Cunard News Room

14 January 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard is proud to announce the fleet-wide roll out of its holistic Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programmes, a collaboration with the iconic lifestyle magazine. Launching this January, guests travelling on flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will be able to enjoy these curated wellness experiences, designed to help travellers feel revitalised and recharged as they journey to extraordinary destinations.

Each exclusive three-day programme – Relax, Recover or Energise – has been carefully crafted to meet individual wellness goals. Priced at US$629 per guest, the packages include: a tailored selection of spa treatments, a premium range of ELEMIS products, and unique, nutritionally balanced dining options.

These transformative wellness journeys are available to book once on board with the ship’s Spa Concierge.

The introduction of these programmes marks an exciting evolution of Cunard’s award-winning wellness and enrichment offering, and coincides  with the announcement of a brand new Wellness at Sea Event Voyage for 2026.

Scheduled for 5-12 July 2026, this unique 7-night Norwegian Fjords voyage on board Queen Anne will include an inspiring variety of wellness-themed experiences – from invigorating classes and tailored spa treatments to enlightening insight talks from expert speakers – to set a new standard for wellbeing at sea.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Wellness is at the heart of what we offer at Cunard, and the Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programmes are a natural addition across our entire fleet. Ocean-inspired wellness is a unique part of the Cunard experience, offering guests the chance to relax, recharge, and feel renewed while sailing to extraordinary destinations. Whether they’re looking to unwind, recover, or boost their energy, these programmes will help them arrive feeling refreshed and inspired.”

New Plant-Based Menus

Cunard is also introducing a range of new plant-based menus across its fleet, developed in collaboration with chef Paul Gayler MBE, a pioneer in vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Showcasing the very best plant-based cuisine at sea, the menus draw inspiration from destinations where plant-based eating is a way of life—such as the Middle East—and use authentic cooking methods to reimagine classic dishes.

More than 25 vegan dishes will be available in the Britannia restaurants on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and the eagerly awaited Queen Anne. Created by Cunard’s team of chefs, the dishes feature fresh, plant-based ingredients, alongside high-quality pulses, spices, and vegan pastry creations.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

10 January 2024 [Southampton, UK] This is the moment Cunard’s newest luxury ship Queen Anne embarked on her historic 107-night maiden world voyage from Southampton, marking a new chapter in the cruise line’s distinguished history. 

Spectators gathered across the city to witness the ship’s 9pm departure last night (9 January), which was celebrated with a dazzling fireworks display.

The 3,000-guest ship will make her first American landfall in New York on 17 January, a city that has an enduring connection to Cunard and has welcomed Cunarders and their guests longer than any other destination.

Queen Anne becomes the 14^th ship in Cunard’s illustrious history to undertake a full world voyage. Notably, Queen Anne will also be the largest Cunarder to achieve a full circumnavigation of the globe.

Over 107 nights, Queen Anne will call at 30 different ports across 18 countries. Highlights of the voyage include iconic calls to Miami, San Francisco, the Panama Canal, Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong and more. Guests will also cross the International Date Line on 12 February, experiencing the rare phenomenon of ‘jumping through time’.

The full world voyage also includes overnight stops in New York, Honolulu, Sydney, and Singapore, with Queen Anne returning to the south coast on 27 April.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “This is a significant moment for Cunard as Queen Anne begins her maiden world voyage. It’s especially fitting that her first visit to the USA will be New York, a city that has long been at the heart of Cunard’s story. This voyage celebrates our heritage while offering guests the opportunity to explore the world in the style and luxury only Cunard can provide. Queen Anne truly reflects the evolution of our brand, and this journey will be an unforgettable experience for all on board.”

On board, guests will enjoy a variety of curated experiences, including world-class entertainment and a spectacular sailaway party, with celebrations continuing throughout the voyage.

Highlights will include a special World Voyage cocktail party and a shoreside Gala Event – as well as enriching talks from notable speakers, such as Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Adlington OBE, hypnotist Paul McKenna, actor Charley Boorman and former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash.

Queen Anne

Queen Anne’s design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 14-deck ship offers travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

She also boasts the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition – spearheaded by an exclusive Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme – heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

January 8, 2025 [Valencia, Calif.,] Luxury cruise line Cunard has unveiled its highly anticipated Alaska 2026 programme, offering travellers the chance to embark on an unforgettable adventure through one of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations.

Between April and September 2026, Queen Elizabeth will sail 23 roundtrip voyages from Seattle, USA, ranging from 7 to 12 nights. Guests looking for a longer holiday that combines contrasting destinations can enjoy extended voyages of up to 42 nights, taking in both the majestic landscapes of Alaska and the tropical beauty of the Caribbean.

Cunard’s 2026 programme features visits to 31 unique destinations across 16 countries, including highlights such as Colón, Panama, and Bridgetown, Barbados. Voyages are available to book from 1pm GMT on 8 January 2025, with guests able to claim up to triple on board credit* for bookings made between 8 January and 17 February 2025.

This on board spending money allows guests to indulge in Cunard’s signature luxury, whether that means unwinding with a spa treatment, savouring fine dining, or enjoying exceptional shore experiences. Highlights include the opportunity to witness humpback whales in their natural habitat as Queen Elizabeth sails through Alaska’s glacier-filled fjords.

Alaska highlights

Queen Elizabeth’s voyages invite travellers to immerse themselves in a world of tidewater glaciers and mirror-like waters, where each day in port offers guests the freedom to step ashore and explore somewhere new.

Whether it be Ketchikan, with its vibrant totem poles, Juneau, where famous gold mines put this historic city on the map, or Haines, a prime destination for kayaking, Alaska is an adventurer’s paradise.

And not forgetting the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier, two gems in the Alaskan crown. 

Prices for a 10-night Seattle roundtrip to Alaska (Q620) in July 2026 currently start from £1,999 per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Alaska is a truly unique destination, and we’re delighted to return with our 2026 programme. Sailing through its spectacular fjords and seeing the immense glaciers is an experience like no other. On board, guests can sip regionally inspired cocktails, enjoy cuisine influenced by local flavours, and hear fascinating stories from renowned explorers. These voyages promise to create unforgettable memories, and we can’t wait to welcome our guests on board Queen Elizabeth.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

31 December 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard is setting the tempo for music collaborations in 2025 with globally renowned jazz artists Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum headlining exclusive performances on board Queen Victoria next year.

As the countdown to the New Year begins, the luxury cruise line can reveal that acclaimed musician and Hootenanny host Jools Holland OBE will feature on Queen Victoria’s eight-night Spain and Italy voyage from Southampton on 4 May to Civitavecchia on 12 May.

Jools Holland, celebrated host of Later with Jools Holland and former Squeeze pianist, will perform two exclusive shows in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre. Guests can expect an extraordinary repertoire from his acclaimed five-decade career, including iconic hits from his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and Friends.

The May sailing will be a great adventure for foodies as well as music lovers, with port calls to Cadiz (including tours to Seville), Malaga (including tours to Granada), and the enchanting island of Majorca, where Rioja and tasty tapas await.

Prices currently start from £899 per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom. Full details can be found, here.

Jamie Cullum

Britain’s best-selling jazz artist and BBC Radio 2 presenter will join the 2,000-guest Queen as part of her 13-night roundtrip Atlantic Islands voyage, which departs Southampton on 21 April. The MOBO Award-winner will captivate audiences with his best known hits – including songs from breakthrough album Twentysomething.

The April-May sailing features port calls to Madeira, Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and the charming coastal city of Cadiz (including tours to Seville). Prices currently start from £1,699 per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom. Full details can be found, here.

Cunard collaborations

Cunard has an incredible track record of collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli headlining Queen Anne’s naming ceremony in Liverpool in June.

Cunard President, Katie McAlister, said: "At Cunard, we take pride in curating unique and unforgettable experience for our guests, and we can’t wait to welcome the extraordinary Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum aboard Queen Victoria in 2025. Their incredible talent, showcased in the elegant surroundings of the Royal Court Theatre, will make these sailing truly unforgettable.” 

Jools Holland OBE commented: “I am incredibly excited about performing on Queen Victoria next year, especially as we’ll be sailing around such a beautiful part of the world. Playing on a luxury cruise ship is a new experience for me and one that I’m sure will be a lot of fun. I want my shows to be uplifting events and I hope guests on board leave the theatre with a renewed love of jazz music.”

Jamie Cullum added: “I’m very much looking forward to performing for guests on board Queen Victoria in the spring. It’s been many years since I performed on a cruise ship - it’s a time that holds many great memories. There's something unique about the whole experience, playing music whilst at sea. My band and I promise everyone a fantastic night.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

17 December 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard’s iconic fleet of Queens sail the world’s magnificent oceans and the luxury cruise line is committed to preserving and protecting marine environments.

That’s why, whilst flagship Queen Mary 2 was in the Caribbean earlier this month, a dozen crew from the world’s only ocean liner took part in a coastal clean-up of Sailsbury Beach on the west coast of Dominica.

The call to Dominica was part of a roundtrip Caribbean Celebration voyage from New York. 

The two-hour effort was jointly organised by the ship’s Environmental Compliance Officer, Robert Price, together with representatives from the Discover Dominica Authority and Salisbury Council.

The Cunard team, along with 12 local volunteers, swept 20,000 square metres of beach front, collecting hundreds of discarded items, totalling an impressive 25kg of waste in 30 bags of rubbish. 

The group removed an array of glass, plastics, fishing nets, ropes, metal bars, and bottle tops. 

Captain Aseem Hashmi said: “Our wonderful team of volunteers are very proud to have participated in Queen Mary 2’s first Dominica beach clean-up and through their passion for sustainability and environmental protection, helped make a big difference to the local marine environment. This initiative is a reflection of our shared responsibility to preserve the beauty and health of these vital ecosystems for future generations. By working together with local communities, we aim to inspire meaningful change and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future."

The initiative complements a series of UK beach cleans, in support of the Marine Conservation Society, that Cunard’s shoreside teams have conducted throughout 2024.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

December 3, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard has reported record-breaking bookings in 2024, following an exceptional year and the launch of its highly anticipated ship, Queen Anne.  From 1 January to 31 October this year, Cunard recorded an impressive 73,000 additional guest reservations compared to the same period in 2023, representing a 23% year-on-year increase.

This performance marks the highest number of guests booked between 1 January and 31 October than in any equivalent period on record. Both the UK and North American markets contributed significantly to this success, with a 24% increase in guests booking from the UK and 29% more from North America compared to 2023.

The arrival of Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, in May has been a key factor in this growth alongside the launch of three new cruise programmes in 2024.  Winter 2026 and summer 2026 itineraries were introduced in March, followed by the winter 2027 programme in October, further driving demand.  

As an iconic British brand, Cunard’s global appeal continues to grow, with more than half of bookings between 1 January and 31 October now originating from outside the UK. International markets have shown particularly strong interest, with targeted marketing campaigns in these regions driving a 22% increase in international guest bookings over the past year.

In addition to international growth, Cunard continues to attract both new and returning travellers.  From 1 January to 31 October 2024, the brand saw a 49% rise in first-time guests choosing to sail with Cunard compared to the same period in 2023.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “As we look ahead to 2025, we are proud to report record-breaking bookings that demonstrate the continued strength of Cunard’s commercial performance. As an iconic British brand with growing international appeal, Cunard continues to attract travellers from across the globe who are drawn to the timeless elegance and modern luxury we provide. The launch of Queen Anne has been a key driver of this success, increasing our capacity and capturing the imagination of both loyal and first-time guests. These results are a testament to the hard work of our teams and partners worldwide, who ensure Cunard remains at the forefront of luxury travel.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

November 27, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard has announced an exciting new partnership with Talk Art podcasters Russell Tovey and Robert Diament that will help guests explore Queen Anne’s iconic art collection.

The 3,000-guest Queen, which departed on her maiden voyage in May, boasts the largest curated art collection at sea and is packed with bold and contemporary pieces from more than 300 artists and designers.

This new collaboration sees Russell and Robert create an immersive, self-guided Art Tour to celebrate Queen Anne’s many masterpieces. This new podcast-style tour launched this month and forms part of the ship’s enriching activities programme, showcasing more than 40 individual pieces of art across the ship.

Russell and Robert will introduce each piece on the tour – including Micheal James O’Brien’s Gilbert and George portrait in the Golden Lion and Susumu Kamijo’s Poodles series in Aji Wa – delving into the inspiration behind the artists’ work, combined with exclusive interviews and their own interpretations.

Queen Anne’s elevated art proposition

Queen Anne is home to a contemporary collection of over 4,300 artworks and sculptures, involving 500 different framing methods to display the works.

Combining up-and-coming talents from institutions such as the Royal College of Art, with established artists, the eclectic selection of paintings, photographs and graphic prints are all inspired by Cunard’s star-studded journey to the present day.

One such example is an exclusively commissioned photographic piece by London-based conceptual still life photographer Aaron Tilley, inspired by Cunard’s golden era of transatlantic travel. The artwork features vintage Cunard artefacts from crystal sculptures to jewellery and a 1936 cardboard model of Queen Mary. This Tales of Cunard piece will be displayed in the Princess Grill suites.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "Our world-famous Queens are celebrated globally for their modern luxury, reflected in their elegant design and art collections. We’re also passionate about making contemporary art more accessible. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with the remarkable Talk Art team to support emerging artists, reach new audiences, and continue offering our guests unique experiences."

Talk Art podcast host Russell Tovey added: “Talk Art are proud to be partnering with Cunard on this exclusive audio tour to celebrate their incredible commitment to contemporary art. ‎This is the largest collection of commissioned art at sea; and at over 4,300 artworks, is such an impressive and inspiring group of artists. We hope our guide will bring to life the themes and hidden stories that lie within each of the paintings, photographs and sculptures.”

Co-host Robert Diament commented: “We are particularly excited to see Cunard’s support of emerging artists from leading international art schools including Parsons The New School, Royal College of Art, and Central Saint Martins, and will be highlighting numerous works in the audio tour.”

Actor Russell Tovey and gallerist Robert Diament host Talk Art, a podcast dedicated to making the world of art more accessible – featuring exclusive interviews with leading artists, curators and gallerists, and occasionally their talented friends from industries like acting, music and journalism.

With more than six million downloads in more than 170 countries, Robert and Russell bring their unique experience and perspectives to conversations about forms, styles, movements, and the cultural significance of art.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

November 28, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] For over 180 years, Cunard has championed the restorative power of ocean travel. New ground-breaking research conducted on Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, confirms that just five days at sea can positively impact various cognitive abilities, such as memory, logical reasoning, perceptual abilities and problem solving, demonstrating that Cunard’s Transatlantic Crossing significantly benefits mental and emotional wellbeing.

In a first-of-its-kind neuroscience study, the results revealed that Cunard’s transatlantic crossing, combined with their programme of enriching experiences, can increase cognitive abilities by 26%, making travellers more alert, focused, and resilient.

The study, conducted by Human Understanding Agency, Walnut involved 40 guests from around the world embarking on the iconic Transatlantic crossing from Southampton to New York. Researchers used biometric tools to measure cognitive and physiological changes before and after five days at sea. The results were remarkable, showing notable improvements in memory, problem-solving, attention, and overall emotional wellbeing.

Key findings

• Memory - A 29% improvement in word recall, indicating enhanced short-term memory performance
• Problem-solving - 125% improvement on complex logical and spatial reasoning tasks
• Attention - 14% improvement in focus during visual tasks
• Relaxation - Self-reported relaxation rose by 158%, while overall physiological stress levels decreased by 35% reflecting the relaxing influence of the voyage

Dr Jack Lewis, a neuroscientist comments on the findings “What stands out for me in this study is how neatly all the pieces fit together. The passengers time on the ship clearly reduced their stress

levels, based on subjective and objective measures. The main stress hormone cortisol is well-known in the science research literature to interfere with various cognitive processes. So the boost in memory and logical reasoning capacity identified in this study is likely to attributed to the stress-relieving impact of ocean travel. This combined with the amazing array of stimulating activities onboard, allows the passengers brains to unlock their full potential.”    

Beyond the study’s cognitive findings, Cunard’s unique offering provides an unmatched sanctuary for relaxation and renewal. From captivating lectures by world-renowned experts as part of the Cunard Insights programme to personalised wellness treatments, each element of the voyage is thoughtfully designed to foster wellbeing.  This is all complemented by Cunard’s celebrated White Star Service, ensuring every moment aboard is distinguished by personalised attention and elegance. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard comments: “This study reinforces what we have always believed: a Cunard voyage is so much more than a holiday. Our curated enrichment programmes,  world-class dining, bespoke wellness experiences and renowned White Star Service, leave our guests feeling truly refreshed, inspired and reinvigorated.”  

Discover the transformative power of a Cunard luxury voyage at  www.cunard.com.

November 19, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard has been named Walpole’s British Luxury Brand of the Year* after a landmark year that reinforced its position as a leader in luxury travel.

The award was presented last night (18 November) at the Walpole British Luxury Awards at The Dorchester, Mayfair. The event celebrated Britain’s most outstanding luxury brands and the people behind them. Cunard was chosen as the winner from an impressive shortlist that included Jo Malone, The Londoner, and Simpsons’ Wine Estate—each a standout example of British luxury.

Walpole is the official sector body for UK luxury businesses, representing over 250 British brands and supporting an industry worth £81 billion to the UK economy.

This recognition highlights Cunard’s success over the past 12 months, including the launch of its newest ship, Queen Anne, in May. Queen Anne is a modern addition to Cunard’s fleet, blending classic elegance with innovative design, new dining experiences, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities.

The award reflects Cunard’s creativity, innovation, and commitment to sustainability, as well as its influence as a British brand on the global stage.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Being named ‘Luxury Brand of the Year’ means so much to all of us at Cunard. This award reflects the remarkable efforts of our team and their dedication to represent the best of British hospitality, creativity  and craftsmanship. We are immensely proud to bring the best of British to the world stage, creating not only unforgettable voyages but a true celebration of British luxury.”

