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Australian Literature Festival At Sea

4.3/5 Based on 11 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
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 Cruise Length
6 Days
 Cruise Starts
Sydney
 Cruise Finishes
Sydney
6 Day Australian Literature Festival At Sea Itinerary (Cunard)
Countries Explored: Australia
Cruise Line
Cunard
Ship
Passengers
2081
Crew
1,005
Launched
2010
Refurbished
2018
Cruise Code
SYDSYD6.9

Overview

Find yourself captivated by award-winning authors and fellow readers on the inaugural 5-night Australian Literature Voyage at Sea, curated in partnership with Australia’s oldest bookstore, Dymocks. With a line-up of acclaimed authors including Alexander McCall Smith, Fiona McIntosh, Anita Heiss, Graeme Simsion, Anne Buist, Paul Cleave, Sue Williams, and Elizabeth Stanley, this sailing is the perfect way to indulge your love of literature, surrounded by the spectacular vistas of Australia’s coastline.

Take part in thought-provoking talks with like-minded literature enthusiasts. Hear accomplished...read more authors part ways with the secrets of their creative process. Finesse your own literary skills in hands-on workshops and interactive Q&As. And gain a fascinating glimpse into the art of storytelling, from celebrated writers who have taken the literature landscape by storm.

Transformative experiences that enrich the mind. Stimulating discussions that spark creativity. Author encounters that inspire everlasting memories. Take your love of the written word to the water and immerse yourself in five unforgettable nights on board the luxurious Queen Elizabeth.

Cruise Itinerary

Departs: 7:00 PM

There are two dedicated cruise passenger terminals - the White Bay Cruise Terminal at Rozelle and the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay in the city centre. This is your opportunity to marvel at Australia’s famous icons, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as you glide past The Heads - the dramatic sandstone cliffs at the entrance of the harbour.

Whichever ship you decide on you can choose from a refreshing variety of pools and whirlpools - each heated to just the right temperature. Queen Elizabeth offers two spacious outdoor pools as well as a hydrotherapy pool in her spa.

Arrives: 8:00 AM Departs: 6:00 PM

Tasmania's capital is a charming little city that blends natural beauty with a rich maritime history. Start at the bustling Salamanca Place, home to galleries, cafés, and the famous Salamanca Market on Saturdays. A short drive takes you to Mount Wellington, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond. The waterfront is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, especially at Constitution Dock, where fishing boats unload their daily catch. Ships dock at Macquarie Wharf.

Arrives: 10:00 AM Departs: 4:00 PM

In the south-west of the Tasman Sea lies Great Oyster Bay, one of the most breathtaking expanses of water in Australia. Nestled on the east coast of Tasmania, this broad bay provides stunning panoramic views of the lush forests of Freycinet National Park. The bay's clear waters are a haven for marine life, including dolphins, Australian fur seals, and even whales, which can often be spotted frolicking in the waves.

The bay is also popular for various water activities such as kayaking, sailing, and snorkelling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its natural beauty. The nearby town of Swansea offers charming accommodations and local eateries, making Great Oyster Bay a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Discover new ways to learn and grow with the remarkable guest speakers and classes we host on board. During your voyage, you may be joined by some famous faces with fascinating stories to share - perhaps a famous writer, actor or musician or possibly an eminent scientist, explorer or politician.

Arrives: 6:30 AM

Ships arriving into Sydney typically dock at Circular Quay, or the White Bay Cruise Terminal, slightly farther west. From Circular Quay, you can easily access the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. Public transport options include trains, buses, and ferries. White Bay passengers can take a shuttle or taxi to reach key attractions like Darling Harbour and The Rocks, known for their shops, restaurants, and historical sites.

Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Port and transfer details will be provided in your travel documentation. The provided itinerary is for informational purposes only. Activities and sightseeing attractions listed may not be available or achievable within the time in port.

