Luxury Cunard Half World Voyage from Sydney to Southampton

Your holiday begins as you fly from the UK to your destination.

Touch down in Sydney and transfer to your hotel for a two-night stay. One of the world’s great harbour cities, Sydney provides you with glittering water views, buzzing laneways, and a warm welcome to Australia.

Enjoy a full day to explore Sydney at your own pace. Stroll beneath the Opera House sails, wander the historic lanes of The Rocks, or simply linger over coffee by Circular Quay before your voyage begins.

Transfer to the harbour and embark Queen Anne, Cunard’s newest Queen. Settle into your stateroom as the city lights shimmer across the water, with an overnight in port giving you a gentle first taste of life on board.

Savour one more chance to explore Sydney before you sail. Take in the skyline from the deck, or head ashore to Darling Harbour and Bondi Beach, absorbing the city’s easy sunshine as Queen Anne prepares to set course north.

Queensland’s sunny capital blends riverside parklands with a relaxed, lively cultural scene. Wander the South Bank promenade, browse the riverfront galleries, or seek out a leafy café before returning on board this evening.

Gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach opens onto one of Australia’s most beautiful corners. Think sun-warmed sands, sailing boats bobbing offshore, and a scattering of tropical islands across impossibly clear water.

From the marina at Yorkeys Knob, the tropical city of Cairns lies within easy reach. This is prime rainforest-meets-reef territory, where ancient Daintree greenery rolls down to the Coral Sea.

On the northern tip of Sulawesi, Bitung is a lush, little-visited port framed by volcanic peaks and dense jungle. Nearby nature reserves shelter rare wildlife, from tiny tarsiers to colourful birdlife, amid richly scented tropical forest.

The Philippine capital is a spirited mix of Spanish colonial heritage and modern energy. Explore the walled district of Intramuros, admire centuries-old churches, or dive into the buzz of a city that never quite stands still.

Few cities crackle with energy like Hong Kong. Ride the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, ascend Victoria Peak for sweeping views, or lose yourself in the neon-lit markets and steaming dim sum houses of this electric city.

A second day in Hong Kong provides ample opportunities to delve deeper. Take the tram to a quiet fishing village, browse the temple markets, or ride out to Lantau Island to see the serene Tian Tan Buddha rising above the hills.

From the port of Laem Chabang, Thailand’s vibrant capital awaits. In Bangkok, glittering temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho sit alongside floating markets, tuk-tuks, and some of the finest street food anywhere.

Another day in port invites you to venture further afield. Cruise the Chao Phraya River past riverside temples, explore the Grand Palace, or simply sample mango sticky rice at a bustling local market.

Thailand’s laid-back island of Ko Samui is made for slowing down. Sink into powder-soft beaches, seek out a jungle waterfall in the lush interior, or watch the sun dip over the Gulf of Thailand.

Sleek, green, and endlessly inventive, Singapore rewards every kind of traveller. Marvel at the Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay, browse the shophouses of Chinatown, or graze your way through a legendary hawker centre.

Lingering longer lets you dig into Singapore’s layers. Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles, wander the colourful lanes of Little India and Kampong Glam, or ride high for skyline views over Marina Bay.

Port Klang opens the door to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s high-rise capital. Gaze up at the soaring Petronas Towers, explore the limestone caves and temples at Batu, or savour a fragrant plate of nasi lemak.

Penang’s capital, George Town, is a UNESCO-listed feast for the senses. Follow the street-art trail past pastel-painted terraces, breathe in the incense of clan temples, or sample some of Asia’s most celebrated cuisine.

Ringed by shimmering lagoons and jagged green peaks, Mauritius is the stuff of daydreams. From the capital, Port Louis, seek out the lively Central Market, botanical gardens heavy with scent, or simply the nearest stretch of white sand.

The French island of Réunion is a dramatic, volcanic outpost in the Indian Ocean. Towering cirques, waterfalls, and the smouldering Piton de la Fournaise make its interior spectacular, while creole culture flavours every corner.

South Africa’s warmest city greets you with sandy beaches and a rich Zulu and Indian heritage. Stroll the Golden Mile promenade, sample fiery bunny chow, or venture inland towards rolling hills and wildlife reserves.

Sunny Gqeberha, long known as Port Elizabeth, sits on Algoa Bay along the Sunshine Coast. Relax on wide sweeping beaches, explore the historic centre, or head to nearby game parks for the chance to spot the Big Five.

Another day opens up the wildlife-rich Eastern Cape. Set off on safari in a malaria-free game park, meet elephants at close quarters, or follow the coast in search of dolphins and whales offshore.

Set beneath the flat-topped summit of Table Mountain, Cape Town is a showstopper. Ride the cableway to the top, wander the brightly painted Bo-Kaap quarter, or explore the vibrant V&A Waterfront.

Another full day in Cape Town reveals the region’s wilder side. Head out to Cape Point where two oceans meet, greet the penguins at Boulders Beach, or set out among the vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.

On the island of São Vicente, Mindelo is Cape Verde’s cultural heart, famous for its music and carnival spirit. Wander the pastel colonial streets, listen for the soulful strains of morna, or relax on a golden Atlantic beach.

The Canary Islands bask in year-round sunshine, and Gran Canaria packs a remarkable variety into one island. From the capital, Las Palmas, discover a historic old town, sweeping sand dunes at Maspalomas, or rugged volcanic scenery inland.

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, tumbles down green hillsides to a sparkling Atlantic bay. Take the cable car to Monte, wander lush tropical gardens, or toast the voyage with a glass of the island’s famous fortified wine.

Your holiday complete, today you’ll disembark your ship and make your own way home.