Bianca Jagger, who presented the award, said: “For more than 180 years Cunard has redefined luxury at sea, setting a global standard for British hospitality, innovation, and style. Their newest ship, Queen Anne, delivers an unforgettable experience of British luxury, from grand interiors by David Collins Studio to bespoke desk accessories in their library by Maker’s Cabinet, and even the captain’s uniform designed by Kathryn Sargent.”

Walpole’s Chief Executive, Helen Brocklebank, added: “Tonight’s Walpole British Luxury Awards celebrate the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit driving Britain’s £81bn luxury sector. Each award given tonight not only honours those accepting their trophy on stage but pays tribute to the nearly half a million skilled, sustainable jobs supported by UK luxury brands nationwide. The secret of luxury’s long-term success has always been, and always will be, its artisans, makers and craftspeople. My congratulations to tonight’s winners and thanks to all our sponsors and partners without whom this evening would not have been possible.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

October 23, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard, renowned for delivering exceptional luxury at sea, is proud to announce a new partnership with Michelin-starred chef Nathan Outlaw. Together, they will bring the celebrated Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen to life on select Queen Victoria Mediterranean voyages.

Guests will be treated to an exclusive culinary experience as Nathan Outlaw brings his award-winning Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen to sea. Outlaw will personally oversee a series of intimate, five-course seafood tasting menus, featuring the finest Mediterranean ingredients, crafted with his signature flair.

The intimate, 60-guest dining events will offer an elevated seafood experience, combining Outlaw’s culinary vision with the exquisite setting of the Mediterranean coast, ensuring every meal is a special occasion.

The trailblazing restaurateur and esteemed Rick Stein protégé will collaborate with the luxury cruise line to exclusively deliver a quartet of Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen residencies aboard Queen Victoria during her Mediterranean season next summer.

The four-voyage series kicks off aboard a 14-night sailing from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) on 7 July, with Nathan sailing on the first seven nights of the voyage. 

The wider collaboration

Whilst on board, Nathan will host live cooking demonstrations and appear as an Insight Speaker in the Royal Court Theatre for a series of intimate Q&As focused on his rise to culinary stardom.

The news follows August’s announcement that Cunard will reunite with two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux for a new series of Le Gavroche at Sea takeovers across four Fjords voyages in 2025.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “At Cunard, we take great pride in curating exceptional dining experiences and this collaboration with Nathan Outlaw is no exception. Nathan’s reputation for excellence and his mastery of seafood perfectly complement our commitment to delivering the finest in luxury travel. We’re thrilled to offer our guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen while sailing on these beautiful Mediterranean itineraries.”

Nathan Outlaw added: “Teaming up with Cunard is a really exciting opportunity and I can’t wait to get on board Queen Victoria to showcase the very best of Outlaw’s. Being able to cook vibrant seafood dishes as guests overlook stunning sun-kissed locations on the continent will allow us to deliver a fully immersive experience of Mediterranean cuisine. I am hugely passionate about this style of food and I am looking forward to elevating luxury dining at sea to create something really special for Cunard.”

To learn more about Queen Victoria’s Mediterranean voyages and experience the Outlaw’s Fish Kitchen at sea, visit:

Voyage V518 - departing 7 July 2025

Voyage V521 - departing 18 August 2025

Voyage V522 - departing 1 September 2025

Voyage V524 - departing 29 September 2025

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

October 11, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] They boast the most glamourous ships at sea and now Cunard can announce that fashion icon Christian Siriano will headline its Transatlantic Fashion Week in 2025.

Christian Siriano has established himself as a tour de force in the fashion world since launching his eponymous collection in 2008 following his studies in London under Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.

His designs have been worn by global stars such as Lady Gaga, Oprah, and Julia Roberts, as well as Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris. Having just celebrated the brand’s 15-year anniversary, the Siriano Atelier continues to celebrate beauty and diversity in the ever-changing fashion industry.

Siriano will be the headline designer aboard flagship Queen Mary 2 for the Transatlantic Fashion Week voyage from New York to Southampton between 31 October and 7 November.

He will unveil some archival highlights during an exclusive runway show in the Queens Room, joined by an exciting line-up of renowned faces from the world of fashion. 

Christian will also share insights from his distinguished career during an intimate Q&A session in the Royal Court Theatre. Guests will have the opportunity to meet him personally at book signings during the seven-night crossing. 

The 2025 edition of Transatlantic Fashion Week will be the fifth voyage of its kind, which is a real celebration of the ever-fascinating world of fashion – set amidst the backdrop of Cunard’s stylish flagship.

Additional fashion experts joining the voyage will be announced at a later date. Prices currently start from £899 per person based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom. 

Cunard’s Transatlantic Fashion Weeks

Since its inception in 2016, Transatlantic Fashion Week on Queen Mary 2 has been a staple of Cunard’s Event Voyages, conceived by Gail Sackloff OBE. With a rich legacy of glamour and fashion, Cunard has welcomed luminaries such as Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Meryl Streep, Uma Thurman, and Carly Simon. Past headliners of Transatlantic Fashion Week include Dame Zandra Rhodes, Julien Macdonald, Virginia Bates, and Stephen Jones OBE.

In addition to showcasing established designers, the event offers a platform for emerging talent. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard said: “Christian Siriano is a true visionary, and we are delighted to have him lead our 2025 Transatlantic Fashion Week. His bold old-school glamour mirrors Cunard’s own blend of timeless elegance and modern luxury. Our Fashion Week voyages have become must-attend events, attracting celebrated designers from around the world, and there’s no better venue for such an occasion than Queen Mary 2 – the world’s most glamourous ocean liner.”

Christian Siriano added: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to be part of Cunard’s iconic Transatlantic Fashion Week and I am excited to headline next year’s voyage. What a unique way to showcase my designs that celebrate both the heritage of fashion as well as its future. I can’t wait to show guests on board a fabulous and once-in-a-lifetime experience!”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

October 9, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced its new programme of voyages sailing from October 2026 to April 2027.

Guests will be able to enjoy 90 new voyages on Cunard’s iconic fleet of four Queens: flagship Queen Mary 2, its newest vessel Queen Anne, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

The new itineraries feature 101 unique destinations across 57 countries, including 62 UNESCO World Heritage sites. With 22 overnight port calls and 26 late-evening departures, the new programme offers guests even more opportunities to explore the world. Among the highlights are two maiden calls for the fleet: Ferrol, Spain and Acajutla, El Salvador – both aboard Queen Victoria.

Cunard World Club members will have early access to bookings from 1pm on 16 October, 2024, before the new voyages are on sale to the general public from 1pm on 17 October, 2024.

Queen Anne

Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne will make her maiden call to South America as part of her 82-night South America Discovery voyage, which includes an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro. She will also make maiden calls to Casablanca in Morocco and Bridgetown in Barbados, among others.

Queen Mary 2 

From exploring the UNESCO World Heritage site of Santiago de Compostela on a tour from El Ferrol to an overnight call in Mindelo on the Cape Verde island of Sao Vincente, Queen Mary 2’s new voyages offer experiences to delight and amaze. 

Or whether it’s the white sands and warm shallows of the Caribbean in December or indulging in Cunard signatures as you while away uninterrupted sea days on one of her iconic Transatlantic Crossings sailing across the year, a voyage on Queen Mary 2 is always a special experience.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will set sail for a 109-night World Voyage beginning in January 2027, visiting cultural capitals such as Hong Kong, Sydney and Cape Town. She will also make maiden calls to Dakar in Senegal and Durban in South Africa. 

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will continue to operate an exciting Caribbean programme from Miami in late 2026 and into 2027, with a variety of seven-, nine-, and 14-night voyages. Curacao and Antigua are both home to protected architecture, while Florida presents a chance to explore the incredible wetland ecosystem in the Everglades. 

Early booking saving

Guests who book one of Cunard’s new voyages between 16 October and 9 December 2024 will receive a 10% Early Booking Saving. This offer is valid for selected voyages departing between 15 October 2026 and 30 April 2027 when booking a Cunard Fare or Early Saver Fare*.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are hugely excited to reveal our exciting new programme from October 2026 to April 2027, offering exceptional choice for every traveller. Whether you’re soaking up the excitement in Rio during Carnival or toasting New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, Cunard’s voyages allow you to explore the world in unparalleled luxury.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

27 September 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Its iconic Queens are known as the most luxurious ships at sea and Cunard’s Shore Experiences are every bit as extraordinary.

In celebration of CLIA Cruise Week (16-22 September), which shines a light on cruise destinations, as well as the experiences available whilst in port, the luxury cruise line has revealed ten of its best Shore Experiences around the world – from Alaska to Australia.

Whether it’s adventurous trips to inspiring locations, wellness retreats in volcanic mountain ranges or food tours showcasing local cuisines, Cunard offers a luxury shore experience to suit every traveler.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Our tours are carefully designed to provide exceptional experiences, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the culture, history, and beauty of the world’s most captivating destinations. Whether guests are looking to explore iconic landmarks, enjoy unique culinary experiences or simply unwind in breathtaking surroundings, these shore experiences have been carefully curated to match the exceptional standards of a Cunard voyage.”

1) Sukayu Hot Spring Onsen, Japan

Soak up the scenery of the Hakkoda Mountains and immerse yourself in the centuries-old tradition of hot spring bathing, at the Sukayu Onsen, one of the country’s most prominent hot spring resorts. Sit back and revel in the wonderful scenery as you venture into the volcanic Hakkoda Mountain range, where you’ll cross the Jogakura-Ohashi Bridge, Japan’s longest steel arch bridge (825 feet long and 400 feet high). When you reach the Sukayu Hot Spring, which dates back to 1684, you’ll sit down for a traditional lunch inside the ryokan. Then you’ll enter the onsen, which was recognized as the ‘first hot spring for the health of the nation’ in 1954.

2) Rojo Tango: Passion, Madness, Glamour, Argentina

Marvel at the spellbinding passion and glamour of an evening tango show at Rojo Tango, in the Faena Hotel, a cabaret theatre that boasts an intimate, luxurious setting with an extraordinary atmosphere. Your evening commences with a three-course dinner created by Faena Hotel’s world-class chefs, accompanied by some of Argentina’s best wines. Then the evening heats up with an intense and sensual live tango show, featuring professional dancers and singers, dazzling wardrobes, and a live tango orchestra. 

3) Best of Rio, Brazil

Start your day with a fascinating city tour taking in the highlights and sights of this amazing city, featuring a ride along Rio’s most celebrated Guanabara Bay. Ascend via cable car to the stunning Sugar Loaf Mountain rising 1,299 feet above sea level and experience breathtaking views of the Corcovado, sandy beaches, Rio de Janeiro-Niteroi Bridge, and the city of Niteroi across the Bay. After lunch, visit one of the new seven wonders of the modern world, the famous and awe inspiring Statue of Christ the Redeemer at the top of the Corcovado Mountain.

4) Hovercraft Eco Adventure & Wildlife Viewing, USA

Embark on an exclusive small-group hovercraft wildlife expedition, around Ketchikan and its remote areas. Climb aboard the US Coast Guard certified Blackbird Hovercraft at the pier, and take flight, 20 inches above the water, on narrated journey of fantastic local attractions. Your scenic flight will offer up-close views of the Ketchikan waterfront, and take you over gentle waves and along the jagged shoreline. Then, spend time exploring the remote beach on the beautiful Tongass National Forest shoreline, before embarking on a marine wildlife viewing expedition, searching for eagles, whales, harbour seals, and more.

5) Taste of Tuscania, Italy

This tour takes you out into the Etruscan countryside, rich in vineyards and olive groves. You’ll seek out the quaint hill town of Tuscania, and your guide will explain how it developed in medieval times with magnificent walls, ramparts, and churches. You’ll then have free time to wander the narrow cobblestone streets and absorb the atmosphere. A highlight of your tour will be a visit to an ‘agriturismo’ farmhouse to sample organic regional specialities including superb olive oils and wine.

6) In Search of the Northern Lights, Norway

Join a group of specially trained guides who use their detailed knowledge of the region and its ever-changing weather, to lead you to areas for optimum viewing of the Northern Lights. They’ll also assist with camera settings to ensure you capture Mother Nature’s light show. Your guides will explain why this natural phenomenon occurs, as you travel around searching for this celestial wonder. It’s always a magical occasion when a faint colourful wisp, or a great shimmering blanket of wavering light, appears above you in the expansive night sky.

7) Overland to Machu Picchu, Chile

This incredible four-day trip will see you traverse narrow, winding valleys with rugged gorges, spectacular snow-capped peaks, and countless archaeological ruins. You will visit the timeless wonder and grandeur of Machu Picchu – the ‘Lost City of the Incas’. Soaring over 600 metres above the rumbling Urubamba River, this misty haven is filled with remarkably preserved palaces, baths, and temples. Later, you will visit the mysterious fortress of Sacsayhuaman, and take in the sacred site of Koricancha to see the Dominican Convent of Santo Domingo, which was built on the foundations of the Inca Empire’s most important temple.

8) Tempting Taste Trail, Australia

Explore the gorgeous Tasmanian countryside, meet local producers, and sample delectable fresh produce. Tasmania is renowned to foodies around the world for producing high-quality produce – and this excursion will allow you to sample wild abalone and oysters and hear about the thriving abalone industry. Try top-notch whisky from a famous distillery, and savour gourmet cheeses, handmade chocolates, and great coffee, fresh from the farm in Coal River. You'll also visit the historic locations of Salamanca, Battery Point, and Sandy Bay.

9) Bathing in the Blue Lagoon, Iceland

As you travel through dramatic volcanic scenery to the Blue Lagoon, your knowledgeable guide will reveal the history and science behind this famous natural geothermal spa. The Blue Lagoon is enveloped in a gorgeous volcanic landscape. It’s rich in minerals like silica, algae, and sulphur, and its unique properties will melt your stresses away, as your body absorbs the heat and healing powers of the water. Dotted around the Lagoon, you’ll find silica mud in wooden boxes that can be applied to your face and body. This pure-white geothermal mud, deep cleans, exfoliates, and naturally strengthens your skin's barrier function, and smooths your complexion.

10) Hong Kong at Night by Vintage Tram, China

Wind your way from Western Market in Hong Kong Island through the island's Central, Wan Chai and Admiralty Districts to Causeway Bay. Marvel at the sights of this vibrant and bustling city as your guide brings the street scenes around you to life. Continue to one of Hong Kong’s popular restaurants where you can indulge in a sumptuous eight-course traditional Chinese meal. Reboard your tram and take in the brilliantly coloured signs that illuminate Nathan Road, Hong Kong's ‘Golden Mile’ of shops.  Enjoy some free time for retail therapy at Temple Street Night Market, an amazing shopping district featuring rows of brightly lit stalls. 

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

13 August 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Cunard has announced that two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux will return to Norway in 2025 for The Norwegian Fjords with Michel Roux, another exclusive series of Le Gavroche residencies.

The esteemed chef will oversee four Le Gavroche residencies across four exciting Fjords voyages next year – two apiece aboard new ship Queen Anne and flagship Queen Mary 2 between April and August.

Queen Mary 2 will host the first five-night takeover with Le Gavroche at The Verandah aboard the world’s only ocean liner for her seven-night roundtrip Fjords sailing on 6 April.  Guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu infused with all the flavours of the sea, elegantly finessed using the very best produce – designed by one of the world’s most decorated chefs.

Michel will then host a residency aboard Queen Anne – Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels – for her Fjords voyage on 11 May, where guests can also expect a beautiful variety of Michel’s signature seafood specialities and elevated culinary classics.

On 15 August, Michel will return to Queen Mary 2 for another intimate takeover of The Verandah, before completing his quartet of Le Gavroche residencies on board Queen Anne from 31 August.

Le Gavroche at Sea reservations will be an additional charge for guests, with venue takeovers catering for up to 60 diners in The Verandah and up to 50 diners in Sir Samuels each evening.

Elevated experience

As well as hosting these exclusive residencies, Michel will be launching another elevated seafood concept.

Oysters at The Champagne Bar (Queen Mary 2) and Oysters at Carinthia Lounge (Queen Anne) will be serving exquisite Norwegian seafood every night of their respective voyages, available by walk-in only.

During each voyage, Michel will also host a live cooking demonstration in the Royal Court Theatre, as well as appear as an Insight Speaker – regaling guests with stories from his distinguished 40-plus-year career in the hospitality industry. Book signing opportunities will also be scheduled.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We're thrilled to continue our successful Le Gavroche at Sea residencies. Our guests expect exceptional experiences, and having one of the world's most celebrated chefs on board to create special menus and host exclusive events is truly special."

Michel Roux added: “It is always a privilege to revive the essence of Le Gavroche and I am thrilled to be collaborating with Cunard for a second series of takeovers next year. This project is incredibly rewarding and allows me to craft signature menus that capture the spirit of adventure as well as the art of accessible fine dining. I am hugely excited to get back on board and showcase the beauty of Norwegian seafood to Cunard guests.”

For more information on the 2025 voyages that Michel Roux will be sailing on, visit:

Queen Mary 2, April 2025

Queen Anne, May 2025

Queen Mary 2, August 2025

Queen Anne, August 2025

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

June 11, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard has announced record-breaking bookings following the highly anticipated launch of its new ship Queen Anne.

The 3,000-guest vessel set sail on a historic maiden voyage on 3 May before returning to her homeport of Southampton on 24 May to begin her celebratory British Isles Festival voyage – which included a spectacular naming ceremony in Liverpool.  

And the luxury cruise brand can now report it booked more guests in May than any equivalent period on record, with Queen Anne Europe itineraries proving to be particularly popular with guests.

Culture Liverpool estimates that more than 50,000 people attended Queen Anne’s naming ceremony, with thousands more lining the banks of the River Mersey to witness her arrival in the city. Cunard also generated over 21 million impressions across social media channels on the day of the event.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “We’re delighted to see such strong booking momentum in response to the successful launch of Queen Anne. This record-breaking booking period is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to welcome so many new guests on board Queen Anne and the rest of our iconic fleet in the future.”

