees
- Items of a personal nature (alcoholic beverage, laundry, phone, etc.)
Testimonials
Staterooms
Rates
| Category | Room Size | Complete Pricing (Per Person Double Occupancy) |
|---|---|---|
| Balcony (BB) | 222 sq. ft. | $6899 |
| Deluxe Balcony (D4) | 284 sq. ft. | $7199 |
| Mini-Suite (MB, MC, ME) | 319-329 sq. ft. | $7599 |
| Premium Suite (S5) | 554 sq. ft. | $9799 |
| Penthouse Suite (S3) | 587-682 sq. ft. | $11399 |
| Taxes & Fees (Per Person) | $225 |
| 2-Night Sydney Extension | $579 |
| 9-Night Discover Australia Extension | $3899 |
| 2-Night Auckland Extension | $499 |
| 4-Night Queenstown Extension | $2399 |
*Pay for your entire trip by cash or check and receive a 2.5% discount
Please inquire for single pricing
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENT: A $1000 per person deposit is required with your reservation. A second deposit in the amount of $2500 per person is due 7/20/2018. Final payment is due 10/18/2018. All payments can be made by credit card, check or cash. Please be advised that there is a 2.5% discount for making all payments by check or cash.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Your initial $1000 deposit is refundable through 7/20/2018, less a $500 per person cancellation fee. Between 7/21/2018 and 10/18/2018, the cancellation charge is 50% of deposits paid. After 10/18/2018 or non-appearance on departure day, 100% of the cost of your travel arrangements is forfeited. Trip Extension Policy: For any extension changes after 7/21/2018, a $150 per person fee will be charged (if the change is possible). For cancellation between 7/21/2018 and 10/18/2018 a $150 per person fee will be charged. After 10/18/2018 the cancellation charge is 100% of your extension arrangements. These policies supersede any other published cancellation and refund policy. Cancellation must be made in writing to Cruise & Tour. It is understood and agreed that in the event of cancellation, Cruise & Tour reserves the right to process refunds by check payment or with multiple transactions. If flights are purchased other than the designated group flights, separate airline penalties may apply. If any other arrangements outside of the group package have been made, penalties may apply and are not the responsibility of Cruise & Tour. We strongly encourage the purchase of travel insurance to protect the investment in your vacation and to help in dealing with the unexpected emergencies.
Extensions
How to Book
- Call Cruise & Tour at (800) 383-3131 or REQUEST A CALL
- Ask to have a place held on this trip
- You will receive an email with a link to our online registration form
Fill it out and you’re in!
It’s that easy. Give us a call today!
Travel Insurance Information
Worldwide Trip Protector
Cruise & Tour recommends that you purchase travel insurance.
To purchase travel protection insurance:
- Click here to view and print the Travel Insured International brochure which has a brief summary of coverage.
- After making your travel reservation and deposit, a Cruise & Tour representative will create an insurance quote for you. You will receive that travel insurance quote from Travel Insured International Customer Care.
- From here you will be able to view the quote, add additional coverage options such as Cancel for Any Reason, and purchase your policy all in the Travel Insured International Portal.
Please Note: Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion will be waived if you purchase the protection plan within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment. Options such as Cancel for Any Reason or Interrupt for Any Reason must also be purchased within 21 days of the date of your initial trip payment.
To view and print the Explanation of Benefits, click here.
Cancellation/Interruption
Passport Information
SPECIAL NOTE: Travel outside of the U.S. requires a passport with an expiration date six months or more beyond your return date. If you have a valid passport, please include a copy of the picture page with your completed reservation form. See below for more information on passport application or renewal. The name on your reservation must match the first and last name on your passport. Non-U.S. citizens must consult the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed and are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents.