Cristina Azorin

Cunard writer

What is a Cunard Event Voyage?

An Event Voyage is where the magic of ocean travel meets the joy of learning something new. It’s and experience where award‑winning authors, master composers, West End stars, and leading wellness experts step on board our Cunard Queens to share their craft with you – not from afar, but up close.

 

One morning, you could be listening to a Times journalist unpack the day’s headlines. Another might see you taking a dance class with a prima ballerina, or settling into the theater as a celebrated composer reveals the stories behind the spotlight.

 

All of this unfolds alongside the experiences that define every Cunard voyage. Elegant dining. Inspiring talks. And the freedom to spend your days exactly as you wish.   

Which Cunard Event Voyage are you?

Some Event Voyages help you unwind. Others open a door into a world of creativity, culture, and inspiration you didn’t know you were craving.

 

Curated in partnership with the English National Ballet, Cheltenham Literature Festival, the National Symphony Orchestra, Abbey Road Studios, Harper’s Bazaar, and more, each voyage has its own personality. Its own rhythm. Its own way of drawing you in, whether through movement, music, ideas, or wellbeing.

 

So, which one speaks to you?  

Dance the Atlantic – Best for the creative soul

 

Ideal for:

  • Those who admire the precision and poetry of ballet 
  • Guests who enjoy learning by doing, not just observing 
  • Curious minds with a passion for live performance 

 

If the discipline, artistry, and emotion of dance stir something in you, then our Dance the Atlantic Event Voyage may be your perfect match. Brought to you in partnership with English National Ballet, this Event Voyage offers a rare glimpse into the world of professional dance. You could participate in a morning ballet class, observe rehearsals and workshops, and hear directly from the dancers and creatives who bring award-winning productions to life.

 

Whether you’re a beginner with a zest for ballet or someone who simply loves the beauty of movement, this voyage will nurture your passion for dance in the most inspiring way.  

Anthony Inglis & the National Symphony Orchestra — Best for the classical music devotee

 

Ideal for:

  • Classical music lovers
  • Guests who enjoy immersive performance
  • Anyone who dreams of standing on stage with a full orchestra

 

If an orchestra in full flight sends a thrill through you, this Event Voyage promises moments that will stay with you long after you return to shore.

 

Sailing with maestro Anthony Inglis and the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra, you’ll be immersed in a week of music, learning, and unforgettable performances. You’ll hear Inglis share stories from his remarkable career, and take your seat for two spectacular evening concerts in the Royal Court Theatre: one celebrating American composers, and the other the best of British.

 

You’ll also have the chance to join the orchestra for a live performance, where you’ll sing as part of a choir for fellow guests on board. For classical music fans, few experiences compare.  

Literature Festival at Sea — Best for the avid reader

 

Ideal for:

  • Readers and writers
  • Lovers of journalism and lively debate
  • Guests who enjoy intellectual exploration

 

If you travel with a book (or three) tucked into every bag, relish lively debate, or find joy in hearing writers speak about their craft, the Literature Festival at Sea may feel like home.

 

Curated by the team behind The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, this voyage brings together up to 20 authors, journalists, historians, and thinkers. Each day offers something new: Q&As, workshops, book signings, panel discussions, and even daily news briefings from Times journalists.

 

The result is a floating literary community, where conversations spill from the theater into the lounges, and every day offers a new idea to explore.  

Abbey Road at Sea — Best for the music historian

 

Ideal for:

  • Fans of behind‑the‑scenes storytelling
  • Contemporary and historic music enthusiasts
  • Guests who love creativity and experimentation

 

If you’ve ever wondered what stories live behind the world’s most iconic recordings, this voyage is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

 

In partnership with Abbey Road Studios, this Transatlantic Crossing celebrates 93 years of musical innovation. You’ll hear from award‑winning recording engineers, explore a photography exhibition, and enjoy live performances inspired by the artists who shaped music history.