3 June 2024 [Liverpool, UK] Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne was centre stage as the luxury cruise line hosted a spectacular naming ceremony* in its spiritual home of Liverpool.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at Liverpool Waterfront to witness the historic celebrations, which featured performances from iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and more.

On-stage proceedings were hosted by Busted musician Matt Willis and TV presenter Emma Willis.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard’s first Transatlantic Crossing, 184 years ago in May 1840, and was the company’s headquarters for 128 years. The love and affection the people of Liverpool still have for all things Cunard is clear – never more so than when a Cunard ship arrives on the Mersey. 

Queen Anne made her maiden call to Cunard’s spiritual home at around 7am, ahead of an impressive naming ceremony that marked a new chapter in the luxury cruise line’s 184-year history.

The ceremony opened with a one-of-a-kind performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, which captivated the audience's senses through powerful yet delicate melodies.

The City of Liverpool was then named as Queen Anne’s Godparent in recognition of the long-lasting bond with its spiritual home.

Five Liverpool icons** were invited on stage to represent the city, including former Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

These distinguished women, who embody the heart and future of Liverpool, just as Queen Anne does for Cunard, were chosen because of their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level.

The iconic smashing of the Champagne bottle against the ship signified this historic moment and wished the vessel and its crew good fortune on its future voyages.

To top the bill, operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli ended the event with an unforgettable performance of two of his iconic songs, ‘It’s Time to Say Goodbye’.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “I would like to thank our Liverpool Icons, these amazing women, for representing the city and taking part in this historic ceremony and to all of the people of Liverpool for once again opening your hearts and welcoming Cunard and Queen Anne.”

June 3, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard is excited to announce the City of Liverpool as Godparent of its newest ship Queen Anne in recognition of the long-lasting bond with its spiritual home.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard with its first transatlantic crossing departing 184 years ago in July 1840, and it was the company’s headquarters for 128 years. The love and affection the people of Liverpool still have for all things Cunard is clear – never more so than when a Cunard ship arrives on the Mersey.

This is highlighted by two of the largest crowds ever to gather for a maritime event – a million people for QE2 in 1990 and over a million for the Three Queens Salute in 2015. This was also the year when Cunard was awarded the honour of The Freedom of the City.

On behalf of the City of Liverpool, the luxury cruise line has selected five distinguished Liverpool icons* to represent the city and officially name Queen Anne.

These distinguished women, who embody the heart and future of Liverpool, just as Queen Anne does for Cunard, have been chosen for their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level.

All proud Liverpudlians, they are Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thomson.

Queen Anne naming ceremony

Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along the waterfront to witness the time-honoured naming ceremony, a tradition believed to bestow good fortune upon the new vessel. 

The proceedings will open with a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra before event hosts, Matt and Emma Willis, take to the stage to oversee the ceremony.

The icons will join Cunard President, Katie McAlister, and Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge for a special naming ceremony, where they will officially introduce the most beautiful ship at sea to its spiritual home, continuing the seafaring tradition by smashing a bottle of champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name.

Formal proceedings will conclude with a stunning performance by operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli, including his iconic song 'Time to Say Goodbye'.  

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we are therefore delighted and feel it very fitting that the City of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne. It’s testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool Waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building. We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony. All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture.”

Andrew Lewis, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council said: “It’s an incredible honour for the City of Liverpool to be chosen as the Godparent of Queen Anne. This city shares a treasured bond with Cunard dating back to 1839 when we were the original home of the world-famous line. The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight, and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world. We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard.”

June 3, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard’s unique bond with Liverpool has been renewed today (June 3) as its newest ship Queen Anne arrived in the luxury cruise line’s spiritual home.

Her arrival attracted large numbers of spectators to various vantage points along the banks of the River Mersey as the 249th ship to fly under the Cunard flag made her maiden call to Liverpool.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard with its first Transatlantic Crossing departing 184 years ago in July 1840, and it was the company’s headquarters for 128 years. The love and affection the people of Liverpool still have for all things Cunard is clear – never more so than when a Cunard ship arrives on the Mersey.

This is highlighted by the two of the largest crowds ever to gather for a maritime event – a million people for QE2 in 1990 and over a million for the Three Queens Salute in 2015. This was also the year when Cunard was awarded the honor of The Freedom of the City.

Later today, tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along the waterfront to witness the time-honored naming ceremony, a tradition believed to bestow good fortune upon the new vessel. 

The ceremony will officially introduce the most beautiful ship at sea to its spiritual home, continuing the seafaring tradition by smashing a bottle of champagne against Queen Anne.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our newest ship has now arrived in Liverpool. This wonderful city is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we share such an incredible bond, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories. We are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close during what promises to be a very special celebration.”

Queen Anne

Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, offers travelers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

She also boasts the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne is sailing from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

May 22, 2024 [Southampton, UK] The Liverpool Waterfront will be the setting for an unforgettable celebration on June 3, as iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli joins a stellar line-up of performers to celebrate Queen Anne’s maiden call to its spiritual home.

Bocelli will be joined by an impressive line-up of Liverpool’s finest talent, including the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, for a special naming ceremony hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis.

The celebrity hosts will be joined on stage by special guests and the official Godparent for the naming of Queen Anne, a moment that is signified by the traditional smashing of a bottle of Champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name. The event will draw to a close with a performance from operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli.

The celebrations will then continue with additional performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and DJ Lauren Lo Sung. The festivities will then shift to a lively funk and soul set by Craig Charles, ensuring the celebration continues until the grand finale, when Queen Anne departs with a backdrop of dazzling fireworks.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said, “Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home, and we are thrilled to announce Maestro Bocelli as part of our incredible line-up of talented artists and performers for this special event. This celebration is a tribute to our rich history and a testament to the enduring bond between Cunard and the city of Liverpool. We look forward to honoring this legacy with a celebration of unforgettable performances that reflect the spirit and vibrancy of both our company and this magnificent city.”

Bocelli comments, “It’s an honor to be performing in Liverpool, for the Official Naming Ceremony of Queen Anne. This event promises to be a beautiful celebration of artistry and craftsmanship, which perfectly captures spirit and elegance of Cunard’s new ship. To be taking part in such a historic occasion, in a city rich in cultural heritage, truly brings me great joy.”

The celebrations are expected to draw thousands of attendees, marking another significant moment in the history of Cunard ships. In previous years, Cunard ships have drawn over a million spectators to the Mersey's banks, notably for the QE2's maiden call in July 1990 and the 2015 Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous' celebrating Cunard's 175th anniversary. This is an event that will be remembered for years to come, adding to the rich tapestry of Liverpool's history.

May 3, 2024 [Southampton, UK] This is the moment Cunard’s luxury new ship Queen Anne set sail on her historic 7-night maiden voyage to Lisbon amid a spectacular fireworks display.

Queen Anne, the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, set sail just after 9pm as thousands of spectators gathered on the shores to watch the departure from vantage points across the city and along Southampton water.

Guests on board the 3,000 guest, 113,000-ton ship are set to enjoy a spectacular sailaway party, with celebrations continuing throughout the voyage, including a special Maiden Gala Evening and performances from tenor Russell Watson.

Cunard’s beautiful new ship set sail for a seven-night sailing to Lisbon via La Coruna, on May 3, and then the Portuguese city of Lisbon on May 7. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s maiden voyage signals the dawning of a new era in luxury ocean travel and her historic sailaway from Southampton was a very special moment for everyone connected with Cunard.  Here in the UK and across the globe, Cunard is famous for our beautiful iconic Queens.  With Queen Anne joining our fleet, she marks not just a new icon but the completion of a perfect quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.”

May 1, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard welcomed guests for an exclusive overnight preview of its newest ship Queen Anne ahead of her historic maiden voyage on Friday (May 3).  

The event* was held today (May 1) whilst the 3,000-guest Queen was alongside in her homeport of Southampton.

The VIP experience included a series of expert panels, with key partners and collaborators across dining, design, and wellness revealing how they brought Queen Anne’s headline concepts to life.

Two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux hosted an intimate Q&A in the Queens Room. The acclaimed chef has created an exclusive gala menu for Queen Anne's Queens Grill restaurant and a new menu for Queen Anne's pub, the Golden Lion. He also announced that he will be hosting two Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels residencies on board Queen Anne in August and September.

Guests also had a chance to ‘meet the designers’ behind Queen Anne with creative leads from world-famous design studios including Lewis Taylor of David Collins Studio, Sybille de Margerie, Fiona Thompson from Richmond International and Melita Skamnaki of Double Decker.

Elsewhere, Harper’s Bazaar’s UK beauty director Katy Young led an enrichment focused Q&A that introduced Queen Anne’s Wellness at Sea proposition – a unique collection of three luxurious spa packages designed to revive, restore, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Captain Inger Thorhauge, who will be at the helm as Queen Anne sets sail for Lisbon on Friday, and Cunard President Katie McAlister, officially welcomed guests with an evening drinks reception in The Pavilion.  

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “It was a privilege to showcase so many exciting and elevated new concepts to our VIP guests. Queen Anne boasts the widest selection of dining venues, bar, entertainment, and  wellness so far seen on a Cunard ship and we are all so proud of the experience and incredible service that our guests will enjoy on board.”

Queen Anne

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne arrived in her homeport of Southampton on April 30 ahead of her maiden voyage on May 3 – a seven-night sailing to Lisbon via La Coruna.

24 April 2024 [Southampton, UK] This is the moment Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne set sail for her homeport of Southampton after officially joining the luxury cruise line’s iconic fleet.

Cunard took ownership of their stunning 3,000-guest ship during a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice on Friday (19 April).

Crowds joined together at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard to wave an emotional goodbye to Queen Anne after five years of skilled construction in Italy. 

Queen Anne, the 249^th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, will now set sail for the south coast ahead of her seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on 3 May. She will arrive in her homeport on 30 April.

During the sail home, Captain Inger Thorhauge and her crew will be excitedly preparing for the ship’s very first guests to join the 113,000-ton Queen.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are immensely proud of Queen Anne. Not only does she reflect the Cunard distinctive style on the outside, the inside perfectly echoes the brand heritage with reimagined, elegant spaces and designs. We can’t wait to welcome guests on board for her maiden voyage on 3 May.”

April 19, 2024 [Southampton, UK] She’s the next in a fine line for Cunard and today (April 19), Queen Anne officially joined the luxury cruise line’s iconic fleet during an historic handover ceremony in Italy.

Cunard took ownership of their stunning 3,000-guest ship during a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice – where master shipbuilders have been constructing the luxurious vessel.

The event was attended by Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard; Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri; Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division; and Marco Lunardi, Fincantieri Shipyard Director, were also present.

Queen Anne, the 249^th ship to sail under the Cunard flag – and the third built by Fincantieri – will soon set sail for Southampton ahead of her seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3.

As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, Queen Anne’s design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 114,000-ton ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

Cunard has previously announced a series of partnerships for Queen Anne, including Le Gavroche at Sea residencies hosted by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, wellness packages curated by Harper’s Bazaar UK’s beauty experts and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion.

She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. We are now fully focused on readying her to welcome guests for her maiden voyage on May 3 before she embarks on an historic British Isles Festival Voyage, including a momentous Naming Ceremony in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool on June 3.”

Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, added: “We are very pleased and eager to deliver Queen Anne to Cunard, a pioneering figure in luxury sea travel, renowned for setting new standards in oceanic voyages for over 180 years. This beautiful and iconic ship testifies the longstanding partnership between our two companies, underscoring our shared commitment to excellence and tradition in the maritime industry. Queen Anne, as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, the other two ships we built for Cunard, proudly bear Fincantieri's signature, embodying our enduring expertise, reliability, and craftsmanship in shipbuilding. Constructing a liner for such a distinguished shipowner not only reconnects us to our origins but propels us towards the future with a determination to blend tradition and innovation. Fincantieri thus confirms its leadership in the cruise shipbuilding sector, a fundamental pillar of the company’s business project, as both the Group’s Business Plan and the vitality of the post-pandemic cruise sector clearly show.”

28 March 2024 [Southampton, UK] This is the moment Cunard captain, Inger Thorhauge, met Savile Row Master Tailor Kathryn Sargent for a final uniform fitting ahead of new ship Queen Anne’s arrival.

Kathryn Sargent, the world’s first female Master Tailor, has partnered with the luxury cruise line to design and create bespoke blues, whites and mess uniforms fit for the next generation of Cunard Captains and Officers.

Having pored over the Cunard archives for inspiration, the new uniforms weave the very best of British design and style with the heritage and prestige of ocean travel.

Captain Inger Thorhauge said: “It’s been a privilege to work with Kathryn and see how the style and elegance of her uniforms have come to life throughout the design and fitting process. I can’t wait to wear the new uniform with pride when I and my team will be welcoming guests for the very first time on May 3.”

Kathryn Sargent added: “I have long held a fascination and interest in the symbolism and structure of uniforms and working with Cunard. It has been a privilege to get to know Captain Inger and to work with a brand whose principles closely align with a shared sense of tradition, precision, craft and putting the individual at the heart of what both do – and an appreciation for dressing appropriately with a sense of occasion, grace, and comfort.”

March 25, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Direct from its triumph in the West End where it won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy, Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) is premiering at sea on board Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage. 

The unique and audacious retelling of Jane Austen’s love story, brought to Cunard by acclaimed theater producer David Pugh, will debut on Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage, departing on May 24 for a two-week celebratory ‘lap of honor’ circumnavigation of the British Isles that will also feature the official Naming Ceremony.

Following its highly anticipated premiere on the waves, the award-winning show will be a mainstay of Queen Anne’s maiden season – headlining an eclectic mix of dazzling live performances at sea.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We always strive to surprise and delight guests with unique and enriching experiences that can only be experienced on a Cunard ship. We are therefore excited to be teaming up with the incredible David Pugh for the at-sea premiere of Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of), which is one of the most acclaimed West End productions of recent times. I truly believe we are redefining luxury entertainment at sea with Queen Anne.”

Show Creator, Isobel McArthur, added: “Guests on board Queen Anne coming to see Pride & Prejudice* (*sort of) can expect a theater show that is deeply affectionate towards the iconic Jane Austen original, with a few new elements thrown in to persuade even the biggest sceptic of ‘period drama’ to start swooning at Mr. Darcy. Our version of the original rom-com is Pride & Prejudice, but told by the servants – with karaoke! It is a big-hearted, dynamic ensemble piece where those who normally just serve the tea are suddenly playing every part. The cast and creative team have proven themselves so skilled and hard-working in rehearsals – they can’t wait to present this special iteration of the play for its very first at-sea audience.”

March 14, 2024 [Southampton, UK] With less than 50 days to go until Queen Anne’s maiden voyage, Cunard has revealed some of the new deck games that guests can play on board its newest ship. 

The luxury cruise line has celebrated deck games for more than a century, and now Cunard can announce an exclusive partnership with Pickleball England, the English governing body of one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and North America*.  

Pickleball is a mixture of tennis, badminton and table tennis and can be played by singles or in pairs, either indoors or outside, and Queen Anne’s top deck will boast its very own state-of-the-art Pickleball court. 

Queen Anne will also be the only ship in the world where travelers can master their archery skills with a real bow and arrow, as Cunard elevates its deck game offering with a new Archery GB partnership. 

The partnership connects Cunard with world leading athletes and Olympic coaches, with on board instructors accredited by Archery GB. The 3,000-guest ship will be an official Archery GB activity center, where guests will be able to learn the basics with in-person coaching, compete with fellow travelers and enjoy a social introduction to the sport.  

Sky Bar and Observation Deck

Guests will find Queen Anne’s spectacular Sky Bar and Observation Deck a haven for deck game enthusiasts.  

Located at the forward of the ship on deck 14, this day-round venue is a wonderfully multi-purpose destination, complete with some of the most uninhibited views of any outside space on board.  

Golfers will enjoy the putting green and fully stocked driving range, allowing travelers to practice their game surrounded by sparkling sea views or overlooking stunning port landscapes. 

The ever-popular deck quoits and shuffleboard courts will also be based in the Observation Deck and Sky Bar, offering travelers the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy some friendly competition. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Whether it's pickleball, archery, or world class shows and lectures, Cunard is committed to providing guests with a wealth of activities to choose from whatever mood or interest may take them. Our on board entertainment has always been at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to Queen Anne continuing this trend in the future.” 

*Pickleball England. Official figures show that the number of Pickleball venues across the country grew by 378% between 2019 and 2023, whilst the estimated number of Pickleball England members stands at 20,000 – up from 2,000 just five years ago. The game is hugely popular in the USA, too, where there are an estimated 8 million Pickleball players (USA Pickleball: Annual Growth Report), including the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and the Kardashians.

February 29, 2024 [Southampton, UK] With less than three months to go until the launch of its new ship, Cunard has revealed a glimpse of the elevated retail experiences awaiting guests on Queen Anne.

The world’s most iconic luxury cruise line has announced a unique collection of 115 household brands that will have a presence on board, from luxury watchmakers Bremont to the beauty division of French fashion house, Chanel.

And 27 of these exciting brands also represent first-time partnerships for Cunard – including Hugo Boss,  Raishma, Chapel Down, Whittard, and 886 Royal Mint. Garrard, the first official crown jeweller in the UK, will also have its first boutique on board a Cunard ship. 

In addition to an expertly curated selection of fellow Walpole brands on board, Queen Anne will also herald a new era of retail therapy at sea. Walpole is the official sector body for British luxury, and Cunard became a Walpole member in 2019.  

The ship’s redefined retail spaces, expertly designed by Sybille de Margerie, will feature meandering pathways to inspire exploration and intrigue, enabling guests to intuitively weave through areas, with seamless connections leading shoppers from one category to another.

The onboard experience

From light-filled boutiques with stunning sea views housing covetable jewellery, clothing, accessories, and gifts to carefully curated collections of pre-loved accessories from designer names for a sample of sustainable indulgence, Queen Anne will boast several feature spaces designed to bring products to life in up-close experiences.

