See the world anew

Cunard voyages span the length and breadth of the globe and range from three nights to three months. Each offers ample opportunity to discover the unrivaled sense of freedom and possibility found on board, and the fascinating destinations and cultures you can explore when you sail on a Cunard Queen.

We're sharing our top destinations and places to discover on your Cunard voyage. 

ALASKA

Despite its status as Alaska’s capital, Juneau’s urban area spans just 14 square miles but its appeal far exceeds its city limits. Waters abound with Humpbacks and orcas, forested trails leading to snow-ensconced mountains, and the ever-present majestic eagles circling overhead. The town that kick-started Alaska’s gold rush is rich with treasures of all varieties.

 

In Ketchikan take in an Alaskan lumberjack show, snorkel among friendly marine life, or simply soak up the art, history and shopping in town. Kayaking expeditions, guided floatplane tours and Tomcar karting in Tongass National Forest may all appeal to those looking for more adventurous pursuits, and fishing charters are available for guests who might like to try their hand at landing halibut or king crab. 

 

Whether you want to try gold panning, pull up a stool in a 19th Century saloon, or take a ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route railway, you’ll get the opportunity in Skagway. Here you'll also find the chance to experience some exhilarating high-octane adventures. You may choose to have a go at ocean rafting on the Lyn Canal, zip-lining over treetops, or navigating hairpin turns on a dog sled powered by huskies.   

 

AFRICA AND INDIAN OCEAN

Set on age-old trade routes, centuries of influences meet around Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean, creating a fascinating tapestry of cultures, cuisines and traditions for you to explore.

 

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town’s most famous attraction, Table Mountain, has its own dedicated Aerial Cableway that delivers you from ground to summit in just five minutes. It’s outside of the city but if you choose to make the journey you won’t be disappointed. To say the views are spectacular is an understatement.

 

Central Cape Town also offers plenty to explore, from the 18th Century Koopmans de Wet House and the Old Town House on Greenmarket Square - a small gallery housed in a former City Hall. Along Government Avenue you’ll find several other noteworthy sights including South Africa’s oldest gardens, St George’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament and The South African Museum.

 

Walvis Bay, Namibia

If it’s wildlife that piques your interest, why not embark on a kayaking or boating experience in the bay? You could get up close and personal with nature, meeting seals and dolphins and creating unforgettable moments with these playful marine creatures.

 

Another option is to join a guided tour into the heart of the Namib Desert, part of the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Explore captivating landscapes, ancient geological formations, and, if you’re there at the right time, perhaps witness the stark beauty of the desert's changing colors during sunrise and sunset.

 

Enjoy stunning birdlife at the Walvis Bay Lagoon, where over 150,000 migrant birds spend the summer months. It’s a haven for Greater and Lesser flamingos, pelicans, and other migratory water birds. Take a boat tour for an up-close encounter with these graceful creatures, and you might even spot visiting dolphins and whales too.

 

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Downtown, in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, you’ll find galleries including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim. These two remarkable museums not only house interesting art and artefacts, but they are utterly striking architecturally too.

 

Ferrari World is the ultimate attraction for car fans and adrenaline-seekers. Here you’ll find the world’s fastest rollercoaster and the world’s highest loop ride, as well as more than 40 other record-breaking experiences.

 

Those looking for more of a glimpse into local culture, the UAE Heritage Village offers a generous insight. It’s essentially a time capsule, where you’ll have the chance to experience traditional desert life. Browse an old-style souk (market), and wander along the paths of a desert camp to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s history.

 

ASIA

Experience peaceful temples, ancient tea ceremonies, raucous markets and traditional cuisine. This diverse continent blends centuries-old tradition and dazzling modernity, dynamic cities and idyllic resorts.

 

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong buzzes with grand galleries, thriving art complexes and auspicious temples. Retreat among the city’s parks, or travel back to the time of tea houses and Cantonese opera. Hong Kong's rich history and contemporary flair shine through in Tai Kwun Center, a fascinating and forward-thinking arts complex. Kowloon Park, with its two-tiered lotus pond and basking terrapins, provides the perfect refuge from city life while climbing Victoria Peak reveals spectacular city views. Finally, pay a visit to the incense-infused Man Mo Temple. This sacred tribute to the Gods of War and Literature has welcomed worshippers in Hong Kong since the 19th century.

