Southampton to Hong Kong - 77 nights, January 2014

Sit back, relax, and let the beautiful scenery of this stunning island unfold before you. Pass by the Royal Palace, the only one of its kind in the States. Stop at the Pali Lookout, for fantastic views over pineapple fields, Northshore and Waimea Bay. See the Mormon Temple, a shimmering white building, said to be the best example in the Pacific.

A short shopping stop will be made at the Dole Pineapple Pavilion. This wonderful little outlet blends the traditional elements of Hawaii plantation life, with modern retail.

Experience Polynesia in an unsurpassed display of song, dance and lifestyle from 7 South Pacific cultures at the Polynesian Centre. Meet the real people of Samoa, Hawaii, Marquesas, Tonga, New Zealand, Tahiti and Fiji. Discover some of the seven different authentic island settings, with informative demonstrations. See the Long Canoes, a floating show bringing the local traditions of Polynesia to life. An IMAX film show is also included.

Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at the Polynesian Centre.


This excursion will operate by coach, minibus and on foot. During your visit to the Polynesian Centre you can either explore independently or remain with the guide for a guided tour. Maps and an event schedule will be provided. Due to time restraints not all of the Centre can be seen on this visit. The Centre is accessible for wheelchairs and has its own wheelchairs available for rental. Passengers are advised that there will be a moderate amount of walking involved over flat and even surfaces. There are steps to reach the IMAX theatre.

One of the main highlights of Shanghai is the Yu Garden and Old Town area. Take a stroll around the Yu-Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. The Gardens date back to the fabled Ming Dynasty and were named 'Yu-Yuan' as ‘yu’ in Chinese means 'peace and health'. The Old Town area, with its vibrant markets, has been one of the city’s most popular gathering places for years. Take a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere as you wander through the small bazaar.

Your tour continues to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty, this popular Temple is graced with upturned eaves, bright yellow walls and symmetrical halls and courtyards. Gaze upon the revered 6½ foot-high, 455-pound Buddha statue made of white jade and precious gems. Originally brought to Shanghai from Burma, it is a sight to behold.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Guests are advised that the tour of the Garden and Old Town will be conducted on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking involved in this tour, including some steps at the Garden and Temple. Shopping time has not been allocated, other than during the visit to the Old Town. The lighting in the Temple is low, care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Temple buildings.

Upon arrival at the Everglades, you’ll board your airboat for a 30 to 40 minute journey through this unique eco-system. With a flat bottom and large driving propeller at the stern, the airboat is able to skim the surface of the shallow waters and traverse this fascinating area. The native Seminole Indians gave the name ‘Sea of Grass’ to this region covered with sawgrass.

Within the Everlades, you'll see a vast array of wildlife including alligators, exotic birds and native fish while gliding over an endless river of grass. The area is known for its rich bird life of large wading birds like the Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Great Blue Heron and a variety of egrets. Throughout the journey, your experienced guide will introduce you to the unique eco-system of the park. This amazing area is also the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side.

Following your airboat ride, you’ll have a short while to explore the park on your own, including a fascinating reptile exhibit and show. The show will provide you with an informative, interactive opportunity to become familiar with the features of the American alligators.



This tour will operate by coach and airboat. Guests must be able to negotiate one large step down to board the airboat. A gift shop and restrooms are available at the airboat facility. Please note airboat engines are very loud and foam earplugs will be provided.

Embark on a drive through some of the outer suburbs of Brisbane before crossing the iconic Story Bridge with its amazing views of the city.

At the boat pier, you will board the grand timber Mississippi style paddle steamer for a cruise along Brisbane River, through the heart of Brisbane and the Wharf Area. Listen to the informative commentary that will introduce you to the city’s landmarks, its culture and people. View the multimillion-dollar mansions on the river at Norman Park, the historic building of Shafston House at Kangaroo Point and the Story Bridge. Marvel at the eclectic mix of historic and modern architecture, and travel past the extensive South Bank Parklands, developed on the site of 1988 World Expo. Savour a light morning tea as you experience the ambience and atmosphere aboard this majestic paddle steamer.
Before returning to the ship, a brief coach tour of Brisbane’s in-land sights will complete your overview of this fascinating city.