The Grand Lobby Boutiques is the ultimate venue for retail indulgence and is where guests will find the first ever Garrard fine jewellery boutique at sea, as well as Queen Anne’s Cabinet of Curiosities, and Experience Lounge. 

The Cabinet of Curiosities is a dazzling new concept featuring 38 display cases showcasing curated treasures from a variety of luxury brands that will celebrate the style and intrigue of travel.

This immersive, one-of-a-kind rotunda gallery will showcase a 360-degree display of collectables, jewellery, fashion, and art from Cunard’s partner brands – such as Chanel and Bremont – that are available to buy, alongside never before seen treasures from the luxury cruise line’s archives.  

Another element of Queen Anne’s elevated retail offering is the Experience Lounge, a space where retail intertwines with food and drink, allowing the ship to enhance activations and events in style.

To further enhance the guest experience, Queen Anne will boast a dedicated Shopping Host, the only role of its kind in the Cunard fleet. This personal shopping concierge will have an extensive knowledge of the available assortment as well as brands’ stories to offer guests a rewarding retail experience.

Furthermore, a personalisation desk will be available for guests who wish to add a personal touch to purchases through engraving, embossing, and more. 

Queen Anne

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Luxury ocean travel is all about escapism and being immersed in a world full of unique and enriching experiences. It’s a philosophy we are passionate about bringing to life with our new ship Queen Anne, which is why we are all so excited about her elevated retail offering. Nowhere else will travellers be able to find such a beautifully curated collection of luxury brands at sea, or learn about heritage brands in such an engaging way as with Queen Anne’s Cabinet of Curiosities.”

February 22, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] In the sixth and final instalment of her Captain’s Log series, Captain Inger Thorhauge shares her experiences of Queen Anne’s latest milestone as our impressive new ship successfully completed sea trials.   

In the weeks ahead, the Captain will turn her attention to final preparations ahead of our newest Queen’s arrival in Southampton...

Our new ship has just completed a unique voyage.

For 16 days in February, Queen Anne was put through her paces during her critical first sea trials.

And, I am thrilled to report, she passed with flying colours!

The complexity of the entire shipbuilding project spanning several years, and the way in which plans and concepts have been brought to life thanks to the skills of our design teams and shipyard partners, culminated in our momentous passage from Venice to Palermo and back.

And what a trip it was.  

For the months of her fit-out, Queen Anne has been alongside at our builder Fincantieri’s shipyard. 

Hundreds of contractors, miles of cabling, welding, noise, heat, and harsh work lights greeted me every time I stepped on board. 

All that changed the moment the order to ‘let go ropes’ was given and we edged away from the crowded quayside at Marghera.

Before long, with tugs stood down, Queen Anne was making way under her own power for the very first time. It was a very moving milestone in the project – but not one we could savour for too long!

Ahead of us was a vast programme of checking, testing, assessing, and calibrating all major systems.

Everything from the pods powering our propulsion system, to the mighty bow thrusters aiding our manoeuvrability, and the stabilisers giving us ‘wings in the water’ was tested to the extreme.

And all the complex electronic systems controlling all this hardware were also thoroughly tested to ensure they meet the required specification and performance.

The volume of work was enormous. 

A primary aim was to see how the ship handles in various situations from full speed ahead to full speed astern, tight turns, fast turns, slow turns, and crash stops. 

Believe me, these were stringent tests and Queen Anne’s performance under these extremes was really impressive.

We also took the ship into Dry Dock at Palermo to paint the hull as we continue efforts to ready our new Queen for delivery. 

More tests and inspections were carried out all the way back to Marghera to complete the schedule. No sooner were we back alongside in the familiar surroundings of the yard than gangways were put in place and legions of engineers, yard workers and contractors were back on board.

We are now in the critical final phase of work towards completion and delivery of the ship in April and In the coming weeks Queen Anne’s crew will start to assemble.

This will be a very exciting part of the whole project. I know that when we start to see more crew in Cunard uniforms on board than yard workers in their protective gear, we’ll be getting ever closer to our momentous maiden departure for Southampton.

I cannot wait to take command on Queen Anne’s historic first sailing under the Cunard flag. I know that first voyage to our home port will be another very busy and exciting time for all of us on board. 

Until then, it’ll be goodbye from me as I sign off the last of my Captain’s Logs from the shipyard. 

In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy this update in the Queen Anne journey, and I look forward to seeing you in Southampton as we write the next chapter of the Cunard story.

February 20, 2024 [Valencia, Calif.,] Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced new voyages sailing from September 2025 to January 2027 across its iconic fleet of four Queens.

With over 300 new voyages, Cunard’s ships – flagship Queen Mary 2, its newest vessel Queen Anne, as well as Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth – will call at 184 unique destinations around the globe, including 70 countries and 108 UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The new programme also includes 37 overnight port calls and 66 late-evening departures. There will be five maiden calls for the fleet in Kona, Hawaii; Roatan, Honduras; Dakar, Senegal; Miami, FL; and Molde, Norway.

Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 will simultaneously sail World Voyages beginning in January 2026, visiting cultural capitals such as New York, Buenos Aires, Dubai, and Melbourne.

Queen Elizabeth will introduce a new programme in the Caribbean, sailing 33 voyages roundtrip from Miami, visiting enchanting island towns of San Juan, Puerto Rico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Grand Cayman; Roatan, Honduras; as well as Tortola, Antigua, Barbados, and St Lucia.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are incredibly excited to have both Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 offer full World Voyages in 2026. We are so thrilled that our guests will, for the first time ever, have the opportunity to transit the Panama Canal on Queen Mary 2.

“Queen Elizabeth will also take in a new programme to the Caribbean, sailing roundtrip from Miami, giving guests expanded opportunities to delve into this tropical region while experiencing the unparalleled luxury of sailing aboard a Cunard ship.”

Queen Anne

Cunard’s newest ship will visit 102 unique ports with 23 maiden calls including Phuket, Thailand; Cape Town, South Africa; Marseilles, France; and many more. From French vineyards to the African plains, Queen Anne’s new voyages allow guests to explore the world while enjoying the thoughtful interiors and distinctive touches of this contemporary deco-designed ship.

Queen Anne Itinerary Highlights:

Full World Voyage, 109 nights (H603D)

Departing on Jan 11, 2026, roundtrip from Southampton, guests will relish in the soft sands of South Pacific beaches, glass skyscrapers in Abu Dhabi, and overnight calls in Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, and more.

Norway and North Cape, 14 nights (H616)

Experience Norway’s fjords, coastal towns, and the Arctic charm of the north as guests visit ports such as Honningsvaag and picturesque Tromso on this charming Norwegian adventure.

Queen Mary 2

The world’s only ocean liner will sail a full world voyage as well as her signature Transatlantic Crossings, Caribbean, and Canada/New England itineraries. Voyages range from two to 109 nights with 15 overnight calls in iconic cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Reykjavik, Québec City, Sydney, and more.

Queen Mary 2 Itinerary Highlights:

Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, 7 nights (M622)

Departing from New York on September 13, 2026, Cunard’s signature voyage offers uninterrupted days at sea to unplug and recharge from modern life while relaxing amidst in the waters of the North Atlantic.

Southampton to Sydney, 51 nights (M603G)

Guests will visit Hawaii, French Polynesia, and New Zealand on this itinerary from Southampton on January 11, 2026. During the voyage, Queen Mary 2 will transit the Panama Canal for the first time ever – a history-making moment – before visiting New York, San Francisco, Kona, then crossing the International Date Line before reaching Sydney.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will spend most of her time exploring the Mediterranean, savouring the relaxed island life of Mykonos, Corsica, and Palma de Mallorca, with additional voyages in the Atlantic Islands and Norway. The ship will visit 73 unique destinations with overnight calls in Istanbul, Funchal Madeira, Amsterdam, Narvik, and more.

Queen Victoria Itinerary Highlights:

Eastern Caribbean, 35 nights (V602)

This epic roundtrip embarks January 4, 2026 from Southampton and begins with a call in lively Madeira crossing the Atlantic, heading for the Caribbean. Guests will enjoy the beaches of St. Vincent, Aruba, and Dominica, along with a late evening stay in Curaçao. Queen Victoria will also stop in the vibrant Azores outpost of Ponta Delgada for guests to enjoy the Portuguese hospitality and the distinct Azorean culture.

Italy, France and Spain, 14 nights (V612)

Departing June 15, 2026, guests will sail from Barcelona to Rome to experience the culture and beauty of France, Italy, and Spain including the charming Provencal Toulon and Tuscany’s Livorno, home to exceptional Renaissance architecture, and Dalt Vila, Ibiza’s UNESCO-listed old town.

Queen Elizabeth

Queen Elizabeth will sail new Caribbean voyages, from September 2025 until April 2026, ranging from nine to 21 nights. The ship is primed for sunny adventures and will visit ancient ruins, centuries-old rum distilleries, and pristine beaches with port calls in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and other alluring destinations. She’ll also offer voyages from Seattle or San Francisco which transit through the iconic Panama Canal.

Queen Elizabeth Itinerary Highlights:

Caribbean Celebration, 21 nights (Q535A)

Roundtrip out of Miami, embarking Dec 18, 2025, guests will the holidays under sunny skies while visiting island jewels including Castries, Antigua, and San Juan. Christmas Eve will be spent discovering Bridgetown’s UNESCO-listed old town followed by calls to Roatan, Jamaica, and Cozumel.

Eastern Caribbean, 12 nights (Q533)

This November 2025 voyage out of Miami will visit picturesque ports fringed with unspoiled beaches and palm trees. Guests will immerse themselves in Puerto Rico's vibrant culture, Antigua’s colourful streets, and the wonderous marine life in St. Lucia.

Multi-Ship Back-to-Backs

For adventurous guests who want to experience three ships in one journey, there are multiple opportunities to sample three Cunard Queens back-to-back. One option departs from Seattle, when Queen Elizabeth sails a 21-night voyage transiting the Panama Canal via a call in Los Angeles.

After a connecting flight to New York from Miami, guests will join Queen Mary 2 for a Transatlantic Crossing to Southampton. From there, guests can board Queen Victoria for a 13-night voyage to the Atlantic Islands and Azores that includes an overnight in Funchal, Madeira, and a chance to see gothic-style churches in Ponta Delgada and Porto’s decoratively tiled buildings before returning to Southampton, where the three Queens voyage comes to an end.

Cunard’s World Voyages and World Voyage segments, sailing from September 2025 to January 2027, are available for World Club members to book at 1pm on March 5, 2024. All new voyages are available for World Club members to book starting at 1pm on March 6, 2024.

All voyages are on sale to the general public from 1pm on March 7, 2024.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

Queen Anne

From French vineyards to Norwegian fjords. African plains to Asian islands. So much of the world is yours to explore, sailing on Queen Anne’s new voyages. There’s a space to suit every mood on board, with her breathtaking interiors and thoughtful details throughout. With so many possibilities, you never know what the day will bring on Queen Anne.

Perhaps you’ll spend an evening immersing yourself in the Midnight Sun, marvelling at how night in the North Cape appears just as light as day. Or set sail on the ultimate ocean adventure, crossing time zones and continents on a 108- night World Voyage. You could find yourself sipping rum punch on a beach in Réunion, or exploring gem-coloured crater lakes on a tour from Ponta Delgada in the Azores. A call to La Coruña offers the opportunity to see the total solar eclipse. And in Port Elizabeth, there’s the possibility of spotting native elephants on safari. 

Queen Mary 2

Luscious French Polynesian landscapes. Iceland’s showstopping geysers. New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands. Experience unforgettable sights all over the world, sailing on Queen Mary 2’s new voyages.

Built to sail the mightiest oceans, Queen Mary 2 offers an exceptional sense of space, and a choice of ways to unwind on board plus a wealth of entertainment. Perhaps you’ll swap home shores for continents far and wide on a 108-night World Voyage that includes maiden calls to the sun-soaked shores of Kona (Hawaii) and Manzanillo (Mexico). Or wander the 17th century bastions of Old Quebec. Maybe this will be the year you finally take that long-awaited Transatlantic Crossing – our new voyages offer the chance to combine this iconic journey with calls in Iceland and Canada. If transiting the Panama Canal has always been on your bucket list, don’t miss the opportunity to be on board as our flagship navigates this legendary waterway for the very first time.

Queen Victoria

With signature White Star Service and state-of-the-art amenities, a 2026 voyage on board Queen Victoria is like stepping into a whole new world of comfort, freedom, and ease. Your journey begins here, where every day at sea is a new adventure, and every port of call is a world waiting to be discovered. 

Whether you want to search for the Northern Lights on an overnight stay in Tromsø, soak up the relaxed pace of Greek Island life in Mykonos, or the year-round warmth of the Canary Islands, Cunard’s new voyages on board Queen Victoria will ignite your wanderlust. See the mountains of Narvik from on deck as you search for the Northern Lights by night (with a warming hot chocolate in hand of course). Be mesmerised by the beauty of the Amalfi Coast. Taste the cosmopolitan nightlife of cities like Amsterdam and Istanbul, with overnight calls in these bustling cultural capitals. Embark on a European escape that combines the thrill of adventure with the relaxed pace of life on board.

Queen Elizabeth

If taking a dip in crystal-clear water and feeling warm sand beneath your toes sounds like a dream way to spend your holiday, then Queen Elizabeth’s new Caribbean voyages might just be exactly what you’re looking for. Pass leisurely days on board soaking up Caribbean sunshine poolside with a good read or learn something new with our Insights speakers. Sample tasty new tipples in centuries-old rum distilleries or visit ancient ruins and unwind on pristine beaches. Admire spectacular landscapes and seascapes. Maybe even try your hand at snorkelling and discover a kaleidoscope of colourful marine life. With port calls in Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica and more, a Queen Elizabeth voyage sailing roundtrip from Miami is a wonderful way to experience these regions.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a stunning transit through the famous Panama Canal, departing from either Seattle or San Francisco? Dreamy views. Fresh local flavours. Iconic ports of call. Feed every one of your senses on Queen Elizabeth’s new voyages. 

Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, our new voyages promise new horizons, and memories that will last a lifetime. Picture yourself lounging on a sun-drenched deck, surrounded by boundless ocean horizons whilst enjoying incredible White Star Service from our dedicated team. Tantalise your taste buds with everything from gourmet delights to laid back pub food classics and freshly grilled burgers served poolside. Embrace ultimate relaxation with a spa day at sea, discover new talents with a myriad of masterclasses or enjoy talks from our Cunard Insights speakers. As evening falls, you can enjoy a show at the theatre, dance the night away with the help of our on board musicians or simply retire to your stateroom with a great book.

No matter your chosen Queen or your destination, join us as we set sail on journeys of endless possibilities, and book your 2026 voyage online from 5 March 2024.

February 7, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard has reported that during January 2024, it has booked more guests than any equivalent period in the last decade.

Across the period, the luxury cruise brand booked a record number of guests, up by 25% versus the previous high of the last 10 years, with demand up for both sailings in year and future years.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “As we prepare to navigate what is set to be a truly ground-breaking year for Cunard, it has been fantastic to have such a strong start to the year.  The appeal of Cunard is strong for guests across the world and is particularly strong for sailings across Europe on our new ship Queen Anne.” 

February 5, 2024 [Southampton, UK] Cunard’s spiritual home* is to host the spectacular Naming Ceremony for its newest ship Queen Anne.​

The event will take place on the world-famous Mersey waterfront at Liverpool on Monday 3 June during an introductory ‘lap of honour’ voyage around the British Isles.​

And Cunard’s hosts for the momentous spectacle will be none other than Busted rocker Matt Willis and his celebrated TV presenter wife, Emma.

Queen Anne’s Naming Ceremony​

Queen Anne is expected to arrive on the Mersey soon after sunrise on what promises to be the most eagerly awaited port of call on the exclusive 14-night voyage. ​

Plans are being made for her arrival to include a special salute to the city where Cunard’s pioneering transatlantic service – and passenger shipping itself – was launched in 1840, and where the iconic Cunard Building forms the centrepiece of the Three Graces.​

The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage will depart Southampton on 24 May with maiden calls to Edinburgh (South Queensferry), Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and Liverpool where guests sailing on the voyage will have an exclusive opportunity to join the Naming celebrations before a spectacular, late evening departure bound for Cobh followed by her return to Southampton.​

The formal Naming will be the highlight of a day of celebration for Queen Anne, currently nearing completion in Italy.​

The event in Liverpool is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators to vantage points alongside the river at Pier Head, between New Brighton and Seacombe on Wirral and on beaches at Formby and Crosby in Sefton. A live global broadcast will ensure the eyes of the world once again fall on a Cunard event in Liverpool. ​

Cunard ships have previously attracted more than a million spectators to the banks of the Mersey, first for the maiden call of the renowned QE2 in July 1990, and in 2015 for the Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ in front of the Cunard Building to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the most famous name in shipping.​

The British Isles Festival Voyage ​

Guests on the voyage will have an exclusive chance to be part of a unique event in Cunard’s history that will include a host of surprise celebrations at Liverpool’s world-famous Pier Head, with the original iconic Cunard Building at its heart. ​

An impressive line-up of eminent entertainers will give unforgettable live performances surrounding the official naming as Queen Anne makes her maiden call into Cunard’s spiritual home.​

The 14-night British Isles Festival voyage will depart Southampton on 24 May with maiden calls to Greenock, Belfast, Cork, and Liverpool and a programme of exciting on board experiences that showcase the best of Britain and Ireland's shores. The events in Liverpool will be a truly treasured memory for us on the historical waterfront of a city we have such an incredible bond with.​

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool. It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his Transatlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories. Queen Anne is the next in a fine line for our brand and she will be bursting with breath-taking moments around every corner, evolving our core values of luxury, sophistication, and glamour. Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home and we are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close on her maiden call.”​

Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “It’s a huge honour for Liverpool to be chosen as the location for the official naming of Queen Anne. The city and Cunard share a rich history, we are the original home of the world-famous cruise line and we staged the incredible spectacle of the Three Queens on the Mersey in 2015, which lives long in many people’s memories. This is yet another prestigious, international event taking place in our city, casting Liverpool into the limelight once again and showcasing our enviable maritime offer. The naming ceremony is set to be a majestic sight and I’m sure it will attract huge crowds to the waterfront who want to be part of this unique moment in ours and Cunard’s history.”​

Further details of timings, activities, and spectator information for Queen Anne’s visit to Liverpool will be published in due course.​

January 10, 2024 [Southampton, UK]

Cunard has announced its most extensive Insight Speaker programme as the luxury cruise line develops its multi award-winning* enrichment offering for 2024.

