new zealand cruises

New Zealand cruises are typically Australia/New Zealand cruises that visit port of calls in both countries, including at least Auckland in New Zealand.

For a North American tourist, New Zealand has lot of familiarity of things back home, with shared language, national character, and style.

The country provides, however, variations in landscape and nature that you won't find anywhere else.

In the North Island there is Auckland, a major metropolis and world yacht racing capital, but you'll also find black sand beaches and lush green hills there.

As for the South Island, the mountainous terrain and glaciers have earned New Zealand the title of "Switzerland of the South Pacific."

Typical cruises in the region visit ports of call in New Zealand in longer Pacific cruises and itineraries that go around the world.

However, as the climate is great here all year long, some cruise lines have dedicated itineraries concentrating in New Zealand/Australia.

Cruises - CompaniesAccording to the Cruise Lines International Association, there are 11 cruise lines that sail to New Zealand/Australia.

These cruise lines are:

Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line
Holland America Line
Orient Lines
Norwegian Cruise Line
Princess Cruises
P&O Cruises
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
Royal Caribbean International
Silverseas Cruises
Windstar Cruises

To find the best deals from these companies, you should include the companies direct offers (through their web sites) in your research.

Many of the best offers are under Hot Deals/Specials sections, especially those for last minute / early bookings of cruises.

Another good service that can help in your research efforts is located at travelocity.com.

The last time I checked, it featured 4 cruises from 3 different cruise lines for New Zealand/Australia.