SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Queen Elizabeth
Sitting between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada mountains, laid-back San Francisco is home to an eclectic mix of cultures and the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge. Survey the superb vistas over the Bay or traverse the steep rolling hills by tram. Explore ‘The Rock’ of Alcatraz, visit the Museum of Modern Art or head for the celebrated vineyards of the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
SANTACRUZ DE TENERIFE, TENERIFE Queen Mary 2
Investigate the mysterious Güímar Pyramids, the huge stepped structures believed to date from as early as 680AD, and strangely reminiscent of those left by the Incas. Or ascend the monument left by the volcanic forces of nature. Mount Teide stands as Spain’s tallest mountain, and in just eight minutes by cable car, you can swap sea level for the wondrous views at its summit.
SHANGHAI, CHINA Queen Mary 2
Shanghai means ‘Above the Sea’ and its futuristic skyscrapers dynamically emphasise the point, the emblematic Orient Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower among them. Pockets of the past do linger, like the Yuyuan Gardens or the Bund, a populous river walkway whose grand façades are among few surviving colonial echoes.
SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT Queen Elizabeth
Here on the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea’s glinting waters delight snorkellers and divers with reefs that swirl with tropical fish – in vivid contrast to a backdrop of dusty peaks and arid deserts. Yet these dramatic landscapes are daubed with the brightly hued tents of local Bedouin, almost as colourful as their intriguing handicraft stalls.
SINGAPORE Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2
Explore multi-cultural Singapore at the gold-domed Sultan Mosque, the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple with its vivid images of Hindu God Vishnu and the calm lotus-filled lakes of the Chinese garden. A certain Britishness lingers too, so stop by Singapore Polo Club and Raffles Hotel for a tall glass of the pink stuff – a signature Singapore Sling.
SOKHNA, EGYPT Queen Mary 2
Named after the ‘hot springs’ that originate in the nearby Gebel Ataka mountain, Sokhna is a resort with pristine beaches and coral reefs for divers and snorkellers to enjoy, or where the more adventurous can head inland on a desert safari. It’s also your gateway to the pulsating city of Cairo and its priceless ancient treasures.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA Queen ElizabethO
,Queen Mary 2
Appreciate the distinct characters of the historic Rocks district and Darling Harbour. After some scenic strolling, rest your legs in Mrs Macquarie’s Chair. You cannot fault the wife of a former governor for her seating choice: the views of the ‘Coat Hanger’ – the Harbour Bridge to non- Sydneysiders – and Opera House are as good as you’ll find.
WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA Queen Mary 2
Found between the sand dunes of the Namib Desert and the Atlantic Ocean, the large natural lagoon at Walvis Bay is home to prolific birdlife, including flamingoes and countless species of exotic migratory birds. Spy on dolphins in the bay, sample the breathtaking views from the top of towering ‘Sand Dune 7’ or explore the charming old streets of this harbour town.
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND Queen Elizabeth
A city of cable cars, sophisticated café society and cultural riches, New Zealand’s compact capital is best explored on foot. Discover the architecturally striking Civic Square, take a cable car up to the Botanic Gardens, stroll along the bustling waterfront or visit the impressive Te Papa Museum for a celebration of all that is New Zealand.
WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS, AUSTRALIA Queen Mary 2
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking natural beauty of this collection of 74 pristine islands, tucked away inside the Great Barrier Reef. Leave footprints in the pure white sands of the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, snorkel or scuba dive around colourful coral gardens or cross the shimmering turquoise waters of the Coral Sea by boat.
O= Overnight Stay • For Queen Elizabeth itineraries see pages 52-65 • For Queen Mary 2 itineraries see pages 118-129
Shanghai, China
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
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