The pioneers of luxury ocean travel are world-renowned for their Cunard Insights enrichment programme, which sees acclaimed authors, explorers, filmmakers, and other notable experts enlighten and entertain guests at sea.

And no fewer than 430 notable experts will take to the stage across the Cunard fleet in 2024, as part of the luxury cruise line’s largest ever line-up of insight speakers – up from 322 speakers in 2023.

This equates to more than 2,000 exclusive Insight Speaker talks awakening guests’ imaginations and sparking new perspectives across the Cunard fleet, which, from 3 May, will include new ship Queen Anne.

Queen Elizabeth

This year aboard Queen Elizabeth, guests will be fully immersed in the Alaska experience. Renowned explorers and accomplished adventurers will share their heroic feats, providing a unique educational component to the journey – as well as featuring Alaska Native Voices with a Cultural Heritage Guide.

In particular, Cunard can reveal that investigative journalist and British television icon Ross Kemp will be giving an Insight Speaker talk on board in September, sharing tales of his time in Afghanistan, the Amazon, and following some of the world’s most dangerous gangs. The season will also feature the legendary mountaineer Kenton Cool.

Queen Anne

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

And regaling guests with intimate tales from their fascinating careers will be the likes of MasterChef judge and foodie aficionado Gregg Wallace, esteemed historian Dan Snow MBE, and the hugely popular sports presenter Clare Balding. 

January 4, 2024 [Southampton, UK]

Cunard will bring back an exclusive series of Le Gavroche residencies at sea this year as two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux brings his iconic London restaurant to guests on Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2.

The esteemed chef, who will close the popular Mayfair venue this month, will oversee four Le Gavroche residencies across four exciting Fjords voyages in 2024.

The exclusive series will be delivered in partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council and begins with Le Gavroche at The Verandah aboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 for her sailing to Hardangerfjord on June 2.

The five-night residency – which will be an additional charge for guests – will cater for 60 diners each evening, showcasing a beautiful variety of Michel’s signature seafood specialities and elevated culinary classics.

Guests will be treated to a five-course tasting menu infused with all the flavours of the sea, elegantly finessed using the very best produce.

Michel will then host a second residency aboard Queen Mary 2 for her Hamburg roundtrip Fjords voyage on August 4.

That same month, Michel will deliver another intimate, five-night takeover with Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels on board Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne as she departs for Stavanger in Norway on August 11. This exclusive dining experience will cater for 50 guests each night.

The Le Gavroche custodian will complete his quartet of takeovers with a further Norwegian residency on Queen Anne on September 1 as she sails to Haugesund.

During these voyages, Michel will also appear as an Insight Speaker in the Royal Court Theatre, regaling guests with stories from his illustrious 40-plus-year career in the hospitality industry.

The news follows August’s announcement that Michel will be creating an exclusive gala menu for Queen Anne’s Queens Grill and Princess Grill restaurants, as well as a new Golden Lion menu full of refined pub favourites for Cunard’s newest ship.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are incredibly honoured to exclusively host Le Gavroche at sea and continue our exciting partnership with Michel Roux. Just as Michel sets the bar for fine dining, we at Cunard set the bar for luxury ocean travel, and his innovative approach to celebrating traditional Norwegian cuisine perfectly aligns with our dedication to offering guests unforgettable and culturally rich experiences.”

Michel Roux added: “It is an absolute privilege to bring Le Gavroche to Cunard’s Queens, reuniting with their hugely talented and passionate culinary development chefs as we strive to create menus inspired by the treasures of Norwegian cuisine. The culinary heritage of Norway is a tapestry of flavours, and together with Cunard, I look forward to weaving these elements into an extraordinary dining experience at Sir Samuel’s and The Verandah. My ongoing partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council allows us to ensure every dish tells a story of the nation’s natural beauty.”

For more information on the 2024 voyages that Michel Roux will be sailing on, visit:

Queen Anne, August 2024

Queen Anne, September 2024

Queen Mary 2, June 2024

Queen Mary 2, August 2024

[December 15, 2023 - Southampton, UK]

With less than six months until Queen Anne’s maiden voyage, Cunard has announced a treasure trove of exclusive, new Shore Experiences for guests sailing on Queen Anne during her maiden season.

The luxury cruise line is offering 50 signature Shore Experiences, across 60 ports, providing travelers a variety of immersive encounters with local culture, history, and natural wonders all over Europe.

In total, the exciting new program comprises over 700 shore experiences for the 115 calls that Queen Anne will make in 2024.

From an exclusive orchestral performance in a secret location in the heart of Barcelona to a behind-the-scenes tour of St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City, these carefully curated experiences will showcase some of the very best experiences that the world’s most fascinating destinations have to offer.

Whether it’s savouring local delicacies and wine tasting in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Enchanted Forest of Madeira or joining a Fjord Safari to a Goat Cheese Farm in Norway, Queen Anne’s signature shore experiences are designed for culinary connoisseurs, nature lovers, adventurers, and everyone in between.

The elevated nature of Queen Anne’s hand-picked signature shore experiences allows guests to skip the queues and beat the crowds at several of Europe’s best-loved tourist attractions, whilst others are a little off the beaten track – such as an exclusive visit to a gold and silversmith studio in Bergen, which has been producing fine jewellery, interior design pieces, and fine silverware for more than 150 years.

Queen Anne

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

She will set sail on 3 May for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage in the Canary Islands before travelling around the British Isles, visiting Scotland and Ireland, as well as Cunard’s founding home port and spiritual home, Liverpool.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are all incredibly excited to welcome Queen Anne to the Cunard fleet in May and it is only right that her maiden season is complemented with a truly captivating shore experience program. Our teams have worked meticulously to curate these 50 signature experiences to ensure that our guests encounter the essence of every port they explore. From ancient ruins and culinary escapades to helicopter rides and private snorkelling sessions, we’re delighted to be able to offer such exciting new shore experiences to Queen Anne’s guests.”

[DEcember 12, 2023 - Valencia, Calif.,]

Adventure seekers can embark on an extraordinary holiday at sea in 2025 as Cunard announces the launch of its highly anticipated Alaska 2025 season.

Sailing roundtrip from Seattle, the luxury cruise line can reveal that Queen Elizabeth will offer 11 voyages in Alaska, ranging from 7 to 11 nights, from 12 June until 25 September. 

Voyages will be available to book from 2pm GMT today (12 December) exclusively for Cunard World Club Members, with bookings available to all from 2pm tomorrow 13 December.

Whether whale watching from their stateroom or exploring The Great Land on shore, only on Queen Elizabeth can guests immerse themselves in Alaska and experience a world of unique opportunities and unexpected inspiration. With Alaska Native Voices onboard, including a Cultural Heritage Guide, plus a Naturalist on every sailing to provide distinctive deck commentary, there's no better way to experience the majestic scenery and local culture of Alaska than with Cunard.

With 24 late evening departures, guests will have an abundance of time to explore port cities such as Ketchikan, adorned with colorful totem poles, or Sitka, where 22 buildings have earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places.

The truly stunning Hubbard Glacier is a must-see for travelers exploring this beautiful region, and in Icy Strait Point, guests can join a whale-watching expedition or experience the thrill of riding the world's largest zipline.

Meanwhile, the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park, with its ice-capped mountains and towering glaciers, promises to be a highlight of any Alaska voyage. Other calls include Juneau, Skagway, Tracy Arm Fjord, Endicott Arm, and Hubbard Glacier.

On board Queen Elizabeth, guests will be fully immersed in the Alaska experience. Renowned explorers and accomplished adventurers will share their heroic feats, providing a unique educational component to the journey. This season we are honored to have onboard the legendary mountaineer Kenton Cool, the fearless polar skier Preet Chandi, and the acclaimed wildlife filmmaker Doug Allen. Their expertise promises to elevate each voyage and we can only imagine that 2025 will bring an even more extraordinary line-up of captivating programing.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard said: “We are incredibly excited to offer guests the new opportunity of sailing roundtrip into Alaska from Seattle. Due to strong guest demand, Cunard is offering a full summer season in Alaska, allowing travelers to delve into the region's wildlife and visit extraordinary cities, with extended time in port to fully appreciate this captivating destination.”

To delve even further in the Alaskan culture, guests on board will savor indigenous flavors foraged from land and sea, for a dining experience that complements the breath-taking surroundings, while indulging in cocktails inspired by Alaska's glacial scenery.

To view all Cunard’s Alaska 2025 Alaska voyages, visit: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cruise-destinations/alaska

[December 11, 2023 - Valencia, Calif.,]

Cunard has given an exclusive preview of Queen Anne’s new Indian-themed restaurant, Aranya.

The immersive dining experience was held in The Verandah on board Queen Victoria in Southampton today (11 December), giving VIP guests a never-before-tasted sampling of the Aranya concept.

The three-course meal was delivered by Surjan Singh, fondly known across the culinary world as Chef Jolly, a highly acclaimed Indian chef who is working with the luxury cruise line to develop the Aranya menu.

His achievements span three decades and include senior positions at the Taj Palace in New Delhi, the Goa Marriott Resort, the JW Marriott Mumbai, the Renaissance Mumbai, and London Marriott West India Quay Hotel. He has also enjoyed highly popular stints on MasterChef India and MasterChef Junior, India.

Alongside Cunard’s Culinary Development team, led by Gareth Bowen, the acclaimed chef delivered a host of delectable dishes for the festive feast, starting with a selection of appetizers including smoked chilly pork belly with buttered pao and pickled red cabbage; roasted sweet potato Tikki with a cumin-beet puree; and a sweet pea, goat’s cheese and almond kofta.

A choice of mains comprised roasted wild turbot with tamarind chilli tomato; slow roasted beef short rib with caramelized red onion-cashew nut yogurt gravy; masala roasted cauliflower with wild mushrooms; and a pot sealed Biryani filled with Welsh lamb shoulder.

To finish, a trio of desserts were served –  a jamun, passionfruit mascarpone with a hazelnut nougat; a Malai- Lychee kulfi; and a fresh cut fruit chaat masala.

Each dish showcased the expertise, attention to detail and uniqueness of the Aranya experience.

Aranya

As an all-new taste direction for Cunard, Aranya (meaning forest or wilderness in Sanskrit) has been designed to surprise and delight guests, taking diners on a journey through the rich spice flavors of India with menus curated by experts in their field.

It’s intended to transport guests on a multi-sensory  tour of the Indian subcontinent, from the vibrancy of the flavors to the luxurious interiors, which include stunning floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure magnificent views while dining.

Wherever guests decide to take their taste buds is their choice, be it the sprawling bazaars of Delhi, the lush green pastures of Kerala, or perhaps the golden sands of Goa. Aranya’s strength is its playful interpretations of classic Indian cuisine, and every evening is a new adventure.

Aranya is one of four additional dining experiences that will be available on Queen Anne – alongside Aji Wa, Sir Samuels, and Tramonto – which will offer guests more choice than ever before. The evening-only dining venue will be available to guests as a supplement, complementing the inclusive fare options offered for lunch or dinner elsewhere on the ship.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We always strive to deliver unparalleled culinary experiences at sea and we were absolutely thrilled to share a sneak peak of what’s to come with Aranya, which will be one of the most exciting dining venues aboard our newest ship Queen Anne. Cunard is renowned for high-quality dining options, and we’re delighted to be introducing more venues that reflect the vibrancy and varied cultural tastes of our guests. Queen Anne will offer more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before and we’re so excited to be working with chefs at the very top of their game, such as Surjan Singh, to ensure that our new Queen surprises and delights guests not just in her maiden season but for many years to come.”

Surjan Singh (Chef Jolly), Aranya Development Chef, added: “It is an absolute pleasure to be working with Cunard on such an exciting project. Aranya is not just a restaurant, it is a multi-sensory culinary experience that is designed to immerse diners in the rich spice flavors of the Indian subcontinent. Every dish has been curated with authenticity and quality at its heart, resulting in a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that I hope diners will remember long after their voyage.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

[December 6, 2023 - Valencia, Calif.]

Cunard has announced the first event voyage on Queen Anne with a special British Isles Festival to coincide with her maiden voyage around the British Isles. 

This unique sailing offers travelers the opportunity to take their place in history as the beginning of a new chapter for Cunard sets sail. Queen Anne will depart Southampton on 24 May 2024 for her maiden sailing around Great Britain and Ireland in a truly historic and one-of-a-kind British Isles circumnavigation.

The 14-night roundtrip voyage will showcase the very best of Britain’s shores, taking in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool and bustling Belfast as well as majestic Highland cliffs and the spectacular Scottish coast.

On board, guests can meet preeminent performers during an exclusive program of dazzling British and Irish entertainment, or enjoy ‘In conversation with’ Insights talks with expert guest speakers, celebrating the rich heritage and natural wonders of the British Isles.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Christmas has come early for travelers looking to celebrate the arrival of Queen Anne as we announce her British Isles Festival voyage, which will be a real celebration of our newest ship and showcase the very best of Great Britain and Ireland. Queen Anne’s maiden voyage around these shores will be a truly historic sailing and I know many of our loyal Cunarders will be eagerly awaiting what will be an iconic journey.”

Queen Anne

Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

She will set sail on 3 May for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon.

To find out more about the British Isles Festival voyage, visit cunard.com/british-isles-festival-voyage.

To celebrate 100 years since cruise collections first became part of the coveted fashion scene, Cunard has partnered with renowned fashion stylist and sustainability expert, Bay Garnett, and pre-loved styling service, Circle of Style, to create the ‘Cunard Capsule Cruise Collection’. A new capsule collection that draws inspiration from the rich legacy of cruise couture fashion that has evolved since the 1900s.

To celebrate the introduction of the new capsule collection, Cunard and Circle of Style are offering style aficionados an exclusive chance to partake in a bespoke styling service, allowing them to create their own one-of-a-kind pre-loved cruise wardrobe ahead of their voyage. The first 100 Cunard guests will be given access to experts at Circle of Style, who will artfully assemble a carefully curated wardrobe for each guest to suit their taste and holiday destination, drawing inspiration from the Cunard Capsule Cruise Collection looks.

Pre-loved fashion royalty, Bay Garnett, said: “Fashion boasts a vibrant tapestry, and I frequently draw inspiration from high-fashion moments spanning several decades to reimagine contemporary looks.  Delving into Cunard’s photographic archive to find inspiration for the new Capsule Cruise Collection was an incredible journey. The process of curating ten stylish and contemporary ensembles, with each one being inspired by the iconic fashion moments of its respective decade, has been nothing less than extraordinary.”

The exclusive Cunard Capsule Cruise collection is inspired by Cunard’s extensive archive images - with ten looks from ten decades of cruising, each one inspired by the fashion trends of the time. From the prim and proper 1900s through to the bold colour of the 1970s and the contemporary cool of the 1990s, each piece within the collection celebrates the style of its decade, with a modern twist perfect for present day style enthusiasts.

Throughout the decades, fashion has always played an important part in Cunard’s heritage, from being the first cruise company to hold a transatlantic fashion week cruise to hosting celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Marlene Dietrich and Rita Hayworth. Glamour and fashion has always been linked to cruising and the capsule collection aims to help future guests capture this spirit, whatever their style.

Guests can expect to discover a selection of pre-loved pieces from a variety of renowned designers such as Chanel, Burberry, A.P.C and Alexander McQueen and many more within Circle of Style’s archive, all of which will be available to purchase.

[insert name and job title for Cunard spokesperson] said: “We’re incredibly excited to see this partnership come to life and offer customers the opportunity to celebrate 100 years of cruise couture with us. Fashion has always been and remains an important part of cruising heritage and therefore this collection embraces history in a relevant yet modern way in true Cunard style.”

To view the Cunard Capsule Cruise Collection looks created with Bay Garnett and Circle of Style and learn more about the bespoke styling service, visit www.cunard.com/circleofstyle. 

[November 16, 2023 - Southampton, UK] 

Cunard is raising the curtain on an exclusive collaboration that will see acclaimed theatre producer David Pugh bring award-winning shows to new ship Queen Anne.

The renowned West End and Broadway producer will work with the luxury cruise line’s creative team to launch two iconic stage shows during Queen Anne’s maiden season. Neither production has ever graced an ocean stage.

David Pugh is one of the most successful theatre producers on both sides of the Atlantic, winning every major theatre award across the globe, with his most recent success the sell-out Shirley Valentine by Willy Russell and starring Sheridan Smith.

The collaboration will kick off with a uniquely adapted production of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, directed by Emma Rice, which will debut on Queen Anne’s maiden voyage in the Royal Court Theatre.

Brief Encounter is one of the most haunting love stories ever created, with Emma Rice’s multi award-winning production triumphing in the West End, touring the globe and opening to dazzling reviews on Broadway.

Queen Anne’s Royal Court Theatre will usher in a glamourous new act of live performance, echoing the elegance and grandeur of great art deco concert halls. With cascading chandeliers that frame the action to perfect sightlines and velvety seats, this incredible venue really will put storytelling at centre stage.

Award-winning producer David Pugh said: “I am delighted that Cunard’s new ship Queen Anne will play host to Brief Encounter, which is one of my favourite West End productions that I have ever produced. It is an immense privilege to be involved with this project and I am so excited to bring the joy of live performance to the high seas, whether it be a classic title or modern marvel.”

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.

