The Blue Lagoon, Suva, Fiji
Totem Poles, Noumea, New Caledonia
Petrohue Falls, Chile
Trace Chile’s beautifully sculpted coast Having followed South America’s eastern shore, you now arrive on its western side, dominated by Chile. North to south, this is the longest country in the world, and you begin your acquaintance in Punta Arenas. There is a real frontier town feel here and no wonder – in a setting between Chilean Patagonia and Antarctica. You might trace the history of early sheep farmers in the museums and ranches, or watch the comical Magellenic penguins at the colony at Otway Bay. Soon enough, the incredible glacial scenery in the Torres Del Paine National Park will captivate. First is the Amalia Glacier, close to the tail of the Andes. The glacier has an otherworldly blue sheen and is bathed in silence; PIO X Glacier offers more of the same, and its frontage stretches over two miles.
Seek out mysterious Easter Island Once you arrive in Puerto Montt, you may just feel like you’ve found some corner of Bavaria. The German influence here – found in the cakes, local beer and the gabled houses – is a legacy of
settlers drawn to the Lake District. To appreciate nature’s majesty, you might venture to the Petrohue Falls where the foamy waters spill down against the regal backdrop of the conical Osorno Volcano. Next up is Valparaiso, where riding the funiculars reveals the up-and-down nature of the city. Next, you’ll leave mainland Chile for its most enigmatic outpost, Easter Island. The puzzle of those giant stone heads, carved from huge rocks, will bewilder and beguile when you see them up close – especially with the recent discovery that many of the heads have giant bodies buried in the ground.
Stepping stones across the Pacific Continuing west from Easter Island, the Pitcairn Islands have their own story to tell, that of the Bounty’s famous mutineers, nine of who settled here afterwards. Another well-known European to have emigrated in the South Seas is Paul Gauguin, who made Papeete his new home in 1895. You could visit the small museum in his honour, or simply admire the lagoons and
www.cunard.com 55
vegetation that so enchanted the post-impressionist artist – then fall under Moorea’s spell of black and white beaches, verdant mountain peaks and turquoise waters. Two days later, marvel at Fiji’s firewalkers as they step onto glowing rocks, or taste plump pineapple and mango from Suva market. Noumea is all about the enticing ribbons of white sand that surround it; off the western shore the world’s second longest barrier reef will be a draw to divers and snorkellers. Finally, your crossing of the Pacific brings you to Brisbane, and to rest beside Sydney’s famous opera house.
QUEEN VICTORIA WORLD VOYA GE
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132