This excursion will operate by coach and paddle steamer. There is a walk of 500 yards from the coach to the paddle steamer and approximately three steps to board the vessel. If you wish to access the sun deck a further ten steps will need to be negotiated.

This tropical island has an unexpected landscape, ranging from beautiful coastlines, high plains, spectacular rainforests and ruptured volcanic mountain ranges.

Departing the pier, your driver/guide will take you on a scenic tour of Pago Pago, as you head out to the far eastern side of the island. Enjoy the sights as you pass by groves of coconut palms and tiny villages hugging the shoreline. Learn about the interesting history, traditions and culture of the Samoan people.

There will be several photo stops along the way including Aunu’u Wharf, Amouli Beach and Camel Rock, an interesting rock formation resembling a camel. The view from Pago Pago harbour is one of the most spectacular in the Pacific. Be sure to have your camera at the ready.

If you see something that catches your eye along the way you can just ask the driver to stop for a few moments.

At the eastern most tip of the island you will head back making a stop to enjoy some island entertainment at Two Dollar Beach.


This excursion will operate by island bus or mini bus and on foot. It is recommended that passengers bring sunscreen, bottled water or refreshment, as this will not be provided on the tour. There is very little walking involved on this tour, however passengers must be able to negotiate the steps onto and off the island bus.

During an interesting drive through the city of Auckland and across the Harbour Bridge you will pass many of its major points of interest. You will notice how downtown Auckland’s shopping and office complexes contrast with the restored Victorian buildings of the city’s suburbs and Parnell Village with its colonial-style shops. A stop will be made at Bastion Point to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Waitemata Harbour.

Your next stop will be the Auckland War Memorial Museum, which overlooks Waitemata Harbour. It is one of the country’s most important museums and war memorials telling the story of New Zealand and its people. You will be given a guided tour around the museum and see its intriguing collection of exhibits about New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, including the largest collection of Maori and Polynesian artefacts in the country and an 82-foot war canoe, chiseled from an entire Totara tree.


This excursion will operate by coach. Guests who wish to explore the Museum independently may opt out of the guided tour. The lighting in the Museum is dim to protect the exhibits. The Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. There are toilet facilities at Bastion Point. The itinerary may operate in reverse.

An interesting and thought provoking tour providing an insight into the impact of World War II on Rabaul.

A prime target for the Japanese, the women and children of Rabaul were evacuated in 1941. The evacuation was a prudent move because The Battle of Rabaul began early the following year when thousands of Japanese marines landed on the shores.

Shortly after the occupation, the Japanese army dug many miles of tunnels to shelter from the Allied air forces. Visit a Japanese Barge tunnel and learn how the Japanese hid their vessels, head to tail, and how they turned Rabaul into a powerful military base.

You will then travel to a local village and experience the local culture combined with a typical Tolai dance, be immersed in the song and dance of the local community.

Continue with a visit to the fascinating Kokopo War Museum to see the vast collection of impressive World War II artifacts including local art and culture, warplanes and guns from the German Colonial period and Japanese occupation.

The final highlights will be the Bita Paka War Museum and Bita Paka War cemetery. The final resting place of the soldiers and natives who lost their lives during the Pacific campaign, this well kept cemetery is a poignant reminder of the war.


This excursion will operate by minibus and on foot. This tour may run with a reverse itinerary. There is a moderate level of walking over rough and uneven ground at some of the sights.

Take a guided walking tour exploring the narrow alleys and cobblestoned lanes of the Old Town. Traverse the zigzag bridge and see the charming pavilion teahouse. As well as some shopping time in the Old Town, the highlight of your stop here is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden home with traditional halls and pavilions. Enjoy a family-style Chinese luncheon at a hotel in the city. No visit to Shanghai would be complete without seeing the wonderful Jade Buddha Temple, featuring a priceless Buddha statue carved from one piece of white jade.The temple was built in the Song Dynasty and is still an active venue for Buddhist events. Visit the Shanghai Museum, one of this city’s foremost treasures. Its collection of 110,000 historical objects and 430,000 reference pieces enjoy worldwide fame. Your last stop is the Qicai Silk Factory. Visit their workshops and learn the secret of how silk is made and have a chance to shop in their gift shop for silk garments, home accessories, carpet and souvenirs.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 3½ hours of walking on this tour, including some steps and inclines. The Jade Buddha is displayed on the second floor of the Temple. Should you wish to purchase any art and craft items at the Qicai Silk Factory, it is recommended you take Chinese Yuan. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended. The lighting in the Temple is low, and care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Museum and Temple buildings.

