Southampton to Adelaide - 59 nights, January 2014

El Sauzal and Tacoronte have gained a reputation of being the best wine growing regions in Tenerife. Only a short drive from the ship, you will visit the Wine Centre Museum at the old farmhouse mansion of La Baranda Here, you will be offered three different kinds of wine: red, white and rosé.

Moving on to Bodegas Alvaro, which holds possibly the biggest collection of wines in the Canaries, you will have the opportunity to try Cava, a sparkling wine, and Moscatel, a sweet wine. A further three wines will be tasted, together with a selection of Spanish tapas.

The return drive will take you through the vineyards and the great scenery of Arafo.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves some walking over cobblestone terrain and steps. There is a downhill walk and return uphill walk of approximately 45 metres from the coach drop off point to the winery. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Participants in the wine tasting must be over 18 years of age.

The Tea Route will take you on a culinary and cultural journey through the early days of Mauritius. You’ll start with a tour of Domaine des Aubineaux, one of the last colonial mansions typical of the late 19th century. The mansion has been converted into a museum dedicated to the history of Mauritian Tea. Take a stroll in the Camphor tree garden, with its diversity of exotic plants and endemic forest, and enjoy the beautiful sight of the tea plantation.

Next, a visit will be made to the tea factory of Bois Chéri to witness the transformation of the tea leaves into flavoured tea bags. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of flavoured tea, while admiring the beautiful scenery around you.

A delicious lunch will be served at Domaine Saint Aubin, a plantation house built in 1819, before visiting the Anthurium, Vanilla Plantation and the Rum Distillery.

The panorama of the south is full of photo opportunities, and you will see tea plantations, local villages, places of worship for all the different communities, and beautiful views over the south and south-east coast.


This excursion will operate by bus or minibus and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking on this tour, with steps to negotiate at the colonial houses and the tea factory. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Your experience will begin with a visit to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. A brief tour of the facilities will provide a behind the scenes insight into the work of a dedicated rescue team who collect sick, injured and orphaned koalas and other native wildlife.

Nearby to the hospital is Australia Zoo which was established by the late ‘Crocodile Hunter’, Steve Irwin and is still run by his enthusiastic family. It is one of Australia’s leading environmental organisations, committed to the preservation of Australian wildlife and their habitat. You will have around three hours to explore the many enclosures at your own leisure. Discover the large numbers of native animals including freshwater and saltwater crocodiles, kangaroos, elephants, tigers and wombats. You will have the chance to meet the cuddly koalas, view majestic birds of prey and feed kangaroos, elephants or camels (food at your own expense).

The Zoo’s latest addition is their totally wild Africa exhibit. The open-plains are home to giraffe, zebra and rhinos. You’ll have the opportunity to watch these fascinating animals from onboard the special Africa Safari Shuttle. There will also be daily animal presentations. The highlight is the live crocodile show, where the crocodiles launch a strike from the water’s edge in the purpose built ‘Crocoseum’. A truly unforgettable day out.


This excursion will operate by coach. Please check on arrival at the zoo for details of the crocodile show, animal talks, feeding times and presentation schedules. The tour is unguided therefore walking is at guests' own discretion. The terrain is mostly flat pavement and there is a trolley train which runs continuously around the zoo. Guests with limited mobility can rent a motorized scooter for AUD$25 (payable on arrival). The zoo is fully wheelchair accessible.

Your coastal drive heads towards Swakopmund, and then east to the Namib-Naukluft Park. The Namib is one of the oldest deserts in the world, home to the world's highest-shifting sand dunes and adorned with a kaleidoscope of vivid colours. Upon arrival, explore the unique plant life and terrain of this arid region.

Continue through the Swakop River Valley and the Moon Landscape. This vastly-eroded valley has an appearance similar to that of the moon's surface, created by the winds that reduced mountains to spectacular rock formations and sand. Proceed for a visit to Welwitschia Valley, where thousands of Welwitschia plants are scattered about. A stop will be made to view these fascinating plants, along with a variety of interesting lichen plants before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine.

Re-board your off-road vehicle for the return drive along the dune belt to Dune 7, and on to Walvis Bay. En route, a brief visit will be made to the Walvis Bay Lagoon and the tidal flood plains.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by 4x4 vehicles. It is extremely hot and dry in the desert therefore sun hats, sun block, sunglasses and bottled water are essential. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children under 12 may not participate.

