PRESENTS THE 26TH

CLASSIC CONCERTS CRUISE

Classic Concerts Cruise

14- DAY NEW ZEALAND CRUISE

Sailing 2nd of FEBRUARY 2026

Round Trip From Brisbane, Australia.

Experience exclusive daily concerts at sea, featuring brilliant musicians, insightful music talks, classical music films, and the unique opportunity to dine with the artists. Enjoy the timeless music of Beethoven, Bach, Brahms, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, Debussy, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and more.

Cruise led by Gary Thorpe OAM, 4MBS General Manager.

Gary Thorpe OAM has been the General Manager of 4MBS Classic FM for over 35 years. He has been the Artistic Director of the annual 4MBS Festival of Classics for 32 years. Gary was awarded the Order of Australia for Outstanding Contribution to music and broadcasting.

“A two week floating festival of wonderful music making!”

“We've been on the Classic Concerts Cruise many times. It is a sheer delight; there is nothing else like it!”

- CALL US ON 07 5554 2777 -

The Musicians

Alex Raineri

Alex Raineri is a pianist, harpsichordist, composer, artistic director, producer, writer, radio presenter, and educator.
Based in Brisbane (Australia), frequent International touring destinations include America, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Finland, Asia, New Zealand and throughout metropolitan and regional Australia.
Alex is the Artistic Director and Producer of the Brisbane Music Festival.
Julia Hill

Violinist Julia Hill has established herself Internationally as a multi-faceted musician. She graduated Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Music (Honours) and was awarded the 2020 Queensland Conservatorium Medal, given to one student each year for outstanding involvement within the Conservatorium. Julia was selected as the recipient of the 2022 Australian Youth Orchestra Richard Pollett Memorial Award. She has served as a concertmaster at the Australian Youth Orchestra’s National Music Camp on two separate occasions, and has previously performed as a young artist for Brisbane Music Festival. On return to Australia earlier this year, Julia has shared the stage with Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra.
Laura Raineri

Based in London, musical theatre performer Laura Raineri recently graduated from the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London with a Bachelor of Musical Theatre. Her performance in past Brisbane Music Festival’s have been critically lauded as “soulful … moody and evocatively-rich … compelling, powerful, but also appropriately fragile … formidable vocals” (Blue Curtains Brisbane)
Patrick Munday

A rising star of the stage, Patrick’s talent spans opera and musical theatre. He trained at London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has appeared in Sondheim’s Pacific Overtures and other classic productions.
Oliver Scott

Oliver Scott’s career as a cellist has involved performing with various professional orchestras throughout Australia, such as Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Sinfonia, as well as internationally, with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. He has also made numerous appearances as a concert soloist.

The Cruise - Brisbane Round Trip

A map of New Zealand showing major cities and locations, including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Napier, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fiordland National Park, and Queenstown, with surrounding bodies of water like the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean.

Embark on a captivating 14-day cruise through Australia and New Zealand, starting in Brisbane, Australia, on February 2nd, 2026. Enjoy leisurely days at sea, followed by unforgettable port stops in Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin in New Zealand. Experience scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park, and return to Brisbane on February 16th. This journey offers a perfect blend of enriching onboard experiences and stunning coastal destinations, with plenty of time to explore each port and relax at sea.

Your Itinerary

Begin your adventure in Brisbane, Australia’s vibrant riverside city. Known for its laid-back charm and modern flair, Brisbane offers a blend of culture, nature, and stunning views. Explore the city’s bustling art scene, lush parks, and picturesque riverfront before setting sail toward New Zealand.
Nestled along the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga offers a perfect mix of beautiful beaches, serene gardens, and rich Maori history. Stroll along the waterfront or venture into the countryside to visit the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, known for its geysers and hot springs.
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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 served as New Zealand's capital from 1841 until 1865, when the seat of government moved to Wellington.
Points of Interest
- Waitomo Caves Region
- Auckland Museums
- Auckland Harbour and Islands
- West Auckland
- Auckland City and Surrounds
- New Zeland Culinary Experience
- North Shore
- New Zealand Adventure Experience
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.
Points of Interest
- Te Pa Tu Maori Village (Maori Concert & Hangi)
- Rotorua
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Rainbow Springs
- Skyline Skyrides
- Waiotapu
- Agrodome
- Polynesian Spa
Napier and Hawke's Bay have become New Zealand's premier lifestyle getaways. Located on the North Island's eastern coast, New Zealand's oldest wine-growing region boasts a superb Mediterranean climate and golden sand beaches. In recent years, Hawke's Bay has become a leading producer of fine olive oils and artisanal cheeses. Wildlife lovers and birders will flock to Cape Kidnappers in Southern Hawke Bay: the Cape is home to the largest mainland gannet colony in the world.

In 1931, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake leveled Napier. The town rebuilt itself, and today Napier is hailed as the "Art Deco City" for its superb collection of Deco, Spanish Mission and Classical Revival buildings.
Points of Interest
- Art Deco City Tour
- Wine Tasting
- Cape Kidnappers
- Te Mata Peak
- National Aquarium
- Silky Oaks Chocolate Company & Sunzup Fruit World
- Mohaka River
- Mission Estate Winery
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.
Points of Interest
- Wellington Botanic Garden/Lady Norwood Rose Garden
- Cable Car
- Te Papa Museum
- Wairarapa
- Zealandia: Karori Wildlife Sanctuary
- Lord Of The Rings Tour
- Outdoor Adventures
- Wellington City
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.
Points of Interest
- Canterbury Museum
- Arts Centre/Christchurch Art Gallery
- Christchurch Cathedral
- Botanic Gardens
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tramway
- Akaroa & The Banks Peninsula
- Tranz Alpine Railway
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.

Travel tip: Dunedin is pronounced "Dunn-knee-din"
Points of Interest
- Taieri Gorge Railway
- Larnach Castle
- Olveston House
- Otago Harbour & Peninsula
- Speights Brewery
- Botanical Garden
- Otago Museum
- Dunedin Train Station
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Fiordland National Park as your ship cruises through its dramatic fjords, towering cliffs, and misty waterfalls. Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound offer spectacular scenery, providing an unforgettable natural spectacle from the comfort of your ship.
Conclude your unforgettable journey back in Brisbane, filled with incredible memories of New Zealand’s landscapes and rich culture. Take a final stroll through the city’s parks and riverside before disembarking, ready to reflect on the beauty and adventure of your 14-day cruise.

Large white cruise ship named Crown Princess sailing near rocky cliffs with buildings on top, on a body of water under a clear blue sky.

Aerial view of a cruise ship with multiple decks, swimming pools, lounge chairs, and recreational areas, sailing on deep blue ocean water.

Elegant restaurant dining area with white-clothed tables, napkins, glassware, and wooden chairs, featuring warm lighting and wood-paneled walls.

Your Ship: Crown Princess

Enjoy sweeping views of the world while sailing on Crown Princess. From her nearly 900 balconies to the breathtaking three-story Atrium, you'll discover a relaxing atmosphere filled with an array of world class entertainment and dining options that will greet you each day when you return from making fascinating discoveries ashore.

Dining: Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board. Every hour, the chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more.

Your Stateroom: From the moment you step aboard, Princess wants you to feel welcomed and right at home. With attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your ship truly is your home away from home. Princess Cruise’s luxurious new beds feature a scientifically engineered mattress and bed springs, a plush two-inch pillow top, European-inspired duvets and 100% luxurious Jacquard-woven linens-to assure that at the end of your voyage, you come home feeling refreshed and renewed.