 

Kanazawa, Japan

If you are in search of historic Japan, look no further than Kanazawa. Kanazawa Old Town is easy to navigate on foot with much to explore within a small area. Higashi Chaya-gai is well worth a visit. A preserved district of Japanese teahouses, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Kanazawa’s past. Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most beautiful landscaped gardens, is another of the city’s big draws. Across the road you will find Kanazawa Castle Park, a symbol of the city. Originally built during Maeda times, the castle has been restored in traditional style. Finally, Kanazawa Train Station is an attraction in itself, a Torii-gated entrance and traditional Japanese art, offering much to admire.

 

Busan, South Korea

Busan has an intriguing medley of culture and history, beautiful natural settings and exciting adventures. It’s also near South Korea’s cultural capital, Gyeongju, and the fortress of Jinju. The city is home to some stunning temples, most notably Beomeosa Temple with its breathtaking mountain location. Yonggungsa Temple is spread along the shoreline and is home to some remarkable Buddha statue sculptures. For an unbeatable panorama of the city, head up Busan Tower in Yongdusan Park, set on a pretty hillside and proving a relaxing place to spend a hot afternoon.

 

CARIBBEAN

The Caribbean islands have captivated visitors for centuries with their natural beauty and year-round warm climate. A myriad of influences shine through in the cuisine, language and buildings from island to island; all while retaining the same friendly, laid-back spirit.

 

Willemstad, Curaçao

You could explore the city on the trolley train rather than on foot, which will take you across the Queen Emma Bridge and into the Scharloo neighborhood. This was once a plantation but now acts as a thriving urban art scene, which makes for an interesting sight juxtaposed against the colonial architecture. You’ll also see the cathedral, Fort Amsterdam, and more on the trolley tour.

 

When in the Caribbean, beach days may well be high on your list of priorities! If that’s the case, Willemstad and the surrounding areas offer plenty of options. One of the most popular is Mambo Beach, around 15 minutes’ drive away from the cruise terminal.

 

Kingstown, St Vincent

Explore the former British Garrison of Fort Charlotte, visit the village where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed, or settle into a beach bar with a heady rum punch. In town, you’ll find quaint gift shops selling handmade trinkets and humble local eateries offering grilled fish with a signature Caribbean kick. Beyond Kingston, waterfalls, fruit plantations, and the beach of Mount Wynne are ready to show you another side of island life.

 

The St Vincent Botanic Gardens, established in 1765, are another highlight of this Caribbean port call. Curated over centuries, the gardens are ripe with native fruit trees and tropical plants bearing colorful fauna.

 

Roatan, Honduras

Whether you want to snorkel in pristine coral reefs, explore lush jungles, or simply watch the world go by from a shaded beach bar with a tropical drink, Roatan truly offers a little something for every type of traveler looking to soak up its tropical charm.

 

The Roatan Chocolate Factory is a one-of-a-kind chocolate shop produces artisanal chocolate using locally sourced cacao beans from the island. Here, you can take a tour of the small factory to learn about the chocolate making process from bean to bar, and even indulge in samples of the factory’s handcrafted chocolates.

 

To discover and learn more about Roatan's nature and wildlife head for Gumbalimba Park. This lush tropical park is home to a wide array of exotic animals like monkeys, parrots, iguanas, sloths and more that roam freely around the grounds. 

 

EUROPE

Follow in the footsteps of philosophers and poets and tread where Roman Emperors once roamed, as you sail the Mediterranean Sea. While traveling within Europe’s western reaches you can experience Spain, France, or even complete a memorable circle around the British Isles. Northern Europe cruises introduce you to welcoming towns and cities, many with intriguing medieval roots. You can also explore dramatic Scandinavian landscapes of geysers, fjords and glaciers under summer’s Midnight Sun.

