Aboard Queen Elizabeth with Cunard Line
Cruise Overview
In 1853, a fleet of four American warships under Commodore Matthew Perry sailed into the bay of Tokyo (then Edo) and presented the reluctant Japanese with the demands of the U.S.
Government for the opening of diplomatic and commercial relations.
The following year Perry returned and first set foot on Japanese soil at Yokohama—then a small fishing village on the mudflats of Tokyo bay.
Two years later New York businessman Townsend Harris became America's first diplomatic representative to Japan.
In 1858 he was finally able to negotiate a commercial treaty between the two countries; part of the deal designated four locations—one of them Yokohama—as treaty ports.
In 1859 the shogunate created a special settlement in Yokohama for the growing community of merchants, traders, missionaries, and other assorted adventurers drawn to this exotic new land of opportunity.
The foreigners (predominantly Chinese and British, plus a few French, Americans, and Dutch) were confined here to a guarded compound about 5 square km (2 square miles)—placed, in effect, in isolation—but not for long.
Within a few short years the shogunal government collapsed, and Japan began to modernize.
Western ideas were welcomed, as were Western goods, and the little treaty port became Japan's principal gateway to the outside world.
In 1872 Japan's first railway was built, linking Yokohama and Tokyo.
In 1889 Yokohama became a city; by then the population had grown to some 120,000.
As the city prospered, so did the international community and by the early 1900s Yokohama was the busiest and most modern center of international trade in all of East Asia.
Then Yokohama came tumbling down.
On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake devastated the city.
The ensuing fires destroyed some 60,000 homes and took more than 40,000 lives.
During the six years it took to rebuild the city, many foreign businesses took up quarters elsewhere, primarily in Kobe and Osaka, and did not return.
Over the next 20 years Yokohama continued to grow as an industrial center—until May 29, 1945, when in a span of four hours, some 500 American B-29 bombers leveled nearly half the city and left more than half a million people homeless.
When the war ended, what remained became—in effect—the center of the Allied occupation.
General Douglas MacArthur set up headquarters here, briefly, before moving to Tokyo; the entire port facility and about a quarter of the city remained in the hands of the U.S.
Military throughout the 1950s.
By the 1970s Yokohama was once more rising from the debris; in 1978 it surpassed Osaka as the nation's second-largest city, and the population is now inching up to the 3.5 million mark.
Boosted by Japan's postwar economic miracle, Yokohama has extended its urban sprawl north to Tokyo and south to Kamakura—in the process creating a whole new subcenter around the Shinkansen Station at Shin-Yokohama.
The development of air travel and the competition from other ports have changed the city's role in Japan's economy.
The great liners that once docked at Yokohama's piers are now but a memory, kept alive by a museum ship and the occasional visit of a luxury vessel on a Pacific cruise.
Modern Large as Yokohama is, the central area is very negotiable.
As with any other port city, much of what it has to offer centers on the waterfront—in this case, on the west side of Tokyo Bay.
The downtown area is called Kannai (literally, "within the checkpoint"); this is where the international community was originally confined by the shogunate.
Though the center of interest has expanded to include the waterfront and Ishikawa-cho, to the south, Kannai remains the heart of town.
Think of that heart as two adjacent areas.
One is the old district of Kannai, bounded by Basha-michi on the northwest and Nippon-odori on the southeast, the Keihin Tohoku Line tracks on the southwest, and the waterfront on the northeast.
This area contains the business offices of modern Yokohama.
The other area extends southeast from Nippon-odori to the Moto-machi shopping street and the International Cemetery, bordered by Yamashita Koen and the waterfront to the northeast; in the center is Chinatown, with Ishikawa-cho Station to the southwest.
This is the most interesting part of town for tourists.
Whether you're coming from Tokyo, Nagoya, or Kamakura, make Ishikawa-cho Station your starting point.
Take the South Exit from the station and head in the direction of the waterfront.
One of the world’s biggest producers of marble, Hualin is the largest city on the east coast of Taiwan.
Sitting on the mountain-fringed plains just south of the Taroko Gorge, it is a great location from which to explore Taroko National Park.
With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan.
While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.
Government for the opening of diplomatic and commercial relations.
The following year Perry returned and first set foot on Japanese soil at Yokohama—then a small fishing village on the mudflats of Tokyo bay.
Two years later New York businessman Townsend Harris became America's first diplomatic representative to Japan.
In 1858 he was finally able to negotiate a commercial treaty between the two countries; part of the deal designated four locations—one of them Yokohama—as treaty ports.
In 1859 the shogunate created a special settlement in Yokohama for the growing community of merchants, traders, missionaries, and other assorted adventurers drawn to this exotic new land of opportunity.
The foreigners (predominantly Chinese and British, plus a few French, Americans, and Dutch) were confined here to a guarded compound about 5 square km (2 square miles)—placed, in effect, in isolation—but not for long.
Within a few short years the shogunal government collapsed, and Japan began to modernize.
Western ideas were welcomed, as were Western goods, and the little treaty port became Japan's principal gateway to the outside world.
In 1872 Japan's first railway was built, linking Yokohama and Tokyo.
In 1889 Yokohama became a city; by then the population had grown to some 120,000.
