I received information yesterday from Cunard Line about some wonderful Australian itineraries they will be offering in 2014 and had to share them with you.

Friends of mine done something similar several years ago when they split their world cruise into sections, hopping on and off various ships and trying out numerous excursions during the time they had before joining the next ship. They thoroughly enjoyed it and said it would certainly be something they would do again. They had done the typical world cruise the year before but opted for something a little different second time round.

Anyway I will let you read the info and see what you think! I think it’s a wonderful idea and it appeals to someone like myself because you can combine the beauty and delights of two ships in one cruise, the excursions in the middle are just a bonus!

Cunard Line understands that even the most ardent cruise aficionados enjoy going ashore to find new adventures.  Now travellers may combine World Voyage Segments on two different Cunard liners – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth or Queen Victoria – with an exciting Australian Land Stay excursion that explores the continent’s most iconic destinations.

This unique offering allows travellers to experience a perfectly timed land excursion and voyages aboard two Cunard ships during

one seamless vacation.  Interested guests will sail on one Queen to Sydney and, upon arriving, spend nine to 14 days exploring some of Australia’s top attractions, before boarding a second Queen to complete an unforgettable itinerary.  This arrangement is possible because during the ships’ 2014 World Voyages, all three Queens will make stops in Sydney.

Between sailings, Cunarders will have the opportunity to explore the very best of Australia’s extraordinary urban and natural wonders.  The smartly-arranged itineraries will take travellers through a panorama of landscapes, a kaleidoscope of history, and breath taking excursions by various means of conveyance.

“In the splendid tradition of elegant travel, each destination in the Cunard Australian Land Stay excursion offers the ultimate mix of comfort and adventure, a combination sure to create lifelong and life-changing memories,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.  “Adventurers will come away from their explorations with a deeper appreciation for the vast Australian ecosystem, culture and history.”

The excursion will begin in Sydney with leisurely tours of the city’s sights – the historical Rocks area, Kings Cross, Double Bay, Sydney Tower, Queen Victoria Building and the world-famous Sydney Opera House.

Next, a full-day tour of the Blue Mountains will stop at both the Waradah (formerly, Koomurri) Aboriginal Centre and Featherdale Wildlife Park, home to more than 300 species of Australian wildlife.  In the Outback pioneering town of Alice Springs, guests will discover the unique birds and animals of the Australian desert before venturing on to Uluru (formerly, Ayers Rock), the World Heritage Site and unique archaeological rock formation in Central Australia, which is also home to some of the world’s starriest skies.

The excitement continues as a high-speed catamaran ventures to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling, swimming or an excursion on a semi-submersible submarine.  The land journey also extends to tropical Port Douglas, where leisurely strolls along the turquoise waters and expansive beaches are matched in beauty only by forays into the pristine rainforest nearby.

After a flight to Cairns, Queensland, guests will tour the mountaintop Kuranda Village and ride the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, then experience the breath taking descent where the cableway’s gondolas soar over the rainforest canopy before stopping at the Rainforest Interpretive Centre.

The excursion also includes a guided tour of the magnificent Olgas region where guests can take in the more than 30 conglomerate domes that rise above the desert plains.

Australia Land Stay excursion cruises in 2014 include:

• Queen Mary 2 + Queen Victoria – 14-night Land Stay between 19 February and 5 March
• Queen Mary 2 + Queen Elizabeth – 11-night Land Stay between 19 February and 2 March
• Queen Elizabeth + Queen Mary 2 – 12-night Land Stay between 2 March and 14 March
• Queen Victoria + Queen Mary 2 – 9-night Land Stay between 5 March and 14 March

Info courtesy of Cunard Line