I always wanted to see New Zealand. I just didn't think it would be on a cruise

It was the first time Clara set sail on a luxury liner and the first time she visited New Zealand. Combining both made it one of the best holidays ever. 

The thrill of seeing a new place along with all the new experiences it promises is one of the best feelings you get whenever you are about to travel and I have to say I was overwhelmed by that feeling when embarking on the Celebrity Edge for my inaugural cruise.

This voyage charted a course from Christchurch to Sydney and promised stops in Dunedin and the majestic Milford Sound along with a diverse range of interests with its elegant staterooms, culinary delights, and engaging activities.

Here's how it all went: 

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Experiencing New Zealand in a different way. Images: Supplied

Day 1: Traveling to Celebrity Cruise

This morning, I woke up early, filled with anticipation for my journey.

Flying from Sydney with Emirates, I savoured a peaceful flight, briefly interrupted by a chance encounter with Barry Matheson, a fellow cruise traveller. After a straightforward customs process in Christchurch, I opted for a scenic bus ride to my hotel, absorbing New Zealand's stunning landscapes and vibrant architecture.

Settling in at the Crown Plaza, I soon ventured out, discovering a quaint Middle Eastern shop for a tasty shawarma wrap and exploring the lush Botanical Gardens on a lime scooter. The gardens, particularly the rose garden with over 50 varieties, including rare green roses, were a highlight of my Christchurch experience.

My digs for the holiday. Images: Supplied

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Day 2: Leaving Christchurch

Departing for the Celebrity Edge, a brief coach ride took us to the cruise ship, where a thorough boarding process ensured all documents were meticulously checked.

The ship's interior was stunning, particularly the grand plaza on level four with its central martini bar. My exploration began at the Eden Garden, a breathtaking bar lounge with a tropical theme and live music, followed by a unique dining experience at Le Petit Chef, where animated tables brought a whimsical element to our delicious, beautifully presented meal. 

Day 3: Dunedin Excursion

On day three, despite the challenge of sleeping on the rough seas (for which I recommend motion sickness bands), our Dunedin excursion was a highlight. We embarked on a tour, led by a passionate guide, showcasing New Zealand's wildlife including albatrosses, sea lions, and fur seals.

A mix-up at the Nature Wonders Reserve shortened our visit, but we still marveled at the fauna, especially the fur seals and their pups, and peeked at sleeping baby blue penguins. Though brief, it was a memorable experience that I'd recommend for anyone eager to witness Dunedin's natural wonders.

Lots of different experiences on and off the cruise. Images: Supplied

Day 4: Awakening to Milford Sound

On the fourth day, I woke up late, still exhilarated from exploring the ship. The morning view of Milford Sound from the ship's top deck was awe-inspiring, with majestic mountains and lush greenery dwarfing our cruise ship, a beauty so profound that photos hardly captured its essence.

After enjoying the well-equipped gym onboard, I spent much of the day captivated by the changing vistas of Milford Sound. The day concluded delightfully with another cocktail event at the Eden Garden and a scrumptious meal at the Eating Garden restaurant, perfectly rounding off another extraordinary day of the cruise.

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Day 5: Relaxation and Insights on Celebrity Edge

Day five was a designated rest day, and I took full advantage of it, capturing more footage of the ship, particularly on the Top Deck. There, I found a track perfect for jogging or walking. The deck also featured a massive pool, complete with sun chairs partially submerged in water, ideal for those looking to sunbathe while staying cool.

In the forward section of the Top Deck were the spa, gym, and two additional spas, which cater to families during specific hours (from 7 am to 4 pm). Moving towards the middle and back of the deck, I discovered the Ocean View Cafe, or what I'd call a buffet.

This dining area offered an extensive array of foods to satisfy any craving, from pasta and ice cream to burgers, fries, and a variety of dishes catering to different dietary requirements. The staff across all the ship's eateries were incredibly accommodating, always eager to meet guests' needs.

So many food options on the ship. Images: Supplied

An informative session with the ship's directors and the captain provided valuable insights into the design philosophy of Celebrity Edge. They emphasised their preference for maintaining the intimacy and comfort of the ship's design, ensuring spacious rooms and a more personal experience for around 3,000 guests.

Navigating the ship could be confusing at times, with directions sometimes leading me on longer routes, but this added to my daily steps and exploration.

I spent time visiting various venues, including the theater and the club, where curated entertainment and activities were available for guests. One standout performer was a singer named Montez, whose talent was a highlight of my day.

I also explored Camp at Sea, the ship's care area for guests under 17. However, the camp's limited hours and age restrictions, as pointed out by another guest, suggested that the ship might be more suited to couples, singles, and an older demographic, rather than families with young children.

Did someone say 'kids club'? Images: Supplied

Day 6: Final Day on the Cruise and my verdict

Despite the ship's significant rocking and some event cancellations, my spirits remained high.

I immersed myself in onboard activities, starting with an art gallery tour that displayed a diverse and valuable art collection, adding a rich cultural dimension to the cruise experience. The day continued with insightful tours of the ship's state-of-the-art kitchens and the bridge, where we learned about the ship's sustainability efforts. A culinary highlight was a cooking demonstration by MasterChef's Brendan Pang, where we learned to make hand-pulled noodles and dumplings, a delightful and tasty experience.

The day ended with me savouring lychee martinis and reflecting on the incredible experiences of the past few days. I was enveloped in a world of intimate luxury and captivating New Zealand vistas. This cruise, tailored for couples and those seeking an immersive and personal experience, surpassed my expectations with its elegant staterooms, diverse culinary delights, and a myriad of activities, all while showcasing the breathtaking beauty and charm of New Zealand's key features.

Beautiful scenery at every turn. Image: Supplied

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How much does it cost? 

The cost of a cruise depends on several factors, including the cruise's duration, the type of room chosen, the number of guests, and the selected food and drink package.

The starting price for a 10-night cruise around New Zealand begins at $1,899 AUD, which doesn't cover additional expenses like tours or the use of facilities such as the spa.

It's important to consider what experiences and amenities you want to enjoy before booking, to fully understand the overall costs beforehand.

Clara travelled as a guest of Celebrity Cruises but her experience and views are genuinely her own. 

Originally published as I always wanted to see New Zealand. I just didn't think it would be on a cruise