As the city prospered, so did the international community and by the early 1900s Yokohama was the busiest and most modern center of international trade in all of East Asia.
Then Yokohama came tumbling down.
On September 1, 1923, the Great Kanto Earthquake devastated the city.
The ensuing fires destroyed some 60,000 homes and took more than 40,000 lives.
During the six years it took to rebuild the city, many foreign businesses took up quarters elsewhere, primarily in Kobe and Osaka, and did not return.
Over the next 20 years Yokohama continued to grow as an industrial center—until May 29, 1945, when in a span of four hours, some 500 American B-29 bombers leveled nearly half the city and left more than half a million people homeless.
When the war ended, what remained became—in effect—the center of the Allied occupation.
General Douglas MacArthur set up headquarters here, briefly, before moving to Tokyo; the entire port facility and about a quarter of the city remained in the hands of the U.S.
Military throughout the 1950s.
By the 1970s Yokohama was once more rising from the debris; in 1978 it surpassed Osaka as the nation's second-largest city, and the population is now inching up to the 3.5 million mark.
Boosted by Japan's postwar economic miracle, Yokohama has extended its urban sprawl north to Tokyo and south to Kamakura—in the process creating a whole new subcenter around the Shinkansen Station at Shin-Yokohama.
The development of air travel and the competition from other ports have changed the city's role in Japan's economy.
The great liners that once docked at Yokohama's piers are now but a memory, kept alive by a museum ship and the occasional visit of a luxury vessel on a Pacific cruise.
Modern Large as Yokohama is, the central area is very negotiable.
As with any other port city, much of what it has to offer centers on the waterfront—in this case, on the west side of Tokyo Bay.
The downtown area is called Kannai (literally, "within the checkpoint"); this is where the international community was originally confined by the shogunate.
Though the center of interest has expanded to include the waterfront and Ishikawa-cho, to the south, Kannai remains the heart of town.
Think of that heart as two adjacent areas.
One is the old district of Kannai, bounded by Basha-michi on the northwest and Nippon-odori on the southeast, the Keihin Tohoku Line tracks on the southwest, and the waterfront on the northeast.
This area contains the business offices of modern Yokohama.
The other area extends southeast from Nippon-odori to the Moto-machi shopping street and the International Cemetery, bordered by Yamashita Koen and the waterfront to the northeast; in the center is Chinatown, with Ishikawa-cho Station to the southwest.
This is the most interesting part of town for tourists.
Whether you're coming from Tokyo, Nagoya, or Kamakura, make Ishikawa-cho Station your starting point.
Take the South Exit from the station and head in the direction of the waterfront.
One of the world’s biggest producers of marble, Hualin is the largest city on the east coast of Taiwan.
Sitting on the mountain-fringed plains just south of the Taroko Gorge, it is a great location from which to explore Taroko National Park.
With the glittering lights of Taipei - a futuristic metropolis of culture and ideas - sparkling nearby, Keelung is the first calling point for many visitors arriving in Taiwan.
While this port city essentially serves as Taipei's ocean gateway, you shouldn’t be too hasty in dashing off to Taipei's neon-lit magic – first it’s well worth spending some time exploring the famous glowing night market, which hums with life each evening and is famous for its local seafood.
Cruise Itinerary
Aboard Queen Elizabeth
Launch Year: 2010 Length: 294 Width: 32 Currency: USD Capacity: 2081 Crew Count: 1005 Deck Count: 12 Cabin Count: 1043
Join us on Queen Elizabeth and immerse yourself in her evocative art deco elegance. Our newest Queen exudes style and has an especially refined feel. Prepare yourself for a truly remarkable voyage.
Queen Elizabeth invites you to an uncrowded world where spacious decks set the perfect backdrop for you to savour a flawless Cunard experience. Immerse yourself in endless entertainment, luxurious accommodation and an array of dining choices. Her art deco features and gleaming chandeliers blend with contemporary attractions to ensure a remarkable holiday. Enjoy croquet on her Games Deck, stunning entertainment in her Royal Court Theatre or relax in her elegant conservatory. The choice is yours.
Queen Elizabeth Facilities
Queen Elizabeth Includes
Cabin Details
There are nine different types of suites and staterooms available onboard: Grand Suites, Master Suites, Penthouses, Queens Suites, Princess Suites, Britannia Club, Balcony, Outside and Inside.
Whether you want a sumptuous suite, or a room with a view, they have every type of accommodation to make your voyage as comfortable as possible.
Each stateroom will fall into one of these categories:
Queens Grill - Queens Grill guests enjoy the largest suites on board, commanding the most spectacular views. Meanwhile the exclusive Grills Lounge, private deck and restaurant offer the opportunity to relax in tranquil luxury.
Princess Grill - Exclusive suites and access to the private Grills Lounge and Terrace offer Princess Grill passengers space and privacy to relax in calming luxury.
Britannia Club - Beautiful ocean views, breakfast on your balcony and wonderful natural daylight - the ever-changing seascape will continuously enthrall you. Britannia Club is the perfect way to relax and unwind whilst travelling with us.
Britannia - Peaceful havens in which to relax, Britannia staterooms offer comfort and the opportunity to dine in the truly spectacular Britannia restaurant - an awe inspiring room that will remind you of the great ocean liners of the past.