She will set sail on 3 May for her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage in the Canary Islands before travelling around the British Isles, visiting Scotland and Ireland, as well as Cunard’s founding home port and spiritual home, Liverpool.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “This hugely exciting collaboration is a real celebration for theatre-lovers and the stage is almost set for guests to enjoy some of the most remarkable live performances on board our newest ship Queen Anne. Whether it’s the bright lights of Broadway or the buzz of the West End, the incredible David Pugh, together with Emma Rice, will deliver the very best that theatre has to offer.”

[November 13, 2023 - Southampton, UK]

With less than six months to go until the launch of its new ship, Cunard has revealed it will raise a glass to Queen Anne in May by unveiling an exclusive new gin.

The Queen Anne Edition, which will celebrate the finest botanicals from across the British Isles, will feature as part of the new Cunard 4 Queens gin collection – completing the brand’s flavor profile and reflecting its global reach.

As these pictures illustrate, Cunard teamed up with the UK's favorite bartender, TV star Merlin Griffiths, to showcase the perfect pour for the Queen Anne Edition.

An award-winning cocktail-making champion, Merlin was able to match the uniquely British botanicals – which blend woody milk thistle, heather, and zesty sea buckthorn together with the sweetness of Queen Anne rose petals and blackcurrant leaf – for a smooth and elegant finish.

The Queen Anne Edition joins the Queen Mary 2 Edition (a taste of the Americas infused with crisp apple, warm cinnamon, and juicy cherry notes), the Queen Victoria Edition (a taste of the Mediterranean with blood orange, fragrant lemon myrtle and olive leaf), and the Queen Elizabeth Edition (steeped with Oriental influences such as Lotus Root, Star Anise, and Kaffir Lime Leaf).

The artisanal London Dry gin, created exclusively for Cunard, uses a recipe based on an original Bombay family recipe dating from July 17, 1947 and re-establishes Cunard’s partnership with Summerhall Distillery.

Based in Edinburgh, the distillery was founded in 2013, and its co-founder Marcus Pickering has a personal tie to the luxury cruise line. His great-uncle, George Gibbons, sailed as Captain of Cunard White Star liners from 1909 to 1944.

The Queen Anne Edition will be served in all bars and restaurants on board Queen Anne, and will also feature in a new – yet to be revealed – cocktail for guests traveling in style on Cunard’s newest ship.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be launching the Queen Anne Edition of our new Cunard 4 Queens gin collection, which neatly demonstrates our commitment to providing refined and contemporary experiences for our guests. It’s been really special to have Merlin Griffiths bring the product to life and showcase how guests can make Queen Anne inspired cocktails at home, but this new gin is more than just an exciting tipple, it is a celebration of the British Isles and its unique charm. At Cunard, we are very proud of our British heritage and always strive to reflect our legacy in new and elevated propositions for the modern traveler.”

For more information, visit https://www.cunard.com/en-us/our-partners/pickerings.

[October 5, 2023 - Valencia, Calif.]

As the world’s most iconic luxury cruise line nears the six-month countdown to the launch of its new ship, Cunard has given an exclusive preview of Queen Anne’s elevated wellness offering. 

The 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship is currently under construction at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy and today (5 October) Cunard invited a group of global travel agent partners for its first behind-the-scenes tour.

Queen Anne will boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with its reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.

Cunard’s Mareel concept aims to deliver enriching wellness experiences that leave guests feeling radiant, from the inside out, just as its namesake – a glowing luminescence – lights the sea from within. Queen Anne’s Wellness Club will also boast a tailormade program for solo travelers, where, on embarkation night, like-minded guests will be able to relax and unwind together at a meet-and-greet.

As these pictures show, the vision of a tranquil sanctuary is coming to life, and it is here where guests will enjoy a variety of uniquely crafted experiences – from cryotherapy treatments to a Himalayan salt sauna and cold room – that will renew the mind, body, and soul. 

One of Queen Anne’s stand-out wellness spaces is The Pavilion, an idyllic open-air oasis on the top deck, which features a specially designed glass dome roof that retracts in warmer climes. Inspired by beautiful glasshouses, it is the ideal spot for getting lost in a book or enjoying a dip in the pool by day and for meeting new friends in the evening. 

The multi-purpose space, designed by David Collins Studio (of Harrods and Claridge’s fame), weaves together several wellness elements, and will encompass the top deck Wellness Studio – an ideal retreat for fitness fanatics, open from sunrise to sunset – as well as the Wellness Café, an alternative dining experience that will boast a colorful mix of seasonal, mouth-watering, and nutritious dishes. 

The Wellness Café will cater for breakfast, lunch, and daytime diners, celebrating the vibrancy of plant-powered foods and sustainably sourced meat, dairy and fish options.

Acclaimed architect Martin Francis – who supported with engineering the iconic Louvre Pyramid in Paris – led a redesigning of the glass dome, which will now feature a refined arched steel frame to maximize height and light in the space as it stretches up and aft to create the new Wellness Studio.

At the shipyard

The tour was hosted by Captain Inger Thorhauge, the luxury cruise line’s first female Captain, who will be at the helm for Queen Anne’s maiden voyage from Southampton to Lisbon on 3 May 2024. 

The event in Venice follows Queen Anne’s float out ceremony in May, a tradition where a ‘Madrina’ is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the ship, celebrating the first flow of water into the ship's dry dock.

The ship has since been moved from a construction dock to a fitting out basin nearby, and as these photos illustrate, the fitting out phase is in full swing. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “For more than 180 years, Cunard has constantly refined the definitive experience of luxury ocean travel and I am incredibly excited that we are now just six months away from beginning the next chapter of our remarkable story. It is both incredible and inspiring to see the progress that has been made by the craftsman, engineers, and workforce here at Fincantieri shipyard and as we start to see Queen Anne’s interiors take shape, we can all see what a truly magnificent Queen she will become. I know that guests around the world are looking forward to sailing with our new Queen and we are counting down the days until we can welcome them aboard.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

[19 September 2023 - Southampton, UK]

Cunard has pioneered luxury ocean travel for more than 180 years and now the luxury cruise line is offering travellers the chance to set sail on more unforgettable holidays with the release of 180 new voyages for 2025.

Voyages will be available to book from 1pm BST on 4 October exclusively for Cunard World Club Members, with bookings available to all from 1pm on 5 October. 

The compelling programme features sailings between April 2025 and January 2026 and includes an eclectic mix of exciting itineraries spanning 91 destinations, across 24 countries globally, on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria.

Queen Anne will primarily be sailing to the Western Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and Western Europe, whilst Queen Mary 2 will continue her iconic Transatlantic Crossings and Queen Victoria will based in the Mediterranean. Each Queen’s programme boasts at least one maiden call; however, Queen Anne will make no fewer than 19 maiden calls – including Bilbao, Ibiza, Skjolden, Messina and Santorini. 

Queen Anne

Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne in 2025. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

For her 2025 programme, Queen Anne will be sailing out of Southampton, providing a range of destinations and itinerary lengths varying from two to 19 nights, which will include 19 maiden calls. From a 12-night voyage taking in the mystical landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords in June to a 16-night Mediterranean sailing around France, Spain, and Italy in July – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities – Cunard’s newest Queen will be embarking on a host of captivating voyages.

Queen Mary 2

From the UNESCO-inscribed architecture of Old Quebec to the medieval streets of Bruges, discover holidays on both sides of the Atlantic on Cunard’s flagship and the world’s only ocean liner in 2025.

Whether it’s the white sands and warm shallows of the Caribbean in December or indulging in Cunard signatures as you while away uninterrupted sea days on one of the iconic Transatlantic Crossings sailing across the year, a voyage on Queen Mary 2 is always a special experience.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will be based in the Mediterranean across the programme from May to October, offering a range of 7, 14 and 21-night itineraries out of Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste.

One of the many dazzling highlights of Queen Victoria’s 2025 programme is her two-week Istanbul and Greek Islands sailing in May. This voyage from Civitavecchia takes in some of the Eastern Mediterranean’s greatest treasures, from exploring Turkish seas to serene Greek islands, each port makes for an adventure to remember.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “We are incredibly excited to be launching our new 2025 programme and with 180 fantastic itineraries to choose from, there really is a Cunard voyage for everyone. Whether it’s an iconic Transatlantic crossing, a Scandinavian adventure, or Christmas in the Caribbean, our fleet of Queens provide the perfect opportunity to explore the world in style.

“We always strive to provide our valued travel agent partners with great offers for their customers, and this programme is no different. Not only do our itineraries sail to some of the world’s most exotic destinations, our ships offer unique and enriching experiences for guests, so whether you’re a new-to-cruiser or a loyal Cunarder, you’ll be free to unwind and escape in a uniquely luxurious setting.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com.

[September 18, 2023 - Valencia, Calif]

Cunard has announced it is rolling out a new Wi-Fi service on board as it launches SpaceX’s Starlink across its fleet.

Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology, will provide guests with greater capacity across Cunard ships, allowing for sharing photos and videos, streaming films, and enjoying other content on board with a more reliable Wi-Fi connection at even faster speeds.

The roll-out of Starlink aboard Cunard Queens began in June 2023, with the service due to be available in both public spaces and staterooms on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth by the end of 2023.

Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, will launch with the service in May 2024.

Carnival UK president Paul Ludlow said: “Sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family back at home is an important part of any holiday. Whether it’s uploading a picture of a sunset as you sail away from a newly discovered destination or catching up with the news, live events, or content from home, Starlink will make it even easier for our guests and colleagues to stay connected.”

Starlink vice president of commercial sales Jonathan Hofeller said: “High-speed internet is critical to our modern lifestyle both at home and when traveling. We’re excited that Cunard guests and crew will benefit from an improved Wi-Fi service on board wherever they are in the world.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

[May 3, 2023 - Valencia, Calif.]

The world’s most iconic luxury cruise brand celebrated a momentous construction milestone today with the float out of Queen Anne at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.

The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne officially touched water for the first time exactly 365 days before she will set sail on her maiden voyage to Lisbon on 3 May 2024.

Steeped in tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a ‘Madrina’ is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the ship, celebrating the flow of water into the ship's dry dock.

Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell, said: “We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of Queen Anne. The float out ceremony marks the ship’s transition from her building dock to where she truly belongs – in the water. Today marks a significant moment for Queen Anne as we recognize the dedication by the master ship builders at Fincantieri to build a ship that reinforces our position as a world-famous luxury brand.”

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri, stated: “Queen Anne is the third ship we have the pleasure to build for Cunard, a pillar in the history of British seafaring, with whom we share a real commitment to excellence. Building a liner for this shipowner takes us back to our roots yet, at the same time, spurs us forward to the future in a spirit of determination to bring together tradition and innovation and further strengthen our longstanding relationship”.

The float out, completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Queen Anne, which now transitions to focus on building the luxury ship's interiors.

Queen Anne

The design concepts for Cunard’s newest ship have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.

For more than 180 years, Cunard has constantly refined the definitive experience of ocean travel, and Queen Anne will be bursting with Cunard’s signature experiences, including world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, and luxurious accommodation.

Entering service in May 2024, Queen Anne will make up a remarkable quartet for Cunard alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. It will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

The float out ceremony follows September’s iconic keel laying, in which a coin was embedded into the ship’s keel by Captain Inger Thorhauge, alongside an original coin from the ship’s namesake’s reign, to mark the formal start of her construction.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

[April 18, 2023 - Valencia, Calif.]

These stunning pictures capture the moment Queen Anne received her crowning glory as Cunard’s iconic red and black funnel was secured onto the luxury cruise line’s newest ship.

This significant construction milestone, known as the ‘funnel lift’, took place at the Fincantieri shipyard on Friday (14 April 2023) and takes the remarkable ship one step closer to her maiden voyage in May 2024.

It is an important shipbuilding moment that marks the installation of one of the ship’s most recognizable features.

Queen Anne will be the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, completing an impressive quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four Queens at sea.

Cunard’s distinctive red and black funnels have adorned its ships for more than 150 years, becoming synonymous with the company’s rich seafaring heritage and reputation for luxury ocean travel.

Their design is the brainchild of Robert Napier, the shipyard owner who built some of Cunard’s earliest ships. The striking color scheme endures to this day, making Cunard ships instantly identifiable in ports across the world.

The design concepts for Cunard’s newest ship have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.

The ship will also offer a range of signature Cunard experiences for guests, including five-star dining options with White Star Service, luxurious spa facilities, and new entertainment venues.

What’s more, Queen Anne will take guests to some of the world’s most enticing locations during her maiden season, from the cultural gems of the Mediterranean to the mystical landscapes of the Norwegian fjords.

Angus Struthers, Senior Vice President Cunard, said: 

“We are thrilled to mark this important milestone in the construction of Queen Anne. The installation of the funnel is a significant step in the building process and brings the ship one step closer to joining our fleet. For Cunard, the distinctive red and black funnel is an iconic symbol of our heritage and will be one of Queen Anne’s most recognizable features.” 

[February 1 2023 - Valencia, California]

Today, luxury cruise line Cunard announced a world first partnership with contemporary circus company Circa, culiminating in a 6-week residency on board the magnificent Queen ELizabeth whilst the ship sails Australia and New Zealand waters in early 2024.

Circa has performed to over 1.5 million people across more than 40 countries and six continents with shows greeted with standing ovations, rave reviews and sold-out houses. Circa is at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus, pioneering how extreme physicality can create powerful and moving performances. It  continues to push the boundaries of the art form, blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus.

“The collaboration with Circa promises to be a real treat for our Australian and New Zealand guests and highlights our ambition to work with world-leading and state of the art partners to inspire and entertain them while they’re on board with us. 

“It’s in Cunard’s DNA to deliver the very best of entertainment at sea, be it West End style performances, carefully curated event voyages featuring global talent and partners, or renowned high-profile speakers. The Cunard experience is built on premium entertainment, exemplary fine dining, art deco inspired public spaces, and outstanding White Star Service. Cunard also offers a myriad of signature experiences and features setting our brand apart, including daily Afternoon Tea, Gala Balls and our Grills Suites with butler service,” said Cunard VP, Commercial for North America and Australasia, Matt Gleaves.

Circa’s suite of new productions will be curated to suit Queen Elizabeth’s grand Royal Court Theatre, creating a bespoke experience. Circa will perform for guests onboard the 2,069-passenger ship from 1 February 2024 to 10 March 2024.

“Circa has performed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world, from the stages of the Southbank Centre London, the Paris Philharmonie and the Sydney Opera House, and we are now delighted to partner with Cunard to bring Circa aboard the iconic Queen Elizabeth. 

“This six-week residency brings together two globally recognised brands and we are thrilled to be working with the team at Cunard to deliver what will surely be an unforgettable experience for their guests as well as our renowned ensemble. It is fitting that Australian audiences will be the first to experience this partnership when the Queen Elizabeth returns to our waters next year.” said Circa Executive Director, Shaun Comerford.

[24 January 2023 - Southampton, UK]

Cunard has reported that in the first week of January it has booked more guests than any equivalent period in the last decade. 

The luxury brand has seen strong booking momentum across 2023 and 2024 sailings, with summer itineraries and Queen Anne’s maiden season proving to be particularly popular with guests.

Carnival UK president, Sture Myrmell said, "Following two of our strongest booking periods in 2022, we have seen unparalleled bookings during the start of Wave.”

“We’ve increased our marketing investment significantly, including the use of TV advertising for the first time as we reach and appeal to new audiences.”

“It’s clear that guests are looking forward to stepping back on board both in the UK and across all our global markets.”

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com. 

VALENCIA, Calif., March 2, 2023

Luxury cruise line Cunard announces their Winter 2025 program, offering over 133 voyages, with stops at 159 unique destinations around the globe.

“We are thrilled that Queen Anne sails her first World Voyage in 2025,” said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, Cunard NAM.

Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, flagship liner Queen Mary 2 and the brand's newest vessel Queen Anne will call at 57 countries, with six maiden calls for the fleet in Alaska, Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Japan. Cunard's highly anticipated Queen Anne will be the only ship to offer a full World Voyage in 2025.

Cunard also announces Queen Elizabeth's 2024 summer program in Alaska where she will sail ten roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver, ranging from 9 to 11 nights. The ship will visit the immense Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park along with calls at Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and more. She will also make two maiden calls at Misty Fjords and Wrangell.

"We are thrilled that Queen Anne will be taking on the World Voyage in 2025," said Matt Gleaves, Cunard's VP, Commercial Development, North America. "With four ships in our fleet, we have the opportunity to spend more time in specific regions around the globe, and guests will be able to explore destinations in great depth, all with the luxury of sailing on Cunard's new ship."

Queen Anne will set sail on her first-ever World Voyage on January 9, 2025, visiting five continents and stop at more than 30 ports on this 107-night voyage, roundtrip out of Southampton, England. She will offer nine overnight calls in enriching destinations such as Honolulu, Sydney, Hong Kong and Dubai, as well as three late evening departures, giving guests time to explore each city to the fullest.

Queen Anne Itinerary Highlights:

• New York to San Francisco, 17 nights (H505)
  Departing on January 18, 2025, this segment of her Maiden World Voyage will connect two of the country's most vibrant cities – New York and San Francisco, with plenty of stops along the way to discover warm and welcoming destinations including Aruba, and Guatemala, among others.
• Singapore to Dubai, 13 nights (H508C)
  On this voyage, departing March 25, guests can explore the Ancient City of Sigiriya on the island of Sri Lanka, learn about the Malay, Chinese, Indian and European cultural influences in Malaysia, and explore the cosmopolitan Dubai, where ancient Arabic culture meets spectacular skyscrapers.

Queen Mary 2 will divide her time between sailing in the Caribbean and Transatlantic Crossings from January through May 2025, with additional voyages in the Mediterranean. Itineraries range from seven to 35 nights and depart from New York, Southampton, and Rome. The liner will offer four overnight calls at Curacao; Funchal, Madeira; Lisbon; and New York, with three late evening departures in Bridgetown, Barbados; Vigo and Malaga, Spain.

