DECK
PLANS
Queen Victoria is sleek and contemporary with the most advanced technological features and luxurious appointments. Queen Victoria continues the heritage of cruising of the 1930s and the great Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2. The great traditions of fine service, food and entertainment continue better than ever. Enjoy the facilities of the gourmet restaurants, swimming pools, the casino, theatres, the cinema, computer and internet access, the Health and Spa Club, seven bars and much more. Take part in the multitude of daily activities that include numerous lectures on an array of topics, the regular musical performances, ship sports and much more. A voyage on Queen Victoria is an experience to be savored and remembered!
Natalie is an accomplished Australian designer with over 20 years’ experience in the Patchwork and Quilting industry, as a quilt and small project designer, shop owner, fabric designer and teacher. Natalie’s designs are featured in books, patterns, and fabric. Her style is uncomplicated, fun and heartfelt, with her own hand-drawn images used for stitchery and appliqué designs, as well as in her fabrics. “I’m inspired by my garden and nature’s beauty around me, also my family and friends. My designs often feature sentimental sayings and cute critters, and I love to use multiple hand-stitching techniques together in projects.” Her designs have been published in many Australian and International magazines, with Owl & Hare Hollow featuring in Homespun Magazine this year and A Letter To My Daughter in 2021. Natalie enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for handwork techniques in particular, through teaching workshops. She has taught in Europe, NZ and around Australia.
VIEW ITINERARY DAY 1 Sunday, 14 September 2025
Depart Australia
We depart today on our overnight flights to Zurich, Switzerland.
DAY 2 Monday, 15 September 2025
Zurich, Switzerland
Today we arrive in Zurich. On arrival, we have our first patchwork fix with a
visit to the Patchwork Shop, which stocks interesting and different patterns,
fabrics and trims.
DAY 3 Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Zurich
Today we will enjoy a scenic day tour into the Swiss Alps. We first visit
Interlaken, where we will soak in the stunning views of Lake Thun and Lake
Brienz. Continue to Grindelwald, where we will admire the majestic Eiger
mountain and stroll through Grindelwald’s charming streets, exploring
quaint shops and enjoying the stunning mountain backdrop. Natalie will
reveal our stitching projects for the tour. In the evening we will enjoy a
Welcome Dinner to meet Natalie Bird and other tour members.
DAY 4 Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Obernai, France
Today we travel to Obernai in the Alsace region of France for the highlight
of the tour, The European Patchwork Meeting (EPM) held each year in Ste
Maire-aux-Mines, located in the Alsace region of France. We will first stop
at Mulhouse, established as an Imperial city at the end of the 13th century.
It was a textile centre already, when in 1746 three citizens founded the first
mill producing calico cotton fabrics. This led to the establishment of large
scale production of fabrics and the development of printing techniques.
We will visit the Musee de l’Impression sur Etoffes. Our visit will explain
the history of printed fabric and the history of design. The first samples
of indiennes, printed cotton fabric were imported to the area in the 19th
century. The secret of the famous rouge turc dye was unravelled and
bought riches to Mulhouse. We continue to Colmar a gorgeous old town
with canals overhung with flowers. The journey from Colmar to Ribeauville
and on to Obernai is a real highlight. We will see stork’s nests among the
tiled roof tops of beautiful buildings.
DAY 5 Thursday, 18 September 2025 Obernai
We travel to Sainte Marie aux Mines to visit the European Patchwork Meeting.
A quilt show like no other, the European Patchwork Meeting is held in four
picturesque villages in the Alsace region of France. Between the villages
are 21 different exhibition spaces, in such diverse places as churches, town
halls and villas, displaying quilts in a unique manner. Quilts from all over the
world are showcased, made with a wide variety of techniques, themes and
styles. Vendors of patchwork related goods are grouped together in one
town, making shopping easy. Shuttle buses run between the villages, for
access to the quilt exhibitions. More than one thousand two hundred works
from world-renowned artists will be exhibited during the event. Natalie will
advise on how to make the most of our visit.
DAY 6 Friday, 19 September 2025
Obernai
We travel to Sainte Marie aux Mines, where we spend the day at the Patch
work meeting.
DAY 7 Saturday, 20 September 2025
Trieste, Italy
This morning, we travel to Trieste. This evening Natalie will meet those
wishing to dine together in the lobby.
DAY 8 Sunday, 21 September 2025
Trieste
Trieste has a rich historical and cultural background that played a strong
role for the economy of the Hapsburg Empire and later the Austro
Hungarian monarchy. On our sightseeing tour we see some beautiful
Catholic and Orthodox churches, palaces in Neo-Classical style and Italy’s
largest square overlooking the sea, Piazza Unità d’Italia. This afternoon we
visit the castle of Miramare, the residence of Maximilian from Hapsburg
and his wife Charlotte from Belgium. Surrounded by a wonderful park of
22 hectares with rare botanical species, the castle is an example of a noble
residence of the mid-seventeenth century.
DAY 9 Monday, 22 September 2025
Embark Queen Victoria
This morning, we visit the Patchwork Victim, which stocks a vast array of
fabric. In the early afternoon we are transferred to the cruise terminal. Make
sure that you are up on deck as the Queen Victoria sails out of Trieste and
we commence our cruise.
DAY 10 Tuesday, 23 September 2025
Zadar, Croatia
After disembarking our ship in Zadar this morning, we will enjoy a walking
tour. We will see the Old City, stop by the Church of St. Donat that lies on
the ancient Roman forum, built from the 1st century BC to the 3rd century
AD. We will see the City Walls and the Square of Five Wells. We continue
with a visit to Lilliput Gallery, Zadar’s finest arts and crafts store. It presents
a selection of the best locally made artworks and designer items. We will
browse jewellery, bags, ceramics and puppets all designed and produced
in the Zadar region.
DAY 11 Wednesday, 24 September 2025
Split, Croatia
Today we visit Split, the second largest city in Croatia. The old town grew up
around the Emperor Diocletian’s vast Roman Palace. We enjoy a morning
sightseeing tour, during which we visit the interior courtyard of the Roman
Palace and the Golden Gate, the main entrance to Diocletian’s Palace.
We visit the Baptistry of St John a small, beautiful building consecrated in
the sixth century and see the Renaissance Town Hall on People’s Square
surrounded by Venetian buildings.
DAY 12 Thursday, 25 September 2025
At Sea
Today we are free to enjoy the many facilities of the ship while we travel.
There will be an opportunity to gather together to work on our stitching on
board also.
DAY 13 Friday, 26 September 2025
Valletta, Malta
The capital of Malta, Valletta was founded by the Knights of St John in 1566.
Its purpose was to strengthen the Order’s position on the island, following
the siege of Malta by the Turks in 1565. The sightseeing tour includes
visits to St Johns Co- Cathedral and the magnificent Palace of the Grand
Masters. This afternoon we visit the Joseph Busuttil souvenir shop. They
have been selling handmade Maltese lace for more than 100 years, also
Gozo glass and unique jewelry.
DAY 14 Saturday, 27 September 2025
At Sea
We will have time today to work on our project and to enjoy the facilities
of the ship.
DAY 15 Sunday, 28 September 2025
Palma Majorca, Spain
Today we sail into the resort city and capital of the Spanish Island of
Mallorca. Palma was in fact named after the Roman city of Palmaria. The
roman city still exists, a metre or two beneath the ground, inhabitants of
houses near the cathedral are still discovering Roman remains. We enjoy a
sightseeing tour of Palma with a photo stop at the historic Gothic fortress of
Bellver Castle. See the Gothic Quarter and visit the Gothic Cathedral, built
in 1230 on the foundations of an ancient mosque.
DAY 16 Monday, 29 September 2025 Disembark Barcelona, Spain
Today we arrive in Barcelona, capital of Catalonia and second largest city
in Spain. After disembarking the ship, we will have a sightseeing tour of
the city. In Barcelona’s gothic quarter, we will visit the historic cathedral
and the medieval streets and the modernist Eixample district, known for
the architecture of Antoni Gaudi. We see examples of Gaudi’s architecture,
including a tour of the famous Sagrada Familia. We then transfer to our
hotel for check in.
DAY 17 Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Barcelona
This morning, we visit Authentic Patchwork. We can buy all kinds of
patchwork accessories, as well as original kits that include all the material
to make our own projects. They also have a wide variety of specialized
books, threads, tools, accessories and buttons. In the afternoon we visit
Oyambre, a family business dedicated to needlework for over 60 years, first
with wool, later with cross-stitch, half-stitch, embroidery and patchwork. As
true needlework enthusiasts, they love to look for the latest on the market
to offer, which is why they continually add national and imported products
to their catalogue. In the evening, we will enjoy a Farewell Dinner to say
farewell to Natalie and other tour members.