 

Livorno, Italy

Your gateway to the rustic delights of Florence and Pisa, is Livorno, an ancient Medici port nestled in the charming region of Tuscany. In addition to its own historical delights, Livorno opens the door to an array of bustling cities, sleepy seaside towns, and breathtakingly beautiful Tuscan countryside.

 

Just a little over an hour from the world-renown Gothic architecture of Pisa, and two hours from the birthplace of the Renaissance in Florence, Livorno holds the key to sampling the best of the Tuscany region.

 

South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland

South Queensferry, is a pretty town with winding lanes and historic attractions. Inchcolm Abbey is one of the top attractions in the town as it is one of the best preserved monastic buildings in Scotland. The 12th century abbey also provides stunning views across the coastline of the River Forth. You are also well advised to admire the Forth Bridge, an incredible cantilever railway bridge and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

It is only a 20 minute ride to Edinburgh from South Queensferry and this outstanding city is a different proposition altogether. The incredible architecture and majestic buildings seem to spill over from the extinct volcano now known as Arthur’s Seat. Edinburgh Castle crowns the city on top of the hill and has done so for well over a thousand years. 

 

Isafjordur, Iceland

Like many fishing villages in the Westfjords, the sea is a source of life in Ísafjörður, and you will find references to this relationship dotted around town, most prominently in the Westfjords Heritage Museum. Ísafjörður is easy to navigate on foot and attractions, such as Hversdagssafn (the Museum of Everyday Life) and the Old Hospital (Culture House) are within 10 minutes apart. Be sure to explore Ísafjörður’s timber-framed houses. Built in the 18th century, these are among the best remaining in  Iceland—and a must-see. For the more outdoorsy, pastimes like horseback riding and sea kayaking are possible, the latter offering an ideal way to spot native puffins and seals.

 

PANAMA CANAL & CENTRAL AMERICA

Central America leaves a lasting impression, with its modern resorts, rich rainforest, and a fascinating Mayan legacy, not to mention the world-famous Panama Canal. Transit through the iconic Panama Canal on a Cunard Queen, and explore the wild jungles, white sandy beaches and ancient temples of Central America.

 

Panama Canal, Panama (Full Transit)

If you are interested in maritime engineering or iconic journeys, this should be high up your list of must-sails. This legendary canal is steeped with intrigue and blessed with ever-changing scenery. As you pass through the locks at either side of Gatun Lake, you’re slowly rising to, and dropping from, 85 feet above sea level, avoiding the lengthy alternative route via Cape Horn.

 

Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala 

Exploring Guatemala by sea begins in Puerto Quetzal but it is outside the city that you will encounter the region’s most celebrated sights. A short journey to the Western Highlands brings you to Lake Atitlan, one of Guatemala’s most attractive beauty spots and home to around a dozen villages.

 

The former capital of Guatemala, Antigua, is also a short commute from Puerto Quetzal and well worth a visit. Arguably, the most splendid of South America’s old colonial cities, Antigua is now a World Heritage site with much to admire. Many buildings date back to the 16th Century and the museums and architecture offer a fascinating insight into the city’s past.

 

Belize City, Belize

In Belize, among the most popular sights are Maya ruins, colonial architecture, and plenty of natural wonders. From Belize City you can quickly access the country’s glittering Caribbean coastline, complete with its coral reef, and you’re only around an hour away from stunning wildlife-filled jungles and fascinating caves. The Nohoch Che’en Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve is a stunning labyrinth of caves and azure pools on which you can kayak. If you would like to visit Maya ruins while in Belize, Altun Ha is probably the easiest to get to from Belize City cruise port. The oldest parts of the complex date back to around 900 B.C. and it is believed to have been used as a place of worship, trade, and residence. Altun Ha is also the site at which Belize’s crown jewel was found – a jade carving of Maya sun god, ‘Kinich Ahau’.

 

Old Belize presents a well-rounded way to spend time here. It’s the site of Kukumba Beach, with its lounge chairs, waterslide, and rope swing, but also a train tour, on which you’ll learn about the history and culture of Belize.

 

These are just a few of the exciting destinations you can explore on a Cunard voyage!