Queen Mary 2 Itinerary Highlights:

• Westbound Transatlantic Crossing, 8 nights (M506A)
  Departing from Southampton, England, on March 8, 2025, Cunard's signature Transatlantic Crossing offers uninterrupted days at sea to unplug and recharge from today's hectic lifestyle while luxuriating through the waters of the North Atlantic.
• Eastern Caribbean, 13 nights (M506C)
  Sailing roundtrip from New York on March 16, 2025, Queen Mary 2 will visit the palm-fringed coast of the Caribbean on this itinerary with destinations such as Barbados, St. Lucia or Curacao, filled with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Queen Victoria will offer eight voyages in South America in early 2025 which can be combined for the 85-night South America Discovery from Hamburg which includes sailing around Cape Horn, the southernmost point of Chile's Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Queen Victoria will offer five overnight calls in Amsterdam, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Callao and five late evening departures.

Queen Victoria Itinerary Highlights:

• Atlantic Coast Adventure, 11 nights (V430)
  Sailing roundtrip out of Southampton on December 5, 2024, this voyage through Spain, Gibraltar, and Portugal allows guests to take in the Roman architecture in La Coruna, treasures of Malaga's Christmas market and a traditional egg custard tart in Lisbon.
• Amsterdam, Bruges and Hamburg, 7 nights (V502)
  Queen Victoria will visit some of Europe's historic cities during this voyage, roundtrip out of Southampton on January 2, 2025. Guests will adore the canal-linked streets of Hamburg, indulge in sweet Belgian waffles in Bruges, and explore the quirky shops of Rotterdam.

Queen Elizabeth will spend June through September 2024 amidst the awe-inspiring landscapes of Alaska with roundtrip voyages out of Vancouver. After a stop in San Francisco, she will offer itineraries in Australia and New Zealand throughout the fall with voyages ranging from two to 38 nights. In February 2025, Queen Elizabeth will sail to Singapore and stay in East Asia through May, with calls at Vietnam, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Seven overnight port calls are available on Queen Elizabeth including, Hobart, Hong Kong, and Osaka with a whopping 25 late evening departures.

Queen Elizabeth Itinerary Highlights:

• Alaska, 11 nights (Q422)
  Roundtrip out of Vancouver on July 11, 2024, guests will take in the breath-taking Glacier Bay, Misty Fjords and Hubbard Glacier, all from the deck of the elegant Queen Elizabeth. Passengers can visit Mendenhall Glacier from Juneau, see Ketchikan's colorful totem poles, or ride Icy Strait Point's zipline, rumored to be the longest in the world.
• San Francisco to Sydney, 25 nights (Q430)
  Swaying palm trees, iconic skylines, and stunning mountains fill this 25-night voyage from San Francisco on September 22, 2024. On departure, guests will enjoy a magnificent sail-by of the Golden Gate Bridge, and on arrival in Sydney, the iconic opera house will be in full view. Two overnight calls in this itinerary include Honolulu, and after crossing the International Date Line – Auckland. The voyage will also call in Apia, where the Papapapaitai Falls are not to be missed.

Four Queens Back-to-Back 
For adventurous guests who want to remain seeking the utmost in pampering, there are two opportunities to sample all four queens in one journey. The experience starts on Queen Victoria in June 2024 on Queen Victoria where guests will sail the Mediterranean calling at ports in Croatia, Malta, and Italy. After spending a few days in Rome, guests will join Queen Anne to visit Spain and the sun-kissed islands of Sardinia and Majorca before disembarking in Southampton. There, guests will join Queen Mary 2 on a westbound Transatlantic Crossing and fly from New York to Vancouver. Queen Elizabeth will host the final leg of the journey into Alaska. A similar experience can be taken in reverse beginning in Alaska, with an eastbound Crossing, sailing the Norwegian Fjords and then ending in the Mediterranean.

Cunard's 2025 winter program 2024 Alaska voyages are available to book at 9 a.m. EST on March 16, 2023. World Club members can book starting 9 a.m. EST on March 15, 2023.

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan 23, 2023

Luxury cruise line Cunard is offering guests joining Queen Elizabeth in Alaska this summer the opportunity to experience the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer train through the spectacular Canadian Rockies.

Depending on their sailing date, guests will either be able to extend their Alaska voyage with a three-night post-cruise Rocky Mountaineer package or a four-night tour before embarking on Queen Elizabeth in Vancouver.

While the three-night tour takes guests on an eastbound journey from Vancouver to Calgary, the four-night tour goes the opposite direction and gives guests an additional day of sightseeing in Banff, where the highlight is a spectacular trip on the Banff Gondola.

Guests traveling on the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train – the only passenger rail service on this historic rail route – will experience expansive glass-dome windows and luxurious coaches. Breath-taking 180-degree panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, shimmering lakes and winding canyons are offered from all angles. Renowned for its GoldLeaf Service, Rocky Mountaineer offers an on board dining room where guests can indulge in culinary delights inspired by the region with a new 2023 menu as well as a full complimentary bar service.

Sture Myrmell, President, Carnival UK, said: “We are thrilled to be able to provide guests an opportunity to combine a luxury cruise on board Queen Elizabeth that takes in the finest views of Alaska by sea, with a journey on the Rocky Mountaineer taking in the stunning scenery of the Canadian Rockies by train. With the exceptional service and fine dining, Rocky Mountaineer is a wonderful addition to a Cunard voyage and we know our guests will be delighted to have an opportunity to enjoy the spectacular surroundings in style.” 

Queen Elizabeth’s summer in Alaska is set to be a season full of adventure and discovery, with an Insights Program featuring Bear Grylls and a host of other iconic explorers. Other highlights on board include the Alaska Afternoon Tea, the elegant Ice White Ball and a new dining concept called Frontier, which offers a taste of Alaska.

To book a voyage in Alaska this summer, visit www.cunard.com. To extend your voyage with one of these Rocky Mountaineer packages, call the Contact Center on 0344 338 8641 or speak to your Travel Agent.  

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan 9, 2023 - Luxury cruise line, Cunard has announced it will be launching the Sea Views exhibition in 2023, featuring never before seen imagery from the Cunard archives, together with a selection of photos submitted by the guests and curated by photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney.

The Sea Views exhibition will mark two key centenaries – the first being that 100 years ago, Cunard was the first cruise line to introduce an on board photographer to capture the signature moments of their guests' voyage. The second is the 100-year anniversary of the first ever round the world cruise on Cunard's ship Laconia.

To celebrate both of these momentous centenaries, Cunard has partnered with British photographer Mary McCartney to curate the unique exhibition of 100 images captured across their fleet of ships. With previous guests including Hollywood icons such as Elizabeth Taylor and Bing Crosby, Cunard will be opening up their archives to select photographs that showcase the glamour, grandeur and timeless style for which Cunard has become famous.

"I'm pleased to curate an exhibition within this treasure trove of 100 years of on board photography.  I'm looking forward to exploring the archives and the crowdsourced images to hand pick a portfolio of iconic images that will reflect a century of luxury travel," said British photographer Mary McCartney

"With over 14,000 images stored in the Cunard archives in Liverpool – the founding home port of Cunard Line – we have a wealth of memories from the 1920s to present day to choose from," said Siân Wilks, Cunard Archivist at the University of Liverpool Library. "We are extremely excited to work alongside Mary McCartney to launch the Sea Views exhibition."

In addition to the archived photos that will be exhibited, Cunard is calling on the guests to share any photographs they may have collected over the years when travelling on board a Cunard ship, capturing special moments, amazing views and unique experiences. All images shared will be reviewed, with selected images to be part of this rare, centennial exhibition.

"We're extremely proud of Cunard's 183-year history and particularly of the fact we pioneered the round-the-world voyage 100 years ago. What better way to celebrate this centenary anniversary than by curating a fantastic selection of images from our guests who've travelled with us. We're delighted to be working with the wonderful Mary McCartney to create this exhibition and can't wait to see the unforgettable moments that our guests have captured over the years," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard, North America.

To find out how to submit favourite moments captured on board a Cunard ship, visit the website and submit images by February 5, 2023.  The centennial Sea Views exhibition will go live in 2023 and more information will be shared on this webpage nearer to the time.

VALENCIA, Calif., Dec 1, 2022 - Last night, Cunard welcomed guests to an extraordinary evening at Carlton House Terrace, London, showcasing all that Queen Anne – the latest Cunard cruise liner – has to offer to top tier media, influencers and cruise industry networks, for a full 360 brand experience.

Following the eagerly anticipated name reveal of Queen Anne earlier this year, Cunard proudly demonstrated how the ship will set the benchmark for luxury ocean travel to guests in an intimate gathering in London. Those in attendance enjoyed an unparalleled insight into reimagined signature spaces of the cruise liner, whilst discovering brand-new venues that will bring guests greater choice.

Cunard unveiled a collection of never before seen artwork championing young contemporary artists, just some of the 4,300 pieces of art that will be aboard the ship. Highlights included Artists Pei Chi Lee, John Biggs and Tommy Camerno at the event showcasing their exclusive masterpieces for Queen Anne, including the reveal of Camerno's portrait of Queen Anne which will be displayed in the Queen's room.

Guests were also introduced to Bright Lights Society – a new intimate venue, designed by the renowned Richmond International, offering hosted experiences and an exciting carousel of entertainment for guests, where no two nights are the same. The name, Bright Lights Society honours Cunard's heritage as the world's first ocean liner to use electric lights. 

Guests experienced Cunard's White Star Service sipping on the Perfect Serve – three distinctive gin cocktails made with Cunard's Three Queens Gin, individually crafted by Pickering's to celebrate the routes most associated with each Cunard Queen. Cunard private label wines and Cunard crafted beer were also on tap to immerse each guest into life on board Queen Anne.

Designers from David Collins Studio, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie who worked with Creative Director Adam D. Tihany were all in attendance to reveal the design inspiration behind Queen Anne. Having been immersed in the Cunard archives, the talents, whose portfolios include luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, high end yachts, and private grand residences, have ensured that Queen Anne exudes classic Cunard style while showcasing many new considered touches. Queen Anne's breath-taking interiors take inspiration from Cunard's past, celebrating the beautiful art deco style finishes that the brand is known for, to define a striking new design direction for the future.

Carnival UK Acting Senior Vice President Angus Struthers warmly greeted guests with these remarks: "Tonight, you started your journey at sunset and travelled through a sensory experience before viewing a one-of-a-kind art gallery showcasing a selection from the 4,300 never seen before pieces of artwork and sculptures that have been curated for Queen Anne.  We have been working with more than 3,000 artists and designers and are proud to continue our work championing contemporary artists, some of which you will have the pleasure of meeting this evening. It just leaves me to thank our world leading designers and brand partners as they continue to refine the Cunard signatures and craft a collection of exciting new Queen Anne venues and experiences. We look forward to sharing more about the collection over the coming year and can't wait to welcome you on board in 2024!"    

Queen Anne will set sail in 2024. Her maiden season will go on sale for Cunard World Club members on December 6 2022 and on general sale from December 7, 2022. 

VALENCIA, Calif., Nov 29, 2022 - Luxury cruise line Cunard announces itineraries from April 2024 through January 2025, offering over 190 new voyages fleet wide, including Queen Anne's maiden season.

Featuring in-depth itineraries in the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, and spectacular voyages through the incomparable Norwegian Fjords, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria, and flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 will call at 133 destinations in 45 countries, including a maiden call for the fleet in Nordfjordeid, Norway.

"Summertime evokes European glamour aboard Cunard ships," said Matt Gleaves, Cunard's VP of Commercial Development, North America. "Whether it's sailing the waters of the Med or navigating through the Greek Isles, guests will see the world in style and comfort. Queen Anne brings even more opportunities to explore remote waterways, iconic cities, and of course all the pleasures that one would expect aboard our new Cunard Queen."

Cunard's highly anticipated new ship Queen Anne will sail her maiden season in the Norwegian Fjords, Scandinavia, British Isles, and the Mediterranean, with voyages ranging from two to 19 nights. She will make 62 maiden calls in coveted destinations including Reykjavik, Gibraltar, Rotterdam, Dubrovnik, Malaga, Oslo and more. Queen Anne will offer six overnight calls and 14 late evening departures, giving guests time to explore each city to the fullest. 

Queen Anne Itinerary Highlights:

• Western Mediterranean, 14 nights (H418)
  Roundtrip from Southampton on July 28, this voyage displays the rich history and culture of the Mediterranean. Cadiz offers unmatched Andalusian cuisine, stunning beaches, and a vast cathedral. Guests can discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Sagrada Familia and other architectural wonders in Barcelona before exploring the 3,000 years of history in Cartagena. In Gibraltar, the imposing Rock of Gibraltar features wild monkeys frolicking amidst its visitors.
• Norwegian Fjords, 7 nights (H422)
  Guests can retrace the footsteps of the Vikings aboard Cunard's newest addition to the fleet. Departing from Southampton on September 1, Queen Anne will visit Haugesund to see majestic fjords and striking rock formations; Nordfjordeid, with vast rolling green meadows; and Geirangerfjord, home to the mesmerizing Seven Sisters waterfalls. Time ashore allows guests to explore the old quays, a World Heritage Site, and the medieval wooden houses on the waterfront.

Queen Mary 2 will sail 22 of the line's signature Transatlantic Crossings, offering uninterrupted days at sea to unplug from today's constantly connected lifestyle, and recharge while luxuriating through the waters of the North Atlantic. Queen Mary 2's voyages range from two to 30 nights and depart from New York, Hamburg, Québec, Le Havre, and Southampton. Guests can sail seven-night voyages in Canada/New England, with a spectacular overnight in Boston on the Fourth of July. Queen Mary 2 will also offer voyages in the Norwegian Fjords and Northwestern Europe and will celebrate Christmas and New Year's Eve in the Caribbean.

Queen Mary 2 Itinerary Highlights:

• Westbound Transatlantic Crossing, 8 nights (M433D)
  Departing from Southampton, England, on October 17, this unique Transatlantic voyage offers a port day in Le Havre, a UNESCO city in the Normandy region of northern France, known for their impressive modern art museum and picturesque marina and beach.
• Canada New England, 14 nights (M430A)
  Sailing roundtrip from New York in September, the voyage offers time ashore in eight unique ports with sea days in between. Highlights include Boston's famous Freedom Trail, the sublime scenery of Penobscot Bay in Maine, and an overnight call in Québec City. Vibrant in its modernity, but with an Old Town that exudes historical charm, Québec is an enchanting destination; it's the only part of North Canada where French is the first language and 17^th century buildings still grace the cobbled streets.

Queen Victoria will spend an extended season in the Mediterranean, May through October 2024, where guests will get to know romantic cities such as Bruges, Barcelona and Trieste along with historic destinations such as Rome and Athens. Her voyages range from a short five-night sailing to Rotterdam and Bruges to a 29-night Mediterranean Highlights voyage which includes a rare overnight in the cultural capital of Istanbul.

Queen Victoria Itinerary Highlights:

• Istanbul, Greek Isles and Italy, 14 nights (V413)
  Sailing roundtrip out of Civitavecchia on May 13, the itinerary allows time to get to know this 2^nd century coastal town, home to the Michelangelo Fort and a gateway to Italy's historic capital of Rome. A call to Istanbul showcases cultural influences from many empires with extraordinary sites such as The Hagia Sophia Mosque, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
• Rome to Trieste, 7 nights (V416A)
  Departing from Rome on June 24, guests will take in the magnificent Colosseum, Vatican City, the Pantheon, and many more meaningful attractions, not to mention culinary indulgences. Port calls at Cephalonia and Corfu offer charming streets and sun-kissed beaches, while the Medieval Old Town of Kotor in Montenegro is not to be missed.

Three Queens Back-to-Back 

For adventurous guests who want to remain pampered for as long as possible, a 29-night voyage is available to sample all three queens. It begins with an eastbound Transatlantic Crossing on Queen Mary 2, where upon arriving in Southampton Queen Anne continues the journey with a 14-night voyage seeing highlights in the UK and Iceland. After a quick flight to Italy, guests can embark Queen Victoria to visit Zadar in Croatia, Valletta in Malta, and a multitude of remarkable cities.

Cunard's 2024 summer and fall voyages are available to book at 8 a.m. EST on December 6, 2022. World Club members can book starting 8 a.m. EST on December 7, 2022.

VALENCIA, Calif., Nov 17, 2022 - Luxury cruise line Cunard announced a new partnership with the legendary Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), at the nonprofit's annual College of Fellows Dinner last night at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Matthew Gleaves, VP of Commercial Development for Cunard in North America, made the announcement at the event saying, "both Cunard and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society have a deep history and share a dedication to travel and exploration, with a great desire for cultural understanding. This partnership is the perfect marriage of knowledge and discovery."

Experts from the RCGS will be featured on select 2023 voyages as part of Cunard's renowned Insights^TM onboard enrichment program. The RCGS headliners will be on every Cunard voyage in the 2023 Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth, from June through August, and on the Canada/New England voyage in September, from New York to Quebec, on flagship liner Queen Mary 2.

Cunard, with its storied history of over 182 years was founded by Canadian, Samuel Cunard, a pioneer in his time, who began a Transatlantic service between Europe and North America that continues today. With three Queens in the fleet and a fourth on the way, the line offers travelers the opportunity to explore all corners of the world – iconic cities, lesser-known destinations, and everything in between, with innovation and modern amenities that make each experience unforgettable.

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society is dedicated to understanding and educating people about the diverse human and physical landscapes of Canada and beyond. With more than 26,000 full-time educators from across the country and a robust Fellowship of distinguished thought leaders and those committed to geographical literacy, the RCGS is one of Canada's largest non-profit geographical and educational organizations.