Your walk begins at the Man Mo Temple. Afterwards, stroll down to Hollywood Road, famous for its curio and antique shops. Hollywood Road is the perfect place to find wood-block prints, china, porcelain, Buddha statues, snuff and perfume bottles, Chinese furniture and a host of other items.

The lively district of Soho is home to the Mid-Levels Escalator, currently the Guinness World Record holder of the world’s longest covered escalator. This one-direction escalator carries almost 34,000 people daily and is 800 metres long. Soho is an area packed with bars and restaurants and is a particular hot spot for nightlife.

The huge, grey building of the Central District Police Station features Doric-style columns and stands as a testimony to Hong Kong's colonial heritage.

The compact narrow alleys of Li Yuen Street East and West are packed with stalls and shops selling casual wear, leatherwear and knick-knacks to local housewives, visitors and commuters alike.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and take a raincoat or umbrella in case of possible downpours. Guests are advised that there is an extensive amount of walking involved during this tour.

Enjoy a scenic drive along Eagle Beach, past the resort hotels to the oldest lighthouse on the island - the California Lighthouse. From here you can admire great views of the island. See the Alto Vista Chapel, where Spanish missionaries are said to have converted the island’s Indians into Christians in 1560.

The route then takes you along the north coast to the Baby Natural Bridge, situated next to the former Natural Bridge, which was Aruba’s premier attraction until its collapse in 2005. This spot demonstrates the powerful forces of the sea, which over the years has carved through coral and limestone.

Your return journey takes you to the Casibari Rock formation, a group of large diorite and granite boulders. Head to the south coast to see the world’s largest water desalination plant before returning to Oranjestad.


This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. This tour involves walking over rough and uneven ground. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. Guests are advised not to climb on Casibari Rock or the Baby Natural Bridge. The road to the Natural Bridge ruins can be very bumpy. All toilet facilities have a small fee of 50 cents.

Boarding your high speed RIB, depart Airlie Beach for an exhilarating ride into the spectacular Marine and Island National Parks of the Whitsundays.

After a short cruise through the islands, a snorkelling stop will be made at either Black Island or Langford Sandspit to enable you to observe the vibrant marine life, which swim around the coral reef. Your Captain will be available to answer any questions on this amazing natural wonder. Refreshments of soft drinks will be served during the stop.

The next stop is on the northern shores of Hook Island. The rugged island is mostly national park which boasts beautiful beaches, breathtaking lookouts, excellent snorkelling and walking tracks. Enjoy a stroll along one of the pristine beaches or snorkel with hundreds of tropical fish as you explore the underwater world of one of the Whitsundays many coral reefs. This World Heritage Listed area is famous for turtle spotting, swimming and snorkelling.


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.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

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 semi rigid inflatable vessel (RIB). Snorkelling equipment is provided. Swimming and snorkelling are at guests' own discretion. It is advisable to leave any valuables onboard the ship. The tour is not suitable for guests who have conditions which may be affected by the bumpy ride. Toilets are eco-friendly so standards may vary. Guests are reminded to bring swimwear, towel, hat, sunscreen and local currency.

Embark on a scenic drive to the world famous Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The area has been sculptured out of volcanic activity and has been thousands of years in the making. Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal attraction.

You’ll be amazed by the diversity of the area as you walk round clearly defined tracks and encounter the uniquely different natural landscapes of sprouting geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters, sinter terrace formations and the world famous Champagne Pool.