DAY 18 Wednesday, 1 October 2025
Departure
We transfer to Barcelona Airport for our flights to Australia today.
DAY 19 Thursday, 2 October 2025
Arrive Australia
This evening, we arrive back in Australia and the tour concludes.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IE | Inside | 5, 6, 8 | $ 11,595 | $ 14,850 |
| ID | Inside | 5, 6, 7 | $ 11,650 | $ 14,895 |
| EC | Oceanview | 1 | $ 11,950 | $ 15,350 |
| EB | Oceanview | 1 | $ 11,995 | $ 15,395 |
| BE | Balcony | 5, 6, 7 | $ 12,195 | $ 15,800 |
| BD | Balcony | 5, 6, 7 | $ 12,375 | $ 16,095 |
| BB | Balcony | 5, 6, 7 | $ 12,575 | $ 16,450 |
| P1 | Princess Grill Suite | 7, 8 | $ 15,195 | $ 22,395 |
| Q4 | Penthouse Suite | 7 | $ 16,450 | $ 24,850 |
| Included cruise taxes | $245 | $429 | ||
| Included air taxes as at 19 March 2024 | $238 | $238 | ||
You can stay longer in Europe for minimal additional cost. Please contact Travelrite on 1800 630 343 for more information.
All cabins are subject to availability. Please call for fares and information on other cabin categories. A limited number of cabins are available for single occupancy. Please call for details on 1800 630 343.
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Queen Victoria is operated by CUNARD Cruises and cruise arrangements are subject to theterms and conditions and general information detailed in the CUNARD cruises brochure for Queen Victoria. All passengers must complete a Cunard Line on-line check-in and Travelrite International booking form.
Tour Costs: The tour costs are based on airfare, general transport, accommodation costs and foreign exchange rate at 31 October 2024. Travelrite reserves the right to alter the costs if any of these factors change, giving any passenger that has booked the right to withdraw with full refund of monies paid or modify arrangements. No alterations to price will be made within 90 days of departure from Australia.
Air Taxes: from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Perth as listed in the itinerary. Please contact us for fares and air taxes from different cities. Air taxes are as at 31 October 2024. If they change due to government and airline charges and currency variations, Travelrite International reserves the right to charge additional amounts.
Deposit and Payment:
A non-refundable deposit of $900 per
passenger should be sent with a completed Travelrite International
booking form that lists your requested cabin category for the cruise.
As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise
confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The confirmation advice
will contain all details. Final payments are due to be paid to Travelrite
International 92 days prior to the commencement of the Queen Victoria
cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa,
Mastercard or Amex.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | loss of $900 |
| 90 - 61 days | 50% of full fare |
| 60 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
Refunds:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for
any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other
services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
Travel Documents: All passengers will require a valid passport. If not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International regarding visa requirements.
Travel Insurance:
Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended
to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events
during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events
such as illness, accident, death etc.
Baggage: Passengers qualify for a 20kg free baggage allowance on flights to join or return from the cruise. Baggage is at owners’ risk through out the cruise.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
Tour Organization: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
Tour Participation:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be
accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing
all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to
refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that
Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or
any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
Responsibilities: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organizer Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in cruise, or by act of God. Further no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery breakdown, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any cruise and/or make such changes in the cruise as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any action must be taken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Queen Victoria cruise passage contract with CUNARD Cruises, detailed in the Cunard website www.cunard.com .
Delays AND Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite International
Pty Ltd to book this tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that
Travelrite International acts as your agent for the purpose of making
contracts between you and the various providers of accommodation,
transportation and other services that comprise the tour. Travelrite
International may without reference to you provide or make available
to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make
available to you, any good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes
is necessary for your benefit to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you
or otherwise accommodate, transport or sustain you in circumstances in
which the tour itinerary fails wholly or partly for any reason. You appoint
Travelrite International your attorney for this purpose. You agree to pay
Travelrite International any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite
International in respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite
International advises you to obtain travel insurance generally including
in respect of the risk that any such good or service may become required.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a non-refundable deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning:
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 8803 6868
Email sales@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 34 years and operating in Victoria for more than 40 years. It runs over 100 Special Interest tours a year. It has a fully accredited (ATAS No A10538) office at Balwyn, which is also accredited with IATA. As such it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotels, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Travel Industry Association – ATIA.
“Wonderful scenic towns, our tour manger the nicest most caring person ever. We were all her little chicks.”
“Natalie and Anja were great hosts. Our travelling companions were lovely and the quilt shops were fantastic.”