 

There’s something extraordinary about sailing the same route taken by so many musical legends, listening to the people who helped bring their visions to life. It’s a perfect voyage for anyone who loves the creativity, experimentation, and the legacy behind the music.  

Wellness at Sea — Best for guests seeking renewal

 

Ideal for:

  • Guests seeking balance
  • Wellness enthusiasts
  • Anyone in need of a restorative retreat

 

If you’ve been craving a moment to pause, reset, and look after yourself, then Wellness at Sea, created in partnership with Harper’s Bazaar, offers exactly that.

 

Set against the serene backdrop of the Norwegian fjords, this Event Voyage brings together leading wellness experts for talks, classes, and hands‑on sessions designed to help you feel restored. You can choose from three Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea packages – Recover, Energise, or Relax, each shaped around four core pillars: Bazaar Body, Bazaar Mind, Bazaar Beauty, and Bazaar Wellness.

 

Offering time to invest in yourself without distraction, this voyage is a reminder that self‑care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.  

More ways to enrich your time at sea

The beauty of sailing on a Cunard Queen is that inspiration is never limited to our Event Voyages. No matter which of our ships you sail on, you’ll find a world of enrichment waiting on board.

 

Cunard Insights

 

Join expert explorers, historians, and creatives as they answer the big questions and share stories that stay with you long after your voyage ends. You can see which guest speakers are on board by looking in your Daily Programme once on board.

 

Entertainment Residencies

 

From West End performers to celebrated musicians, our Entertainment Residencies bring world‑class talent to sea in a way that feels intimate and exclusive.

 

Lunch and Learn

 

There’s something special about sharing a beautifully prepared meal with someone who has a story to tell. These sessions are relaxed, conversational, and always memorable. Lunch and Learn sessions can be booked on My Cunard before you sail.

 

Classes and creative experiences

 

Every Cunard voyage offers you the chance to try something new. Whether it’s watercolor painting, foil fencing, or dance, a world of discovery awaits you every day.  

Discover your perfect Event Voyage in our quiz

Not sure whether you’re more “ballet” or “books”? This five‑question quiz will reveal the voyage that most aligns with your passions and personality. Simply choose the answers that feel most like you and let us take care of the rest.

 

1. Your ideal morning at sea looks like:

A. Stretching at sunrise, breathing in the stillness

B. Watching dancers warm up on stage

C. Reading with a perfect cup of tea

D. Listening to an orchestra rehearse

E. Exploring the stories behind iconic albums

 

2. You’re most inspired by:

A. Wellness and self‑care

B. Movement and artistry

C. Ideas and conversation

D. Music that stirs the soul

E. Creativity and experimentation

 

3. Your perfect evening includes:

A. A calming ritual and early night

B. A breathtaking dance performance

C. A lively literary debate

D. A grand orchestral concert

E. A deep dive into music history

 

4. You never travel without:

A. A journal or yoga mat

B. Dancing shoes

C. A book (or several)

D. A playlist of classical favorites

E. A curiosity for how things are made 

 

5. You’re happiest when:

A. Recharging and reconnecting

B. Learning a new skill

C. Meeting interesting people

D. Feeling part of something bigger

E. Discovering the story behind the story  

 

Mostly A — Wellness at Sea

A restorative escape designed around balance, beauty, and renewal.

 

Mostly B — Dance the Atlantic

A voyage filled with movement, artistry, and behind‑the‑scenes magic.

 

Mostly C — Literature Festival at Sea

A floating festival of ideas, conversation, and creativity.

 

Mostly D — Anthony Inglis & the National Symphony Orchestra

A symphonic celebration for lovers of classical music.

 

Mostly E — Abbey Road at Sea

A deep dive into musical history, innovation, and legacy.  

Your voyage, your story

 

Whichever Event Voyage you choose, you’ll find a world shaped around curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovering something new, both on board and within yourself.

 

If you’re ready to explore further, discover our full program of Cunard Event Voyages sailing in 2026, 2027, and 2028, and find the one that feels most like you.