After your geothermal experience, you’ll be taken to Lake Rotorua to board the Lakeland Queen, the only stern driven paddle boat in New Zealand. A leisurely cruise on this vast lake will provide you with views of Mokoia Island and Sulphur Bay. Enjoy a buffet luncheon and a glass of wine or beer onboard as you are entertained by the Maori cultural performance of Kapa haka.

Back on land, your journey continues to Rainbow Springs, a conservation centre set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees, ferns and streams. The centre is home to a variety of precious native inhabitants including the unique kiwi, New Zealand’s national symbol.


This excursion will operate by coach, gondola and on foot. The journey time to Wai-O-Tapu is 90 minutes. There is approximately one hours’ walking on mostly flat terrain, however there are some inclines and steps, so comfortable, enclosed footwear is recommended. As with all geothermal regions, the smell of hydrogen sulphide permeates the atmosphere. Photography may be restricted in some areas. Hats may need to be removed during the Maori performance.

An air-conditioned car with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made. Cars will take up to 2 guests. One of the main highlights of Shanghai is the Yu Garden and Old Town area. Take a stroll around the Yu-Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in the heart of a bustling city. The Gardens date back to the fabled Ming Dynasty and were named 'Yu-Yuan' as ‘yu’ in Chinese means 'peace and health'. The Old Town area, with its vibrant markets, has been one of the city’s most popular gathering places for years. Take a moment to absorb the unique atmosphere as you wander through the small bazaar. Your tour continues to visit the Jade Buddha Temple. Built in the style of the Song Dynasty, this popular Temple is graced with upturned eaves, bright yellow walls and symmetrical halls and courtyards. Gaze upon the revered 6½ foot-high, 455-pound Buddha statue made of white jade and precious gems. Originally brought to Shanghai from Burma, it is a sight to behold.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only one ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. Guests are advised that the tour of the Garden and Old Town will be conducted on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking involved in this tour, including some steps at the Garden and Temple. Shopping time has not been allocated, other than during the visit to the Old Town. The lighting in the Temple is low, care should be taken. Photography is restricted in the Temple buildings.

With its wonderful bayside location the Vizcaya Museum is a delight to visit. Spend time with your guide walking through the many elaborately decorated and furnished rooms featuring antique arts and ornaments. The 15th to 19th century influences of French and Italian styles give this mansion an opulent and continental feel. Spend time in the beautifully kept gardens and admire the many plants and flowers within the 10 acres of grounds.

During your scenic drive you’ll head south and continue across Biscayne Bay to Miami Beach for views of the Art Deco District and fashionable South Beach. Cross over the impressive MacArthur Causeway, passing between Star Island and the Port of Miami, one of the busiest in the world. You will also pass along Miami’s famous Brickell Avenue, with its combination of modern office buildings alongside magnificent old bayside mansions.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. At the Museum there will be around 45 minutes of slow walking and standing. You will have a guided tour of the 1st floor of the mansion only. Access to the 2nd floor is by steps or lift if you wish to visit independently.

Your adventure begins with a brief transfer from the ship to Waikiki’s Hilton Hawaiian Village and the Atlantis Pier. Here, you will board the Atlantis transfer vessel for a 15-minute boat ride, featuring scenic views of Waikiki and Diamond Head. Upon arrival at the Atlantis dive site, you will transfer to the submarine for your underwater journey.

Being in a submarine and descending to 100 feet underwater is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and to add to this unforgettable experience, just imagine the extensive marine life you will see. The Atlantis Waikiki dive site is home to amazing and colourful Hawaiian fish and coral and you may also spot one of the local turtles.

Known for its quality and safety, the Atlantis Submarine is an eye-opening experience allowing you to learn about coral, reefs, marine life and submersibles while visiting sunken shipwrecks, an aeroplane and other artificial reefs. Your friendly crew will share their love of the ocean with you.

With a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating, this one-of-a-kind submarine allows you access to the delights of Hawaii’s underwater world.


This excursion will operate by trolley, boat and submarine. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothes and flat, non-slip shoes for boat transfers and navigating the submarine ladder. This tour is suitable for adults and children at least 36 inches in height. Guests must be able to safely negotiate a nearly vertical seven-step ladder into and out of the submarine.