Life Onboard Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth

Oozing art deco sophistication and charming onboard life, the Queen Elizabeth offers luxury traditional cruising. Read more

Dining on Your Queen
Dining on Your Queen

Savour complimentary dining in the restaurant defined by your stateroom choice or choose specialty dining. Read more

Choose a Grills Experience
Choose a Grills Experience

Enjoy exclusive access and the pinnacle of luxury when you choose a Princess or Queens Grill Suite. Read more

Delight in Deck Games
Delight in Deck Games

Enjoy the sea air and delight in the tradition of shipboard life on the Games Deck. Read more

Sparkling Gala Balls
Sparkling Gala Balls

Dance the night away in your best finery to the eight piece orchestra in the elegant Queens Room. Read more

Spa Indulgence and Fitness Classes
Spa Indulgence and Fitness Classes

Indulge in relaxation and spa treatments, fitness classes and the signature Mindful Sleep program. Read more

Queen Elizabeth Reviews (11) View All Most Recent 'Queen Elizabeth' Reviews

4.3
AVG. RATING 4.3 / 5
11 Reviews
5 Star
55%
4 Star
18%
3 Star
27%
2 Star
1 Star
Sad to see Queen Elizabeth Cruise ship leaving Australia. 1 , SA, Australia, Dec 2024
Cunard is to leave Australia and is not returning. We have enjoyed our cruises on this wonderful ship, so many areas to visit, morning coffee in the Commodor Club, breakfast, lunch, evening meals all fine dining each day, not to mention the afternoon tradition of afternoon tea. Our stateroom was always very clean and bathroom clean and shiny. We always ...read more choose the Main Dining room for meals rather than the casual dining in the Lido. Evening shows with high class entertainment, fabulous costumes. Staff at every level are fantastic.
Writers festival at Sea - Cunard 2 , NSW, Australia, Dec 2024
The trip was well worth doing, the writers talks were excellent and this combined with a great ship made the experience memorable. There is lots of choice of food, activities and great cabins which all put together makes for a wonderful trip.
Cunard lost it's shine? 1 , New Zealand, Mar 2024
Not sure I'd travel with Cunard again. This was my 14th cruise and 1st Cunard. It was chosen for destination and being rated a 5 star cruise line. Prior to this we did an Oceania cruise (just pre covid- 2019) and it was 5 star, however Cunard was not up the that standard. While I like the decor, some areas of the ship are getting a bit tired and need ...read more a refurbishment. Some of the crew were just going through the motions, a couple of the days trips were poorly organised and managed, and the trip included lunches were like being in a boarding school lunch room. Definitely not as many inclusions as other cruises, and actually felt a bit undervalued as a client
This was our first cruise...   4 , NSW, Australia, Feb 2024
This was our first cruise and we couldn't have had a more wonderful holiday. The Queen Elizabeth was the height of elegance and the meals and entertainment first class. We made some new friends on board and would congregate in the Commodore Club for cocktails and beer. Thank you Global Journeys for your organising our booking and being on hand for ...read more any queries and confirmations.
Queen Elizabeth turned south instead of north! 2 , ACT, Australia, Jan 2024
Despite a change of itinerary due the cyclone in Queensland we had a wonderful time on the Queen Elizabeth. We could not fault the ship - the staff, food, cleanliness were absolutely first rate. Gorgeous art deco fittings. Plenty to do - interesting lectures, art talks, entertainment. Never seemed over crowded. Sadly it was quite cold in the Bass ...read more Strait and we had visited Eden, Melbourne and Adelaide before. Port Lincoln was new to us and a pretty little port. But one cannot help the weather situation and the cruise was a fabulous experience. Global Journeys and Georgina cannot be faulted. Everything went smoothly - no hitches, no problems. Georgina answered all queries so promptly and efficiently. Hope to have the occasion to contact her and Global Journeys again!
Wonderful cruise with Cunard 8 , NSW, Australia, Jan 2024
I had a fabulous time on board Queen Elizabeth! Met so many wonderful people on the ship. Delicious flow of food from morning till night! The best ever scones!! Some of the live shows are a bit too “busy”for me, though some might like it. Overall very good program with enjoyable entertainment & wide selection of activities. The crew staff work very ...read more hard. Also , thanks to Hannah for the seamless booking.

Brochure

Worldwide

Cunard Worldwide (2024-27)

We’re bringing you even more. More voyages. More destinations. And even more opportunities to experience our White Star Service. So, whether you want to explore continents far and wide on a World Voyage, see the Northern Lights in Norway, or discover closer to home, it’s all possible. Whether you long for endless adventure, or just to relax, free from...more life’s everyday distractions, a holiday on our Queens offers so much more. Join in a Zumba class. Learn something new in an Insights talk. Delve into Afternoon Tea. Or just lie back by the pool, knowing there’s nowhere else you need to be. It’s your holiday, wherever in the world you choose to spend it.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Cunard. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Cunard. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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