Board your coach and traverse Perth’s sleek suburbs to the lush Swan Valley, renowned for its historic houses and award winning wineries. Stop at the Cellar Emporium of Sandalford Wines to enjoy wine tasting of the Estate’s vintages. See the wonderful views stretching off into the distance including row after row of vines.

After your wine tasting experience, you will drive to Caversham Wildlife Park, which offers a complete bush experience. You will have approximately 1½ hours’ free time to meander around the Park enjoying the different range of wildlife native to Australia such as emus, kookaburras, dingos and crocodiles. You could also take a walk through the kangaroo enclosure, to meet and perhaps feed the friendly kangaroos and wallabies, or get up close and have your photograph taken with one of the cuddly koalas. Look out for the daily show, which will introduce you to the wombat and a variety of other friendly Australian animals.


This excursion will operate by coach. Walking is over flat ground and is at guests' own discretion. Flat, comfortable enclosed shoes are recommended. Order of sights visited may vary.

Absorb the history and highlights of the surroundings as your coach takes you into the heart of the city. Pass the handsomely restored former Railway building, numerous stately colonial buildings, the Botanical Gardens and the Holy Trinity Church.

You will make a stop to visit the South Australian Museum, which boasts the largest collection of Aboriginal art and artefacts in the world. The Aboriginal Cultures Gallery houses over 3,000 items in an accessible interactive setting. Your guide will show you some of the richness of Aboriginal culture and the history of one of the world’s oldest and most continuous living cultures as you wander through these wonderful displays.

Continue your panoramic drive through the city as you pass the grand Old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House before leaving the city limits behind as you travel to the outlying ranges and Mountt Lofty Lookout for spectacular views over the city.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to one hour of walking at the museum involving some steps.

Enjoy a short orientation tour at the fishing port of Walvis Bay, including a brief visit to the lagoon and tidal flood plains where, at certain times of the year, you can see flocks of pelicans and other water birds.

Travel to Swakopmund, with a stop en route at Dune 7, the highest sand dune in the area. Built by the coast next to the sea, Swakopmund is a beautiful town situated at the mouth of the Swakop River and is often described as ‘a slice of Germany on the edge of the desert’. Many buildings date back to the turn of the century and are now national monuments, reminding you of the town’s German colonial past.

During your tour, pay a visit to the Kristal Galerie and the Karakulia Weavery, where the wool of Karakul sheep is spun, dyed and woven into rugs and wall hangings. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse in the Brauhaus Gallery, which is a small shopping arcade in the centre of town.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves up to 2½ hours’ walking in total, mainly over paved and level surfaces, except at Dune 7, which is sandy. To avoid congestion the order of highlights may be reversed.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).

The route takes you on tracks, which meander through the mountains, across small rivers and along valleys providing incredible views. You will be presented with an excellent opportunity to see the native flora of the island; the Laurissilva.

Embrace the thrill of your off road adventure and take in the interesting commentary from your guide as you pass by some of the islands most glorious scenery.

A short break will be made during the tour for you to enjoy some light refreshments.


ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance

This excursion will operate by jeep. The route taken is subject to local conditions. This tour is not suitable for those with injuries or conditions, which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Pregnant women and children may not participate. Each vehicle is equipped with seat belts, which must be worn. Due to the nature of this tour, casual clothing should be worn and it is advisable to take a sweater or light jacket, as it can be cooler in the mountains.

Board your boat for the renowned Jumping Crocodile Cruise, which will take you along the Adelaide River in search of saltwater crocodiles. The Adelaide River is home to 1,600 deadly crocodiles and offers some of the best crocodile viewing in the world.

As your boat glides along the murky waters of the Adelaide River, you will hear all about the crocodile's habitats and habits as well as experiencing superb close-up views of these ancient predators. Have your camera ready to witness their raw power as they launch themselves out of the water to snatch the food offered by your guide.

Alongside the saltwater crocodiles you may also see a wonderful array of birdlife. Relax with a complimentary soft drink as you look out for the diverse range of wildlife which resides in the area.

