In partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival

Proud partners of the world renowned literary festival, bringing you the written word in all its wonderful variety.

The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival

Cunard has been in partnership with The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival since 2018, developing the Literature Festival at Sea on board Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossing.

On land, we are delighted to support a series of special Author events at the world’s oldest literary festival that takes place in October every year, alongside the VIP Lounge in partnership with Cunard.

Literature Festival at Sea 2024 - a journey like no other

We are proud to present the Literature Festival at Sea on board Queen Mary 2, setting sail from Southampton to New York on 13 November 2024.

Curated by the programming team of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, guests on board will enjoy a daily dose of news from Times journalists, lose themselves in thought-provoking conversation, meet favourite writers at intimate book signings and discover a line-up that includes acclaimed crime writer Mark Billingham, novelist Chris Brookmyre and his co-writer and wife, Marisa Haetzman, former US ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun and The Sunday Times journalist Decca Aitkenhead, with more authors to be announced.

Literature Festival at Sea 2025

We are proud to present the Literature Festival at Sea on board Queen Mary 2, setting sail from New York to Southampton on 8 December 2025.

Enjoy a daily dose of news from Times journalists. Lose yourself in thought-provoking conversation at Q&A sessions. Meet your favourite writers at intimate book signings. Listen as literary greats dissect everything from art and film to history and politics. You could fill every day on board with all kinds of literature-based activities and experiences. And that’s on top of exploring the range of signature Cunard experiences you can already look forward to when you holiday with us. Spend your week at sea embracing a world of intellect and indulgence, thanks to round-the-clock room service, relaxing spa treatments, and a cocktail menu that begs to be explored.

Be inspired by Cunard Stories

The Cunard experience has been enjoyed not just by authors, but Hollywood stars, presidents and royalty for 180 years. Delve into more articles from our archives and discover unique Cunard recipes you can try yourself at home.

Cunard celebrates 180 years

Discover the extraordinary moments that define our past and continue to inspire our future.

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Famous faces on the high seas

Historian Chris Frame offers a behind-the-scenes look at some of Cunard's famous passengers in the first instalment of our two-part series.

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Tea time

Uncover the origins of Afternoon Tea - a celebrated occasion on the Cunard Queens - and learn how to make our delicious Cunard scones.

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