Royal Princess
Ship Facts
Gross Tonnage: 142,229
Length: 1,083 feet
Beam: 217 feet
Draft: 28 feet
Cruising Speed: 21.5 knots
Guests: 3,560
Crew: 1,346
Ships Registry: Bermuda
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New Zealand & Australia Gay Daddy Cruise 2028
14 nights from/to Sydney, Australia
January 15 – 29, 2028
Princess Cruises Royal Princess
 We're going Down Under for a 14 night New Zealand gay group cruise round trip from Sydney, Australia. From Sydney round trip to 7 stops in New Zealand - both islands, including the big cities: Auckland and Wellington, as well as several New Zealand fjords, bays, and national parks. Come join our intimate and super-friendly gay group of Daddys, bears, admirers and friends aboard Royal Princess as we explore the Wonders of New Zealand. Explore glaciers and world-class cities for less than you imagined for a 2 week cruise! Princess will help you create memories to last a lifetime.
Marvel at the spectacular scenery of New Zealand's Fiordland National Park/Piopiotahi, voted one of the 7 Cruise World Wonders by Condé Nast Traveler. Immerse yourself in Maori culture, see glowworms twinkle in underground caves outside Auckland/Tamaki Makaurau, stroll the famed Art Deco city of Napier/Ahuriri, and peek into moviemaking magic with The Lord of the Rings tour in Wellington.
Explore the astonishing natural beauty of dual-island New Zealand, where jade-green mountains plunge into the sea and forest-fringed beaches stretch for miles. You'll discover enchanting cities like cool Auckland, and Scottish-influenced Dunedin. Add to the mix the ancient Maori culture and a sophisticated food and wine scene for an unforgettable vacation.
You'll find a genuinely friendly welcome, a world-class arts and cultural scene, and a whole new world of culinary adventures, whether you're feasting on fresh seafood with a view of Sydney Harbour, or exploring New Zealand's famous coffee culture. Let Princess introduce you to landscapes that range from emerald-green rainforests to rainbow-colored coral reefs and rolling vineyards.  
Your Ship - Royal Princess
Embark on a journey aboard Royal Princess and indulge in the timeless favorites you've cherished, alongside thrilling new experiences. Delight in exquisite dining at our two specialty restaurants, where the menus are thoughtfully designed by renowned Michelin-star chefs. Join us and discover the enchanting allure that makes this ship a truly extraordinary escape.
From its breathtaking piazza-style Atrium to the dramatic views from the glass-floored SeaWalk®, Royal Princess is sure to delight. Relax at The Sanctuary, a tranquil haven reserved for adults, watch the mesmerizing Princess WaterColor Fantasy light and water show, or dine on tantalizing cuisine at venues like Crown Grill and more.
Cruiseline, Cruise Critic, Avid Cruiser and other online sites all rate Royal Princess 4 out of 5 stars. CruiseCritic says that even though she's a large ship, ".the open-plan spaces, multiple elevators, and ample seating make for good passenger flow." And they appreciate the "mellow-but-fun atmosphere." She was just refurbished, and US News & World Report ranks her as the third best Princess ship in their fleet.
Cruise Critic summarizes: "the Royal is a nice choice for people who love a traditional cruise's comforts and rituals. It's not trendy, but it's hard to be bored here."
The Royal Princess features two huge pools and six hot tubs, including a few in the Sanctuary-an extra cost (but well worth it!) adults-only retreat with upscale lounging areas and attendants to bring a chilled towel or light bite to eat. At night we can snuggle up on deck to watch Movies Under the Stars on a huge 300-square-foot screen-complete with free popcorn. She has an extra large casino, an internet café, a library, a spa, gym, and much more. Oh, and there's a self-serve launderette on every floor (so you can save on those valet charges, if you like!).
Activities on Royal Princess
Explore the magnificent Royal Princess and you will discover that there are so many activities to enjoy that you won't know where to begin! The Movies Under the Stars screen on this ship is the largest in the fleet, so you can enjoy first-run movies on deck.
The SeaWalk and SeaView Bar offer an exciting view of your surroundings and the ocean. The ship boasts several pools, including one top-deck pool that is the largest in the fleet, as well as a spa, fitness center, and much more.
Dining / Food on Royal Princess
Whenever you're hungry, you'll be tantalized by a variety of tempting aromas wafting from each of the restaurants and dining spots on Royal Princess. Experience delicious cuisine prepared specially for you from scratch, no matter if you opt to dine in one of the formal dining rooms or at a casual venue!
Guests can choose to eat in the privacy of the Chef's Table Lumiere, the ship's traditional dining room where you'll be assigned a set time and table to enjoy your meal at each time you go. If you'd rather a more flexible schedule, there are two forward dining rooms that offer a special menu - and you can eat whenever and with whomever you'd like.
