Cunard Unveils Shore Excursions for South America Return

Rhea-AI Summary

Cunard has announced an extensive range of shore excursions for its 78-night South America Discovery voyage on Queen Victoria, departing from Southampton on January 9, 2025. This marks Cunard's return to South America since 2020, offering up to five-day shore excursions at iconic destinations like Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia, and the Chilean fjords.

Highlights include a four-day Overland to Machu Picchu, a five-day Overland to Galapagos, and a four-day Iguassa Falls experience. Other excursions feature city tours in Salvador, Lima, and Rio de Janeiro, as well as unique experiences like visiting Codpa Village and a sunset schooner cruise in Rio.

The voyage will also include special features such as a World Voyage cocktail party, a shoreside Gala event, and a unique commemorative gift for guests.

Positive

• Cunard's return to South America after a 5-year hiatus
• Extensive range of up to 5-day shore excursions offered
• 78-night voyage covering multiple iconic South American destinations
• Special features included: World Voyage cocktail party, shoreside Gala event, and commemorative gift

Negative

• None.

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has revealed it will offer up to five-day shore excursions upon its highly anticipated return to South America next year. 

The luxury cruise line will operate in the region for the first time since 2020 with Queen Victoria's 78-night South America Discovery voyage, roundtrip from Southampton. The sailing will depart the south coast on January 9, 2025.

The voyage will call at several iconic destinations such as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, Callao and Salvador. An extensive range of excursions is on offer, including:

• Four-day Overland to Machu Picchu

A trip into Peru's mountains to visit Machu Picchu. Includes a visit to an Andean village of flowers for a personal encounter with the Quechua-speaking locals, before a train journey to Machu Picchu. Also includes the fortress of Sacsayhuaman and sacred site of Koricancha.

• Five-day Overland to Galapagos

An opportunity to discover the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Days three and four feature a full-day boat, with options on the day including the islands of Bartolome, Seymour & Bachas, Plazas & Punta Carrion, Santa Fe, Floreana or Isabela. Ends with a visit to Twin Craters in the highlands of Santa Cruz Island.

• Four-day Iguassa Falls

Includes a panoramic tour of Salvador and white water rafting, helicopter trips over the Iguassa gorge and jungle treks to view wildlife, including toucans and giant butterflies. This is followed by visits to both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides of the falls for scenic walks.

• Snapshot of Salvador

Features a city tour taking in the key sights, such as Carlos Gomes Avenue, Campo Grande Square and Sete de Setembro Avenue.

• Grand Tour of Lima

Begins with a scenic drive to the Plaza Mayor, the main square, and the Santo Domingo Convent, constructed in the 16th century. From here, the excursion visits the modern suburbs of San Isidro and Miraflores.

• Off the Beaten Track to Codpa Village

Begins with a drive through the Atacama Desert and a visit to the Presencias Tutelares art sculptures. Guests will then visit Codpa Village, located on the River Vitor. Upon arrival they will sample a glass of Pintatani wine before embarking on a walking tour.

• Best of Rio

A guided tour includes a ride along Rio's Guanabara Bay before guests ascend via cable car to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Also includes a drive along Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon beaches, before taking in the Statue of Christ the Redeemer at the top of Corcovado Mountain, via cogwheel railway.

• Copacabana Beach

Guests can spend approximately five hours relaxing on Copacabana Beach.

• Sunset Schooner Cruise

This three-hour cruise travels along the coastline of Rio de Janeiro, passing by the beaches of Flamengo, Botafogo and Urca, as well as offering views of Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Niterói beaches.

• Highlights of Montecristi and Manta

A guided tour from Manta to Montecristi, home of the Toquilla hat. Once in Montecristi, guests will see a weaving demo where a guide will explain the process of how the hats are made.

• Sights of Buenos Aires and Dinner and Tango Show

A comprehensive tour of the Argentinian capital followed by dinner and a tango show.

Matthew Gleaves, Vice President, Commercial - North America and Australia said: "Our South America shore experiences allow guests to immerse themselves in the region's rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Each itinerary has been thoughtfully curated to offer a blend of iconic landmarks and lesser known hidden gems ensuring our guests can truly experience the unique beauty of South America."

The 78-night South America voyage will also feature a World Voyage cocktail party, a shoreside Gala event, a unique commemorative gift for guests and a World Voyage concierge.

About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, celebrating an incredible 184 years of operation. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable.  A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK). 

Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, jchase@cunard.com
Cindy Adams, cindy@mgamediagroup.com

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SOURCE Cunard

FAQ

When does Cunard's South America Discovery voyage on Queen Victoria depart?

Cunard's 78-night South America Discovery voyage on Queen Victoria departs from Southampton on January 9, 2025.

What are some of the destinations included in Cunard's South America voyage (CUK)?

The voyage includes destinations such as Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Patagonia, the Chilean fjords, Callao, and Salvador.

What is the longest shore excursion offered on Cunard's South America voyage?

The longest shore excursion offered is the five-day Overland to Galapagos, which includes exploring the wildlife of the Galapagos Islands.

Does Cunard offer any excursions to Machu Picchu during the South America voyage?

Yes, Cunard offers a four-day Overland to Machu Picchu excursion, which includes a visit to an Andean village and the sacred site of Koricancha.