After your exhilarating cruise, you will continue to the Window on the Wetlands Visitor Centre to discover more about the northern coastal wetlands, one of the rarest and most threatened land systems in the world. The Centre is located on one of the highest points on the Adelaide River floodplain with a magnificent panorama across the Marrakai Plains and an interesting hands-on facility which explains the eco-system of the area.


This excursion will operate by coach and boat. There are a few steps to negotiate at the gangway of the boat. Wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on the boat due to the width of the gangway.

Passing through the centre of Funchal, your journey will take you steeply out of town along a winding road from which there are spectacular views over the harbour. Drive through the village of Monte, perched in the hills overlooking Funchal, then up through eucalyptus and mimosa trees to Terreiro da Luta.

The beautiful views open out considerably on both sides until the road comes to an end at the summit of Pico do Arieiro, a vantage point at 5,937 feet, from which there are magnificent views on a clear day. The route turns inland to Ribeiro Frio, where you can visit the carefully cultivated grounds of the trout hatchery.

Descend through Faial to the village of Santana, famous for the traditional houses with thatched roofs and densely planted vineyards. Visit the vineyards and enjoy some wine tasting at Quinta do Furão, where luncheon will be served.

At São Jorge visit the Rosarium at Quinta do Arco. With more than one thousand different kinds of rose bushes, enjoy the beauty and colour of this unique garden and wine lodge.

Continue along the north-eastern coast to the village of São Vicente, where a stop will be made to allow you to explore some of the surrounding area before retuning to Funchal.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There will be some steps to negotiate on this tour. The ground is flat but cobbled at most viewpoints or stops. The journey is along winding mountain roads.

Travel back in time, and relive the days in which the sugar industry was the lifeblood of this growing region.

Boarding your coach at Abel Point Marina, you will travel through Cannonvale on your way to the Proserpine Historical Museum. You will see exhibits highlighting some of the history of the Whitsunday regions sugar and cattle industries. The collection showcases a ‘Digger’, a vintage steam locomotive that was once used in the sugar fields during World War I, before ceasing operation in the sugar cane fields in the mid 1920’s.

Departing the Museum, you will take in some of the sights of this developing area. A brief stop is given at Shute Harbour Lookout to enable you to enjoy the beautiful panoramic views over the harbour and the Whitsunday Islands. Your tour concludes at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, where refreshments of tea or coffee and a slice of cake will be served overlooking the water.

Returning to the quayside via shuttle bus, you may wish to take some time to explore some of the many boutique clothing shops and cafés that line the streets of this bustling little town.


This excursion will operate by catamaran. The Proserpine Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. 30 minutes is allocated at the Whitsunday Sailing Club for morning tea, however guests can depart the Sailing Club at their own convenience. Guests are responsible for making their own way back to the quayside, via the shuttle bus, which stops directly outside the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

You’ll be transferred by coach to the Sydney Opera House with its distinctive roofline that has made it one of the most noteworthy buildings in the world. Make your way to your ‘A’ reserved seats for an unforgettable experience as part of an audience at this famous performing arts centre.

The opera performance for Queen Victoria (Saturday 23 February 2013) and Queen Mary 2 (Tuesday 19 March 2013) is La Boheme. Puccini’s heart-rending love story is transported to Berlin in the 1930s, where the high-spirited bohemians revel in the exotic seductions of the Spiegeltent. It's gloriously inventive lyricism endures as one of the opera world’s finest achievements.

Director Gale Edwards’ ravishing production, with marvel-making sets by designer Brian Thomson and sensual, daring costumes by Julie Lynch, transports the poet Rodolfo and the young seamstress Mimì from the Latin Quarter of 1830's Paris to Berlin in the 1930s. It is here where the high-spirited bohemians revel in the exotic seductions of the Spiegeltent. Romance and tragedy are heightened when the rise of the Nazis threatens to brutally sweep away the glittering pleasures and prizes of Café Momus.

The cast is outstanding. Soprano Nicole Car makes her much anticipated Sydney role debut as Mimì and the magnificent Italian tenor Gianluca Terranova, who shone as Alfredo in Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – La Traviata, stars as Rodolfo. Their youthfulness and chemistry will bring a blaze of passion to the immortal love story set against the backdrop of a fast-changing world. The acclaimed Christian Badea, who studied with Herbert von Karajan and Leonard Bernstein, returns to conduct the enduringly popular opera.