The specialty restaurants on Royal Princess offer menues that reflect regional cuisines from around the world, and the dishes are made with the freshest ingredients. Guests can choose from Sabatini's, an Italian restaurant, as well as the Crown Grill (a steak and seafood restaurant), as well as many others!
Entertainment on Royal Princess
Each evening on the Royal Princess will be an exciting adventure. Enjoy dazzling performances, Movies Under the Stars, and much more. The Atrium on Royal Princess promises to be the heart of the party, with several exciting venues for drinks and entertainment.
Guests can relax in Bellini's, a cocktail bar with an Italian inspiration, or the Wheelhouse Bar, which has live piano entertainment and a club-like atmosphere. Crooner's Lounge and Bar is another intriguing option, offering 75+ varieties of martinis, as well as entertainers who offer a lively performance at dueling glass pianos! Royal Princess promises to offer the best in entertainment.
Exclusive extras for our group only
• Cruise Eve Dinner - meet your fellow travelers face-to-face, get a jump start on your vacation and a taste of your host city, Sydney, the night before we sail.
• Welcome Aboard Party (with free cocktails!) - come meet your fellow travelers and friends in a warm, welcoming, and casual atmosphere. Play our fun get-to-know-you activity, and start forging friendships that will last a lifetime.
• Free Welcome Aboard Gifts and surprises!
• Specially reserved group dining in the main restaurant-you'll always have a seat for dinner, surrounded by a bunch of newfound gay cruise friends.
• Onboard Host/Cruise Director - We'll be there to make sure you have a great vacation. We will resolve any issues that may arise, answer questions, and help you enjoy your cruise to the utmost. We'll coordinate and host activities and parties each day-all of which are optional (it's your vacation: pick and choose what you want to be a part of).
• Exclusive private excursions just for our group (additional fee applies).
• Special Daddy group activities on board (card games, trivia contests, happy hours, parties, and more)
• Special discounted rates at our host hotel in Sydney the nights before and/or after the cruise.
• Special Sydney after-cruise tour (additional fee applies).
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New Zealand & Australia
Gay Daddy Cruise 2028
Itinerary
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Date |
Port |
Arrive |
Depart |
| 15 Jan |
Sydney, Australia |
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4 PM |
| 16 Jan |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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| 17 Jan |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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| 18 Jan |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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| 19 Jan |
Bay Of Islands, New Zealand |
7 AM |
5 PM |
| 20 Jan |
Tauranga, New Zealand |
9:30 AM |
3:45 PM |
| 21 Jan |
Auckland, New Zealand |
6:30 AM |
7 PM |
| 22 Jan |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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| 23 Jan |
Wellington, New Zealand |
8 AM |
5 PM |
| 24 Jan |
Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand |
7 AM |
5 PM |
| 25 Jan |
Dunedin (Port Chalmers), New Zealand |
8 AM |
6 PM |
| 26 Jan |
Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruising) |
9 AM |
6 PM |
| 27 Jan |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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| 28 Jan |
Fun Day at Sea! |
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| 29 Jan |
Sydney, Australia |
6 AM |
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Day 1 - Sydney, Australia
The fun begins the moment you board the Royal Princess - which has been designed from bow to stern for your fun and enjoyment. As we sail out of Sydney Harbor and pass the Sydney Opera House, we'll gather for a hosted Daddy Cruise Welcome Aboard Party. Here, you'll meet your fellow cruisers and start making new friends right away.
Day 2, 3 & 4 - Fun Day at Sea!
Our first few days are at sea. Relax, unwind and get into vacation mode. Lounge on your private balcony or near one of the pools, or maybe even find a quiet nook to settle in with a book. Want to be more active on your day at sea? Play bingo, work out at the gym, watch a movie, dance all night, attend a cooking seminar, soak in a hot tub, watch a sunset (or a sunrise), play trivia games, sing along at the piano bar, do some wine tasting, check your email or surf the internet, grab a snack, watch live entertainment, get lucky in the casino, indulge in a spa treatment, catch the game in the sports bar, and on and on.
Day 5 - Bay Of Islands, New Zealand
The Bay of Islands offers more than broad vistas of sea and sky, more than beaches, boating, and fabulous water sports. The Bay is the birthplace of modern New Zealand. Here the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, establishing British rule and granting the native inhabitants equal status. Rich in legend and mystery, the Bay of Islands has age-old ties to the Maori and to whalers, missionaries and New Zealand's early settlers. The Bay of Islands has lured explorers for countless centuries. The Maori say that Kupe, the great Polynesian adventurer, came here in the 10th century. Captain Cook anchored offshore in 1769, followed by assorted brigands, traders, colonists and missionaries. From a vintage railway to glow worm caves, the Bay of Islands is sure to delight.
