Travel Agent Drumcondra

I have always dreamt of visiting Australia and New Zealand and when I got the chance earlier this year I jumped at it!

I had almost 3 weeks to take and I intended to see as much of these vast countries as I possibly could but planning this type of trip can be difficult even for a Travel Agent like me. I decided that if I was to make the most of this time, the best way would be to do a luxury cruise for 14 nights aboard the 5 Star Celebrity Millennium cruise ship. Problem solved and all I had to do was sit back and let the Captain take us there…

Firstly there was the long journey down under and what better way then to fly with one stop in Abu Dhabi to Sydney with Etihad Airways. This award winning carrier most definitely won my vote. I travelled Coral Class (Economy) which was almost like a premium class in itself. Food was excellent, seats a good size and the cabin staff very professional and attentive. The in-flight entertainment system was the best I had seen and more than adequate to while away the long journey. At last Sydney airport and after clearing customs we made our way to our hotel for 2 night staying at the Radisson on O'Connell Street chosen for its proximity to Sydney Harbour.

After a bath and a short rest it was out to sample the famous Australian hospitality and everywhere you turn the Irish influence is abundant. On Sunday 29th March we boarded Celebrity Cruises Millennium cruise ship which was a joy in itself and took no more than 15 minutes to be checked in. A balcony grade cabin is always first choice for me as I like to get up close and personal to all the sights as we approach and depart the various ports of call. This was a wonderful cruise and in my opinion the best way to travel without packing and unpacking. On this itinerary we visited Philip Island / Melbourne / Hobart Tasmania / Milford Sound / Doubtful Sound / Dusky Sound then heading into New Zealand waters and our first port of call was Dunedin which closely resembles the Scottish city of the same name. Christchurch followed this stop plus Tauranga then onto Wellington and White Island which was to please even the most demanding of photo takers.

In between each port stop we are at sea and it’s truly the perfect way to relax and unwind. Days and nights are spent either in the excellent spa facilities or availing of the ships many entertainment spots including cinema and theatre shows daily. Dining was as casual as we made it or on the few occasions we chose to do so we dined like kings in the private restaurant or at the Metropolitan main dining room where you can mix with all the guests or take yourself off to a smaller eatery on board.

Celebrity Cruises certainly know how to spoil its guests, be prepared to gain weight unless you can say no to the vast array of culinary delights which await you each day. On board all guests are on a full board basis which is breakfast, lunch and evening meal, at the evening dinner you have a choice of 2 sittings early or late - my tip is to go for the later sitting that way you can relax once you come aboard after your excursions to the many wonderful cities and ports you are sure to see on this and any other cruise.

All too quickly a two week cruise can end and I was surprised how quickly the time flew, disembarkation is orchestrated by the expert staff and before you know it its time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have met.

We finished this voyage on Easter Sunday in Auckland and chose to stay on for 2 more nights staying at the Hyatt Regency in the centre of Auckland city. This city offers so much for visitors and is a relaxed laid back town perhaps due to its main college campus located in the heart of town. We enjoyed the shopping and theatre on offer here and it was a perfect ending to a trip of a lifetime, remember you can over plan a trip or you can relax and combine a trip of this magnitude with a cruise to get the most out of your time away.