Start your grand adventure in Australia’s dazzling harbour city, Sydney, where you’ll embark the Queen Elizabeth for a fantastic 18-night cruise. This spectacular cruise ship welcomes you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop to savour a flawless Cunard sailing experience. Immerse yourself in evocative art deco elegance, timeless style and a refined feel, combined with contemporary attractions and comforts. Look forward to endless choices for entertainment and activities, sumptuous accommodations and a marvellous array of wining and dining venues that ensure a truly remarkable cruise holiday.

For the next two days as you begin this incredible voyage, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to sample the amazing entertainment provided on board. At the Monte-Carlo inspired Casino, discover a winning combination of elegance and excitement. Whether you're a lover of serious drama or glittering musical productions, enjoy West End calibre production shows and a talented line-up of renowned guest performers at the extravagant Royal Court Theatre – especially, from your own exclusive theatre box. Live music in public spaces is an unmistakable cruise signature, extending from harpists to contemporary bands. Or dance the night away at the grand Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea.

Your first port of call is Yorkey’s Knob, a coastal suburb of Cairns and one of North Queensland’s best-kept secrets, secluded behind a headland jutting out into the Coral Sea. Named after a local fisherman who lived on the rocky hill ('knob') adjacent to glorious Half Moon Bay in the late 19th century, today, soak-up the laid-back tropical ambiance and golden palm-fringed beaches. You’re almost within touching distance of the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on the planet, with all its fantastic diving and snorkelling possibilities. Alternatively, inland, you could visit the area’s World Heritage-listed rainforests.

With time at sea the choice, as always with Cunard, is yours. There’s as much or as little to do as you please, with more possibilities than you may have time to discover! Enjoy croquet on the garden-like Games Deck or set off on a journey through the stars in the largest planetarium at sea. Join a fitness class that extends to aerobics, Pilates or yoga, or gain more insight on wine through lectures and tastings. Alternatively, indulge in premium shopping at elegant boutiques that tempt with luxury goods and designer fashions, or snap-up original fine art works by top artists at the refined art gallery.

Cruise into one of the final frontiers in the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea (PNG), truly like no place on earth. Your first stop is Alotau, nestled on the southeast tip of mainland PNG and gateway to some of the most remote island communities remaining on earth. Blessed with natural beauty, Alotau is also enriched with age-old culture and traditions and as a small town, is easy to explore. Take a stroll from the port into town to admire the beautiful harbour and meet the friendly locals at the markets, where you can purchase the signature ornate wood carvings. You could also visit the Australian War Memorial at the site of the Battle of Milne Bay, a historically significant battle that took place during World War II.

Day or night, whatever the mood or occasion, you’ll find the ideal setting amongst the ship’s cosmopolitan selection of refined bars and lounges, while signature venues indulge with an impressive range of speciality drinks. Succumb to the charms of the alluring Commodore Club, taking pride of place overlooking the ship’s bow, where you can admire the sun setting over the sparkling ocean and relax to the soothing tones of the pianist. You may also be tempted by the classic allure of the Chart Room, a refined cocktail bar, whose signature specials draw inspiration from destinations on the voyage. Alternatively, at the Yacht Club, enjoy the sounds of superb live Jazz followed by a resident DJ and dance band, playing late into the night.

You’ll next visit Rabaul, the largest of PNG’s beautiful offshore islands; the town itself lies in the shadow of three volcanoes and its harbour is still one of the most impressive in the entire Pacific basin. You can learn all about Rabaul’s fascinating history: the kilometres of underground tunnels built by the Japanese during their World War II occupation are testament to its wartime past. One of the South Pacific’s most active volcanoes, Mount Tavurvur, frequently puts on a magical display for spectators; a camera is a must to record the occasional plume of smoke rising from its peak. This area of natural beauty is also a Mecca for scuba diving, with several World War II wrecks accessible in Simpson Harbour.

With the next three days of cruising, savour this time to enjoy Cunard’s refined service and sense of occasion. Don’t miss the signature daily ritual of Afternoon Tea, served by white-gloved waiters while the orchestra provides a melodic backdrop in the Queens Room. Even better, this can be combined with Champagne for a decadent treat! Or enjoy classical recitals performed daily by a diverse collection of talented guest musicians. The true romance of ocean travel and palpable sense of occasion can be experienced during the ship’s exclusive Gala Evenings, where you are formally invited to dress in your finest evening wear for a spectacular evening of music and celebration.

