Queen Elizabeth South Pacific

The stunning harbour city, Sydney, is Australia’s oldest and largest urban centre. Gold mining and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development, and today it’s the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”.

Your port guide to Sydney.

Blessed with a natural harbour, countless golden beaches and world-class restaurants, Sydney is a dazzling metropolis and international gateway to Australia’s east coast. The city is famed for the quality of its outdoor living, yet a visit here offers more than a chance to soak up the sun. The Sydney Harbour Bridge, world-famous Opera House and the constant bustle of the harbour itself make Sydney one of the world’s most dynamic destinations. Venturing outside the capital of New South Wales unlocks mysterious protected coves, miles of sandy beaches and the dramatic landscape of the breath-taking Blue Mountains.

Exploring.

For spectacular 360-degree views, ascend Sydney Harbour Bridge’s south-east pylon from which Sydney Opera House and The Rocks - one of the city’s liveliest precincts and home to the Museum of Sydney and Museum of Contemporary Art - are visible. The Sydney Aquarium, National Maritime Museum and the Chinese Garden of Friendship can be found in Darling Harbour, with Chinatown also nearby. The Australian Museum, ranked one of the top five history museums in the world, is ideal for anyone wishing to deepen their knowledge of Australia’s aboriginal heritage. Alternatively, escape the city’s hustle at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Incorporating Government House and the Conservatorium of Music, this sprawling parkland offers 24 hectares of native exotic trees.

Eating and drinking.

Those unfamiliar with Sydney may be surprised by the sophistication of the city’s culinary scene. Sydney offers myriad dining experiences drawing on both eastern and western influences, along with restaurants producing some of the most innovative nouveau cuisine in the world.

Games enthusiasts will take pleasure in the compelling selection of games to enjoy. Queen Elizabeth’s Games Deck is a unique feature among our ships, offering al fresco entertainment. Experience the thrill of a vibrant music and dance extravaganza in our full sized theatres.

The Isle of Pines is one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets. Step off your cruise ship and into a seemly forgotten land, rugged and untouched by much of the modern world.

Dazzling turquoise waters gently lap at pristine white sandy beaches. Towering pine trees await on land, while beneath the warm waves, swathes of beautiful coral reefs stretch out into the clear South Pacific waters.

This small French island is nicknamed “the closest island to paradise”, and once you’ve experienced all the beautiful Isle of Pines has to offer, it’s easy to understand why. Isle of Pines, New Caledonia port guide.

Sitting a little way off the south-eastern tip of New Caledonia, the Isle of Pines forms part of the French commune of L’Île-des-Pins – a postcard-perfect destination in the middle of the Pacific bathed in warm sunshine and surrounded by flourishing natural splendour.

This island itself is a mere 15km (9.3 miles) in both length and width, making it an ideal location to spend a relaxing afternoon during your cruise.

While our mouthwatering menus change, our exceptional culinary standards remain the same. Delight in expansive sea views at this comfortable, Mediterranean-inspired lounge. You'll find dancing in our magnificent Queens Room ballrooms a truly magical experience.

Perched on the west coast, Lautoka, is not only the second largest city among Fiji's 332 islands, it is also the second gateway, after the capital city Suva, to Fiji's experience of tropical paradise. Idyllic beaches lead to the crystal-clear waters of the lagoon that forms a circle around the land. In itself, this is a blissful scene to behold, framed with lush terrain.

With warm temperatures throughout the year, there is never a bad time to journey to the island of Viti Levu. The beaches here are pristine, and it is easy to spend lazy days soaking up the sun’s warm rays under palm trees that gently sway overhead. ‘Spear hit’ is the literal translation of the name Lautoka from the native Fijian language, which gives an insight into the history and culture of this town. During a duel between two chiefs, one was hit in the chest by a spear and supposedly cried out “Lau-toka” as he died. Tribal traditions are still important in Fijian culture, with life centred around the local villages. Known as the Sugar City, Lautoka’s main industry is sugar production, as the town is surrounded by fields full of tall sugar cane plants. Lautoka Mill, which was built in 1903, is a huge source of local employment and is the biggest sugar mill in the southern hemisphere. Many people travelled to Lautoka from the Solomon Islands and India to find work here in the early 20th century, which has added to the island’s multicultural feel. Beach lovers will not have any cause to leave the pure white sands of the beaches that line Lautoka. The lagoon that surrounds the island like a turquoise-encrusted ring is the perfect place for snorkelling, paddle boarding or simply idling in the warm waters, watching marine life dart in colourful schools beneath the surface. For a break from the beach, there is plenty to see on the island of Viti Levu, on the outskirts of Lautoka.

It may be Fiji’s capital with 85,000 inhabitants, but Suva’s laid-back atmosphere, spectacular scenery and village-style hospitality is something of an antidote to the typical perception of city life.

What’s more, it may be on Fiji’s famed coast, but it’s not a beach resort. Suva is lined by mangroves, giving it a lush backdrop. The closest beach is 25 miles away, but there’s plenty to enjoy here.

A city of some 85,000 residents, the harbour town of Suva is perched on a peninsula that juts out from the coast of Viti Levu, the most populated of Fiji’s 332 islands. When Suva was established, it covered just one square mile, and in 1952 it was expanded to reach eight square miles. In this same year, Suva became Fiji’s first official city.

Most of Suva’s residents are indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians, but there are many minority cultures in the city, which gives it a multicultural feel. Visitors to Suva are welcomed heartily by Fijians, who are known for their friendly hospitality.

Wandering around Suva’s streets reveals an intriguing blend of colonial and modern architecture, painting a picture of the city’s history. Government House was once the home of Fiji’s colonial governors, but it is now the Presidential palace. Built in 1882, the building was destroyed by lightning in 1921 and was rebuilt seven years later. Although the public cannot see inside the palace, you may be lucky enough to catch the monthly changing of the guard ceremony, featuring vividly coloured uniforms.

For a glimpse of traditional Fijian culture, Suva cruise passengers should pay a visit to The Fiji Museum in Thurston Gardens. One of the city’s 78 green spaces, this garden was opened in the early 20th century and boasts colourful plants and flowers, as well as the city’s museum. It is here that you can examine the largest Fijian artefact collection in the world, with some items dating back as far as 3,700 years.

This relaxed and intimate lounge is reserved exclusively for guests of our Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites.

On board all four Cunard Queens find Clarendon Fine Art Gallery, where you’ll find opportunities to expand your own collection as well as feel inspired by a rotating selection of carefully selected artworks.

Sunny afternoons at sea bring the perfect opportunity to relax on deck with a glass of something chilled.

Port Vila is the capital of Vanuatu, and has plenty of rambling streets and cafés to wander and appreciate. As you explore, every now and then you’ll catch yet another glimpse of the stunning harbour.

This South Seas ‘Riveria’ has a distinctive French flavour among its boutiques and cafés. Noumea enjoys more sunshine than any other Pacific island, and beach lovers will fall for its string of bays.

Visit the nightclub to dance late into the evening to the sounds of the live DJ and resident band.

The varied activities running here throughout the day are just the thing for 8 to 12 year olds.

Cunard’s on board spas are a treat for all your senses; there’s no better way to unwind before your special day.

The stunning harbour city, Sydney, is Australia’s oldest and largest urban centre. Gold mining and sheep breeding propelled Sydney’s development, and today it’s the largest port in the entire South Pacific. Mark Twain called it “the wonder of the world”.