Performed in Italian with English surtitles. The Opera House describe the performance as not being traditional but it is instead sassy and similar in period and costuming to the show Chicago. Please note Act 2 contains partial nudity.

The opera performance for Queen Mary 2 (Thursday 7 March 2013) is Orpheus in the Underworld. Sparkling melodies, cartoonish delights, pyrotechnics and fast-paced dance routines make this production of Offenbach’s operetta a treat for all ages.

The worlds of musical theatre and comic opera collide when the sensational song-and- dance man Todd McKenney (The Boy From Oz, Annie) takes the lead of Aristaeus/Pluto in Jonathan Biggins’ topical version of Orpheus in The Underworld. The stylish fooling and newly-minted satire by Biggins and Phil Scott re-ignites Offenbach’s 1850s parody to make its vision of lust and power ripe for the times. The sparkling melodies, cartoonish delights, pyrotechnics and fast-paced dance routines make the production a treat for all ages.

The designer Mark Thompson’s imaginative towers and temples, and gorgeous and witty costumes, create a setting as vibrant and bright as a Broadway musical. The production brings together a dream cast of thrilling and diverse voices: soprano Emma Matthews (Eurydice), tenor Andrew Brunsdon (Orpheus), baritone Luke Gabbedy (Jupiter) and mezzo-soprano Suzanne Johnston (Public Opinion), who makes a welcome return to the Sydney stage.

With its frenzied pace, sight gags and a show-stopping finale, it is sure to be the most fun-filled event of the summer season.

Performed in English with surtitles. The Opera House has described this performance as comic Opera however they have stressed that this performance is quite crass and vulgar and they recommend that guests who attend be of an open mind.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The opera being performed on 23rd February and 19th March is La Boheme by Puccini. The opera being performed on 7th March is Orpheus in the Underworld by Offenbach. Guests on Queen Mary 2 are requested to double check the performance running on their date of choice so there are no surprises on arrival. Dress code is semi-formal. Photography is prohibited during the performance. The Opera House has over 200 steps and passengers must walk 110 yards to reach the Opera House. Pre-booking is highly recommended as bookings will close on 4th January 2013. Any bookings received after this time will be waitlisted until further capacity can be obtained. Opera tickets are non-refundable after 4th January 2013.

During an orientation drive of the city you will see Holy Trinity Church, the handsomely restored former Railway Building, many colonial buildings and the Botanical Gardens. There are delightful views of the city's parks before your drive continues past the grand Old Parliament Buildings and nearby Government House.

Close to Adelaide city centre, Cleland Wildlife Park conserves a vital area of natural bushland on the Adelaide Hills. The area has a rich history of Aboriginal occupation and European settlements. See cuddly koalas before hand-feeding the kangaroos. Numerous wombats, dingoes, emus and colourful bird life also abound in this natural bush setting. There will also be a stop for photographs at the viewing platform of Mount Lofty.


This excursion will operate by coach. This tour involves approximately 1½ hours of walking over flat, level terrain, however this is at guests' discretion.

Departing the ship you will travel by coach to Sherbrooke Forest, home to some of the world’s tallest hardwood species of trees. The forest is also home to many of Australia’s unique birdlife, such as Rosellas, Kookaburras, Bellbirds and Lyrebirds. Two of the forest’s most impressive and colourful bird species are the Crimson Rosella and the King Parrot. To add to this delightful experience, seeds are provided for you to hand-feed these playful and inquisitive birds.

Leaving the forest, you will drive to Mount Dandenong Observatory. At 1,800 feet above sea level, the Observatory affords extensive and breathtaking views of the lush forests and fern gullies of the Dandenong Ranges, giving you an excellent opportunity to take some memorable photographs.

Finally, you will visit one of the area’s charming little villages. These small villages are renowned for their excellent craft shops which feature the work of local artists and include jewellery, glassware, pottery, leather goods and woodcarvings. Enjoy some free time to stroll along the quaint streets or shop for souvenirs. There are even candy shops reminiscent of yesteryear where you can purchase a sweet confection.

Returning to the city, you will be given a brief overview of Melbourne’s highlights before arriving back at the pier.


This excursion will operate by coach. Approximately 40 minutes will be spent at the village where walking is at guests' own discretion.The order of highlights may vary.