Cunard Australasia & Pacific Islands cruises in Australia/New Zealand

Australasia offers a land of contrasts; rainforests in the north and gorgeous beaches lapped by crystal waters in the south give way to vast interior and huge ranches. Meanwhile New Zealand boasts towering mountains and verdant valleys, washed by tumbling waterfalls.

Australasia’s history is inextricably linked to that of the UK’s. Mass emigration from the UK created the seed for today’s growing population, and Australia’s links to the Commonwealth are still strong. Meanwhile, the Pacific Islands proved even more difficult to explore which helped maintain a traditional way of life that remains in evidence today.

The sense of history is very strong in the Pacific and Australasia, with indigenous art and performances celebrated throughout the region. A visit to a Pacific Island will undoubtedly lead to you enjoying traditional tribal performances. Of course, modern culture plays a big role too – the Opera House in Sydney is hugely popular, and New Zealand boasts perhaps the most famous film sets in the world, thanks to Lord of the Rings.

Australia is known for its barbeques and outdoor dining. Meanwhile New Zealand cuisine owes much to the British, however Far Eastern and Pacific influences make the menu an eclectic affair. On the Pacific Islands, you’ll find an emphasis on locally sourced food. Expect fresh fish and home grown meats, served with fresh vegetables and sweet fruit – delicious!

Please note the images provided are examples of Cunard cruise line, they may not be of the exact ship you will be sailing on.

Wheelchair Accessible Cabins

There are over 30 fully accessible cabins across Cunard’s ships and many more partially accessible cabins in a wide variety of categories. You can choose an inside or ocean view cabin, deluxe balcony cabin, junior suite or even the Queens Suite.

Are all ships suitable for Wheelchair users?
All ships within the fleet can cater for the needs of those who are dependent on a wheelchair or scooter for mobility issues, including specially adapted staterooms with wide access doors, lower placed sinks and units and hand rails.

There may be, on occasion where going ashore would be by tender. In these instances, if you are confined to a wheelchair or similar equipment, you will not be able to go ashore.
Please note – None of the Cunard Vessels have a pool hoist

Cabin Information
Queen Mary 2 - shower stools, raised toilet seats and commodes.
Queen Elizabeth - Raised toilet seats, commodes and bath chairs.
Queen Victoria - shower stools, raised toilet seats and commodes.

Can I bring my own hoist?
Yes, however you will need to check that the hoist is compatible with the vessels electrical supply. The standard electrical supply in the United Kingdom is 50HZ (cycles) and 240V so you will need to check with the manufacturer, or supplier, that the item is safe to use and that the overall performance will not be affected or damaged at 60HZ: Queen Elizabeth/Queen Mary 2/Queen Victoria: 220V / 110V / 60HZ.

Please contact the Pursers Desk once you have embarked the vessel in order for the Electrical Officer to test your equipment prior to sailing. We would suggest you check in no later than the allocated time on your ticket to ensure that you have enough time to do this. You will be responsible for the carriage and installation of your own electrical equipment and your hoist must remain in your stateroom at all times.

Can I travel alone if I use a wheelchair or mobility scooter?
For those guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or scooter it is not a condition that you travel with a companion. However, although the crew are always very helpful, they are unable to assist you in moving around the vessel or in any personal day-to-day tasks. For this reason we would suggest you are accompanied by a personal assistant / travelling companion to provide these services.

What facilities do you have on board for deaf or the hard of hearing?
Wireless Head Phones are available on all 3 liners. The locations are as follows;
Queen Mary 2 - Royal Court Theatre, Queens Room, Illuminations Theatre and Connex room 6
Queen Elizabeth - Royal Court Theatre and Queens Room.
Queen Victoria - Royal Court Theatre and Queens Room.

All head sets can be obtained from the Pursers Desk.
Cunard can also supply with prior notice to sailing the ships safety drill in printed format. The liners safety drill is also communicated on the cabin TV with subtitles.

Can blind or visually impaired passengers travel alone?
Yes, Cunard welcome blind and visually impaired passengers on board to enjoy the Cunard Line experience.

Do you have Braille on board?
Braille is available in the following areas;
Queen Mary 2 - Underneath the stateroom number on the door, underneath each deck number inside the elevators and at each stairway, under the deck letter for the stairway.
Queen Elizabeth - Outside and inside the elevators, outside public toilets and underneath the stateroom number on the door.
Queen Victoria - Underneath the stateroom number on the door, underneath each deck number inside the elevators and at each stairway, under the deck letter for the stairway.