What's Best" - pre or post days?

[Mincruiser]

We may be doing the December 22, 06 Holiday cruise form Auckland to Sydney. We will be arriving in Auckland from the U.S. While a pre and a post stay would be ideal, what would others recommend in terms of travel jet lag and down time. Is it better to arrive earlier or stay later when flying? I'm guessing arriving early. Beyond having several days to explore is one day good to relax and get acclimated?

 

Thanks

[Jane110]

Generally, I like pre-cruise stays. As much as I love cruises, once it's over, I'm ready to go home and not unpack again at a hotel for a visit.

 

However, given your itinerary, I'd select Sydney over Auckland. I think it's a better visit. That said, I would arrive in Auckland one day early to get over jet lag, have some wiggle room in case of any flight or luggage problems and have one day to see Auckland.

 

Jane

[Kiwi Kruzer]

I agree with Jane.

Auckland is my home town,

Sydney is my favorite destination.

It is so close for us ,and so exciting.

My suggestion?

Book a direct flight to NZ,arriving a couple of days before your cruise.Flights are busy at that time of the year so early booking may be wise.Have a look around our city,then board your cruise refreshed ,and use your ports of call to see the rest of NZ.

Then spend some time in Sydney at the end of your cruise.

You can easily spend a week in Sydney ,there is so much to see and do.

If you do not want the long flight back to the States, you have the option of a stopover in Hawaii !!!!!!!

David.