Day 6 - Tauranga, New Zealand
New Zealand's natural bounty is always on display at the Bay of Plenty. It was Captain James Cook who in 1769 aptly named this bay, thanks to the prosperous Maori villages of the region. Tauranga, the chief city, is a bustling port, an agricultural and timber center and a popular seaside resort. Tauranga is also the gateway to Rotorua - a geothermal wonderland that is the heart of Maori culture. A 90-minute drive from Tauranga, Rotorua is New Zealand's primary tourist attraction.Your ship docks near the foot of Mt. Maunganui, which rises 761 feet above the bay. Across the harbor, Tauranga offers scenic tidal beaches at Omokoroa and Pahoia. The region boasts fine beaches, big-game fishing, thermal springs and seaside resorts.
Day 7 - 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 collection of shops, restaurants, museums, galleries and gardens. Rangitoto, Auckland's largest and youngest volcano, sits in majestic splendor just offshore. Mt. Eden and One Tree Hill, once home to Maori earthworks, overlook the city. One of New Zealand's fine wine districts lies to the north of Auckland. Auckland is often cited as one of the most gay-welcoming cities in the world-come see for yourself!
Day 8 - Fun Day at Sea!
After so much fun and excitement in the north, you'll be ready for a relaxing day at sea as we head to the nation's capital. Today is a perfect time to do all the stuff you wanted to do earlier but didn't. Or, do nothing at all, and just relax!
Day 9 - Wellington, New Zealand
New Zealand's capital offers stunning views of forested peninsulas, dramatic cliff-side homes and fine Victorian buildings. Settled in 1840 by the London-based New Zealand Company, "wonderful, windy Wellington" is frequently buffeted by bracing winds funnelling through Cook Strait. The sophisticated metropolis boasts museums, winding streets and even a cable car. No wonder many travelers compare it to San Francisco. Despite its steep hills, the city can be easily explored on foot. Kelburn Cable Car, stairways and footpaths climb the slopes from the city center.
Day 10 - Christchurch (Lyttelton), New Zealand
Travel down the tree-lined Avon Rive, tour English-style gardens and drive past a Gothic cathedral. No, it's not England - it's Christchurch, New Zealand's most English city. The colonists who settled Christchurch transformed the treeless landscape by planting European trees and setting aside vast tracts as parkland. Today, parks dot the city, giving Christchurch an old-world ambience that belies its sophisticated style. Settled under the auspices of the Church of England in the mid-1800s, Christchurch is a planned city that flourished with New Zealand's agriculture and sheep industry. At the heart of the city lies Christchurch Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral built of local stone.
The port of Lyttelton serves as your gateway to Christchurch.
Day 11 - Dunedin (Port Chalmers), 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. A statue of famed Scottish poet Robert Burns graces downtown, and the presence of New Zealand's only kilt maker and whisky distillery - as well as many bagpipe bands - keep Dunedin's ties to Scotland alive. The city also boasts a distinguished architectural and cultural history, a legacy of New Zealand's 1860s gold rush.
Port Chalmers, gateway to Dunedin, is located eight miles from the city center. Dunedin is a planned city: its streets and suburbs fan out from the city's octagon.
Day 12 - Fiordland National Park (Scenic Cruising)
New Zealand's largest national park was formed millennia ago by massive glacial flows that carved deep fiords into the coast of New Zealand's South Island. At the heart of Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound. Lined by cliffs that soar nearly a mile above its surface, Milford Sound cuts into the heart of the Southern Alps. Rainforest clings to the cliffs and graceful waterfalls plummet into the void. Mile-high Mitre Peak dominates the upper reaches of the sound. While we do not stop here, we'll spend much of the day cruising the scenic waterways.
Day 13 & 14 - Fun Day at Sea!
Your last two days are at sea! Relax and enjoy. Lounge on your private balcony or near one of the pools, or maybe even find a quiet nook to settle in with a book. Want to be more active on your day at sea? Play bingo, work out at the gym, watch a movie, dance all night, attend a cooking seminar, soak in a hot tub, watch a sunset (or a sunrise), play trivia games, sing along at the piano bar, do some wine tasting, check your email or surf the internet, grab a snack, watch live entertainment, get lucky in the casino, indulge in a spa treatment, catch the game in the sports bar, and on and on.
Day 15 - Sydney, Australia
Welcome back to Sydney - enriched and inspired, and full of memories that will last a lifetime! Now join us for a post-cruise extension tour to see Australia!
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