Dining is a highlight of every Cunard voyage and with diverse options to choose from, your only challenge is deciding what to order! In the beautifully appointed Queens Grill, savour the ultimate in dining sophistication and impeccably prepared dishes, ranging from contemporary creations to Cunard Classics. A fusion of fresh seasonal flavours and locally sourced ingredients in a relaxed, yet intimate setting awaits at The Lido, where you can also soak-up sweeping sea views and glorious sunsets on the open deck. Meanwhile, the Steakhouse at The Verandah boasts an exceptional menu featuring USDA prime cuts and succulent seafood, a venue perfect for special occasions.

You’ll arrive in Nagasaki, located on the northwest coast of Japan's Kyushu Island, set on a large natural harbour and surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and beautiful offshore islands. This vibrant port city boasts one of Japan’s most complex histories: as the only major entrance port for foreign countries for centuries during Japan's period of national isolation, Spanish, Dutch, British and Portuguese rich influences are evident in historic buildings. Nagasaki however is most synonymous as Japan’s second city to be decimated by an atomic bomb towards the end of World War II, memorialised at the Atomic Bomb Museum and Peace Park. For something lighter, visit Huis Ten Bosch theme park or hot-spring spas and don’t miss Nagasaki’s distinctive cuisine.

Cruise into Aburatsu port for charming seaside city, Miyazaki, situated on Kyushu's southeast shores and Japan’s ‘Sunshine Coast,’ which boasts palm tree-lined sandy beaches and more hours of sunshine than any other Japanese city. Here, explore the remnants of Obi Castle, a former Samurai stronghold dating back to the 1400s and unusual rock formations at Aoshima, or ascend the steps to Udo-jingu Shrine, a Shinto place of worship overlooking the Pacific. Visit the impressive Peace Tower at Heiwadai Park, then afterwards, stroll through Haniwa Garden to admire over 400 terracotta clay statues. Or simply watch local surfers tackle the long, even waves lapping along the shore of Kisakihama Beach.

After your days of excitement, you may wish to simply relax on board the Queen Elizabeth and the luxurious spa is ideal for some quality ‘me time,’ providing a sanctuary of relaxation and ultimate wellbeing experience. At the spa, discover a serene space that takes inspiration from the seas on which the Cunard cruises sail upon. Treat yourself to a soothing ocean-inspired massage, an indulgent treatment from around the globe, or one of the exceptional beauty and wellness services. Additionally, the spa’s Aqua Therapy Centre provides a unique and soothing water environment to unwind and rejuvenate, with Thermal Suites, Hydrotherapy Pool and Relaxation Area.

Today, your fantastic cruise concludes and you’ll disembark the Queen Elizabeth in Tokyo, Japan’s intoxicating capital city. During your three-night hotel stay, you’ll have plenty of time to discover this one-of-a-kind megacity, where ultra-modern technology, neon-lit streets and futuristic skyscrapers effortlessly blend with ancient shrines and traditional tea houses. Among numerous highlights, visit iconic Meiji Shrine, an ancient Shinto shrine set amidst a forest and the majestic Imperial Palace, official residence of Japan’s revered Imperial family. Enjoy the fantastic shopping, dining and entertainment in upmarket Ginza, while in dynamic Shibuya, be sure to stroll across the Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo’s iconic ‘Times Square’ landmark and world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.

On your final day, you’ll first soak-up rural Japan’s captivating scenery, along with panoramic views of the surrounding areas, on the drive out to Mount Fuji. On this unforgettable escorted tour, experience Mount Fuji – Japan’s highest mountain, active volcano and national icon – in all its wondrous glory. You’ll stop for lunch at a local restaurant, then take an exciting ride on the Hakone Ropeway Cable Car, revealing bird’s-eye views of steam spiralling up from the volcano’s hot springs. You’ll also enjoy a serene boat cruise across Lake Ashi, embracing the natural beauty of this crater lake and on a clear day, incredible views of Mount Fuji. Afterwards, return to Tokyo on the Bullet Train (Shinkansen), part of Japan's iconic and world-famous high-speed train network.

Today your epic adventure comes to an end. This morning, you’ll be transferred to Tokyo Airport for your onward flight home, filled with unforgettable memories of Japan and an incredible cruise voyage that you’ll cherish for years to come.