RCGS speakers include explorers, naturalists, geographical experts, and indigenous advocates who will custom curate exclusive programming for Cunard guests. The RCGS experts include: 

• John Geiger, CEO, RCGS: best-selling author, speaker and adventurer who will speak about the history, heritage and expeditions which took place on the surrounding lands;
• Joseph Frey: Scuba diver and former officer with the Royal Canadian Navy who specializes in Anthropology and the migration of people on the land;
• Jill Heinerth, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Underwater diver, explorer, author and educator with a focus on coastal environments;
• George Kourounis, RCGS Explorer in Residence: Worldwide explorer and adventurer who contributes his expertise to the Discovery Channel and the Weather Network;
• Lynn Moorman, RCGS Fellow: Geographer and educator who speaks about the glaciers, fjords and geographic technologies that guests will encounter along the British Columbia Coast and Alaska;
• Perry Bellegarde, Honorary Vice President RCGS: Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Indigenous advocate, and educator on Indigenous people and their lands

Gleaves continued, "Cunard is committed to not only exploring the beauty and rich culture of the region, but also to educating guests during the time they spend with us. There is no better organization to help us succeed in this than the RCGS; we intend to make this a long-lasting partnership."

John Geiger, CEO for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society shares, "Our mandate to make Canada better known to Canadians and to the world will be furthered by this exciting partnership with Cunard.  Through collaborative enrichment programming and providing Canadian Geographic content onboard, we hope each Cunard guest will come to appreciate and love the dynamic and diverse landscape and people of our country."

VALENCIA, Calif., Oct 20, 2022 - Cunard announces an exciting new line-up for Alaska 2023's Insights^TM enrichment program with one of the most recognized personalities of outdoor adventure - Bear Grylls OBE - headlining the season.

Grylls will be joining Queen Elizabeth's maiden 2023 Alaska voyage, roundtrip out of Vancouver on June 8, where he will share his experiences as one of the youngest climbers of Mount Everest, bestselling author, TV presenter and all-round adventurer. This will be Bear's first appearance on a cruise ship and the first time he returns to Alaska since his memorable visit with President Barack Obama in 2015.

Guests aboard this 12-night voyage will experience the stunning Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord and Hubbard Glacier, with port calls in Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka and more. Award-winning naturalist Dr. Rachel Cartwright and a Cultural Heritage Guide from Alaska Native Voices will also be featured on this voyage as guests luxuriate on Queen Elizabeth through the breath-taking landscape of Alaska.

Cunard will offer six additional voyages in the region throughout June, July and August, each showcasing a different explorer as part of the Insights Program.

Guests will have the opportunity to hear from marine archaeologist Mensun Bound, known for his recent discovery of Shackleton's ship Endurance; British mountaineer Kenton Cool, who has summited Mount Everest 15 times, including leading Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Ben Fogle in their respective expeditions; Ann Daniels, one of Britain's leading Polar explorers and the first woman in history to ski to the North and South Poles as part of an all-women team; and Felicity Aston MBE, polar scientist turned explorer, award-winning author, TV presenter and world-record holder for being the first woman to ski alone across the Antarctic.

"I've been a fan of Bear Grylls since Man vs Wild and I'm thrilled that our guests will be able to see him live on Queen Elizabeth next year," said Matt Gleaves, VP of Commercial for Cunard in North America and Australasia. "Alaska is all about exploration and our line-up of world-class pioneers will bring the adventure onboard; it will be an experience not found anywhere else."

The full line-up of onboard Insights speakers in Alaska 2023 include:

Bear Grylls (June 8)
Bear Grylls is probably the most recognizable face of adventure on the planet. The former 21 SAS soldier was one of the youngest climbers of Mount Everest, despite breaking his back in a free-fall accident only months earlier. Bear's TV shows include the legendary Discovery show Man Vs Wild and the hit show Running Wild with Bear Grylls, now in its seventh season on National Geographic Channel. His Running Wild guests have included President Obama (in Alaska), Roger Federer, Julia Roberts, Prime Minister Modi of India and most recent Hollywood stars Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher.

Bear is a family man, a bestselling author who has sold over 20 million books, the Honorary Colonel to the British Royal Marine Commandos and the first-ever Chief Ambassador to 55 million young Scouts worldwide.

Kenton Cool (June 20 and 30)
Kenton Cool is an English mountaineer and mountain guide. He is one of Britain's leading alpine and high-altitude climbers and has summited Mount Everest 15 times, including leading Sir Ranulph Fiennes' 2008 and 2009 expeditions and Ben Fogle's 2019 expedition.

He has completed over 20 notable expeditions in the Greater Ranges and in 2013, became the first person to climb Nuptse, Everest and Lhotse in a single push without returning to base camp. He has also skied two 26,000-foot mountains and guided a successful expedition to the summit of K2. He has also led expeditions through Alaska including North America's highest peak, Mount McKinley.

Pen Hadow (July 7)
Explorer and Adventurer Pen Hadow was catapulted to international fame when he became the first and only person to complete one of the last great polar challenges - solo, without re-supply, from Canada to the North Pole. It took him three attempts over 15 years to achieve this single feat at the 'bleeding edge of exploration'. Pen has a strong connection with Alaska in his adventures, including attempting to sail to the North Pole from Nome, Alaska.

Ann Daniels (July 17)
Ann Daniels is one of Britain's leading Polar explorers. In 2002 Ann became a world record holder when she reached the North Pole despite unbelievable arctic conditions and became the first woman in history to ski to the North and South Poles as part of an all women team. This journey has never been repeated.

In 2009, Ann took part in the first Catlin Arctic Survey over a period of 100 days, 1000km crossing of the ice cap in temperatures as low as -58ºF. The survey set off from Alaska, walking, skiing and on occasion swimming stretches of open water to reach the North Geographic Pole. Ann is described by The Daily Telegraph as one of the top 20 Great British Adventurers of all time.

Felicity Aston (July 27)
Felicity Aston MBE is a Polar Scientist turned Explorer. In 2012 she became the first woman to ski alone across the Antarctic, a 1744km/1084m journey that took her 59 days and entered her in the Guinness Book of World Records. She has also created and led record-making ski expeditions to both the North and South Geographic Poles with international teams of pioneering women; skied frozen rivers and lakes in Siberia; driven 2,236 miles to the Pole of Cold (the coldest inhabited place on Earth); flown across the U.S. in an airship; and run the Marathon Des Sables footrace in the Sahara. An award-winning author of three books, professional speaker, and occasional TV presenter, in 2016 Felicity retraced the route of the 1898 Klondike Gold Rush and spent time mining for gold in Alaska and the Yukon to co-present a series for the BBC.

Mensun Bound (August 7)
Known as the "Indiana Jones of the Deep," Mensun Bound has conducted wreck surveys and excavations all over the world in a career that spans 40 years. During that time, he excavated one of the oldest known shipwrecks (600 BC). In 2019 Bound stunned the world with his discovery of Admiral von Spee's flagship, Scharnhorst, which had been lost in battle during WWI. That same year Bound was Director of Exploration for the first search to find Shackleton's ship Endurance. In 2022 the search resumed and on March 5 the Endurance was found and, as predicted by Bound, it was upright, largely intact, proud of the seabed in an excellent state of preservation.

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept 29, 2022 - Luxury cruise line Cunard in conjunction with Simon Friend Entertainment announces the performance of Deborah Moggach's The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel aboard flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2, December 15-22, 2022 (M240). Headlining the show are celebrated stars of stage and screen, Hayley Mills (Pollyanna, The Parent Trap, Whistle Down the Wind) who stars as Evelyn, Paul Nicholas (Jesus Christ Superstar, BBC 1's Just Good Friends, Eastenders) who plays Douglas and Rula Lenska (ITV's Rock Follies, Coronation Street, Channel 4's Celebrity Big Brother) who performs as Madge in this feel-good tale of love and adventure.

The show's producer Simon Friend commented, "I am terrifically excited for our production of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel to embark on this adventure. Cunard's rich history is one of sophistication, catering for the most intrepid of travellers, and it is enormously flattering to be associated with this legacy. As a show about exploring the world and finding yourself anew, I hope too that it will connect to patrons watching while on the voyage!"

"I thought I'd done it all but performing on the Queen Mary 2 in the North Atlantic will be an incredibly exciting new adventure to me and for the whole company," said Hayley Mills.

The show, which is currently in production at London's Richmond Theatre, will conduct three matinee and evening performances in the ship's Royal Court Theatre during the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a behind the scenes Q&A, as well as workshops and other appearances with the star-studded cast.

Based on the bestselling novel which inspired one of this century's most treasured films, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel takes us on a journey to India with an eclectic group of British retirees as they embark on a new life. The luxury residence is far from the opulence they were promised, but as their lives begin to intertwine and they embrace the vibrancy of modern-day India, they are charmed in unexpected and life-changing ways.

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is a joyous, feel-good comedy about taking risks, finding love, and embracing second chances, even in the most surprising of places.

"Cunard is thrilled to offer our guests this exclusive at sea performance aboard our flagship Queen Mary 2 along with the opportunity to meet the show's star-studded cast. This 'only on Cunard' moment provides guests with carefully curated experiences and memories that last a lifetime," said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial - North America and Australasia for Cunard.

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept 27, 2022 - Cunard recently celebrated the keel laying of its newest ship, Queen Anne, with a traditional, iconic ceremony on September 8, 2022. This ceremony marked the formal start of her construction at the historic Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.

The ceremony was attended by the Cunard and Carnival UK leadership team, along with representatives of Fincantieri and their Marghera Shipyard, and the guest of honor Captain of Queen Anne, Inger Thorhauge. 

Steeped in tradition, the ceremony marks the official start of a ship’s life, as the keel is laid for a new vessel. The laying of the keel is the formal recognition of the start of construction, and the ceremony heralds the completion of the intensive design and development stage.

To mark the occasion – and acknowledge Cunard’s seafaring heritage and the significance of this exciting new vessel – a Queen Anne coin has been commissioned. This unique coin was embedded into the ship’s keel by Captain Inger Thorhauge, alongside an original coin from the ship’s namesake’s reign.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this exciting construction milestone for Queen Anne,” said Matt Gleaves, vice president, Commercial for Cunard in North America and Australasia. “Over the last three years, world-leading designers have worked with master ship builders at Fincantieri to design a ship that showcases our position as a world-famous luxury brand across all continents. Queen Anne will be enjoyed for many generations to come, and we look forward to welcoming her to our fleet.”

As Queen Anne takes shape, Cunard celebrates its own journey thus far of over 180 historic years. A ship inspired by the cruise line’s past and built for its future, Queen Anne represents a sense of excitement for what lies ahead for this iconic brand.

Queen Anne will enter service in 2024 and will make up a remarkable quartet alongside flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept 20, 2022 - The Sixth Annual Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity was awarded to Scott Armour McCrea on Friday, September 16 at the International Congress of Maritime Museums' gala event at the Juno Tower in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

McCrea was joined by local dignitaries and members of the Congress, who have come together from around the world to mark the 50th Anniversary of the International Congress of Maritime Museums. The ICMM engages an international community of museum directors and executive leaders from the maritime world to celebrate innovation in a global marine sector – exploring topics from maritime heritage to the changing and diverse connections with the sea.

"This award was inaugurated in 2015 to celebrate Cunard's 175^th Anniversary in the ancestral home of its founder Sir Samuel Cunard. Created in partnership with the Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Cunard, the award acknowledges an extraordinary individual who demonstrates the qualities exemplified by Samuel Cunard throughout his life," said Matt Gleaves, vice president of Commercial for Cunard in North America and Australasia. "We congratulate Mr. McCrea on being our sixth Samuel Cunard Prize Award recipient and for exemplifying the qualities for which the award was created."

"We are awarding the Samuel Cunard Prize for Vision, Courage and Creativity to Mr. McCrea because of the way he demonstrated Sir Samuel Cunard's characteristics throughout the development of his transformational project, Queen's Marque," said John Hennigar-Shuh, President at Canadian Maritime Heritage Foundation. "Through Scott's creative vision, the Queen's Marque transcends the ordinary and has become a striking physical poem to the profound relationship between our community, Halifax Harbour, and the ocean. I consider Queen's Marque an urban developer's master work that would have excited Samuel Cunard, were he alive today."

Queen's Marque is a new urban district on the historic waterfront, in the heart of downtown Halifax. It features over 140 luxury leased residences, office and retail space, food and beverage, 75,000 square feet of public space, a multimillion-dollar public art collection and Muir, a distinctly Nova Scotian hotel experience. Every feature of Queen's Marque, from architecture and materials to art curation, offers a distinct sense of place, reflecting the character and culture of the region.

"The power of the sea and its role in place is physically embodied in all aspects of Queen's Marque" said Scott Armour McCrea. "I am honoured to receive Samuel Cunard's namesake award for helping to build the economy and community in his birthplace of Halifax."

As the Chief Executive Officer of The Armour Group Limited, Mr. McCrea leads one of Atlantic Canada's largest fully integrated real estate and investment concerns. A lifelong Haligonian, Mr. McCrea's deep-rooted understanding of the enduring impact of real estate development on communities comes naturally to him. He is the second generation to direct The Armour Group Limited, a family-held company whose roots in Halifax are anchored to the integration of the ownership, construction, and management of their properties, which include many of the city's historic and traditional spaces. McCrea's accomplishments have led him to be the recipient of several awards including Canada's Top 40 under 40, Halifax's Business Person of the Year, and one of Atlantic Canada's Top 50 CEOs.

VALENCIA, Calif., Aug 12, 2022 - Cunard today announced updated Covid-19 protocols and guidelines, with adjusted pre-travel testing requirements.

From Tuesday, September 6, 2022 self-testing prior to travel will change from "mandatory" to "highly recommended" for vaccinated guests on the vast majority of voyages.

Only guests sailing on longer, more complex itineraries will be required to have an observed or in person antigen or PCR test with a fit to travel certificate prior to departure. These include a number of sailings of 16 nights or more and other specific voyages.

These new guidelines apply to all Cunard itineraries sailing from Southampton, England, and all other departure points, with the exception of countries where government regulations and protocols may vary including Canada and Australia.

The vaccination policy for Cunard guests remains the same and full details can be found on the website.

"These updated protocols reflect the current environment across the world and while certain key elements have relaxed, our commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of all guests, crew and the communities we visit remains an ongoing and vital consideration," said Matt Gleaves, vice president, Commercial, North America and Australasia. "They also ensure that the ease of cruising remains at the fore and that all guests of all ages can enjoy a voyage with unrivalled dining, relaxation and exploration options and unmatched service levels at extraordinary value for money."

Exact requirements will be communicated to all guests in due course with the latest updates on www.cunard.com from early September.

All the updated guidelines and protocols are subject to local regulations of applicable homeports and destinations.

VALENCIA, Calif., May 18, 2022 - Luxury cruise line Cunard has reported that the first day of bookings for new ship Queen Anne proves the busiest booking day in a decade.

The maiden voyage, a seven-night sailing from Southampton departing January 4, 2024, has sold out and demand for Princess & Queens Grill Suites proved especially strong across each of the 10 published new voyages.

 "Since we began to unveil details of our fourth ship, the reaction to Queen Anne from guests and travel advisors alike has been phenomenal," said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, North America and Australasia, Cunard.  "The first day of sales shows the incredible strength of demand for our new ship and the Cunard brand is at record levels."

The three busiest booking periods for Cunard in the last decade have now happened since March 2021, with the launch of the UK sailings as the brand returned to service, the launch of the summer 2023 program and now the launch of Queen Anne's maiden program.

Maritime archaeologist, Mensun Bound, who made headlines across the world in March with the discovery of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ship, the Endurance, will head out to sea again this summer to talk exclusively to Cunard guests.

Bound will join Queen Mary 2 in Southampton for a 7-night Transatlantic Crossing on June 24, 2022, before arriving in New York on July 2. Returning in 2023, the maritime archaeologist will join Queen Elizabeth for a 13-night voyage from Alaska to San Francisco, taking in some of the world’s most breath-taking scenery and wildlife.

“It is a huge honor to welcome Mensun Bound on board our flagship Queen Mary 2 so soon after his historical expedition captured the world’s attention,” said Matt Gleaves, Vice President, Commercial, Cunard, North America and Australasia. “I know our guests will be enthralled by his first-hand account of his Endurance 22 expedition, as well as his extraordinary, decades-spanning career.”

In his role as Trustee of the Falklands Maritime Heritage Trust, the maritime archaeologist from Oxford was the Director of Exploration for the team of crack deep-ocean robotic technologists that, on March 5, 2022, discovered the most storied shipwreck of them all, three kilometers beneath the perennial sea ice of Antarctica.  

Crushed by pack ice, the ship sank in 1915 at the heart of what Shackleton himself called ‘the worst portion of the worst sea on earth.’ In an exclusive talk and Q&A on board Queen Mary 2 in June, Bound will talk publicly for the first time since returning from his historical expedition. Discussing his remarkable career, Bound will reveal how they penetrated the pack to find ‘the world’s most unreachable wreck,’ the iconic Endurance, upright and in a superb state of preservation on the mysterious abyssal plain of the Weddell Sea.

Bound, said: “It’s been the most extraordinary few months with my feet yet to touch the ground since the Endurance 22 Expedition concluded. To find a vessel of such historical significance is something that is hard to truly capture in a few words. However, I am very much looking forward to joining Queen Mary 2 and sharing my excitement and experiences for the first time with Cunard’s guests.”

Born in the Falkland Islands, Mensun Bound was the Triton Fellow in Maritime Archaeology at St. Peter’s College, Oxford, and the director of the first academic unit for underwater archaeology in England.  Known as the ‘Indiana Jones of the Deep,’ Bound has conducted wreck surveys and excavations all over the world in a career that has spanned 40 years. 

VALENCIA, Calif., May 4, 2022 - Luxury cruise brand Cunard unveils over 110 international voyages, sailing on its iconic fleet between October 23, 2023 and May 14, 2024.

Across the new itineraries, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, will call at 126 unique ports in 51 countries, with voyages ranging from two-night city breaks to a 108-night world voyage.

In 2024, Queen Victoria will embark on a 107-night World Voyage, departing Southampton on a full circumnavigation.  The ship will sail westbound to North America, including a transit of the Panama Canal, onwards to Australia, Asia, and returning to Europe via South Africa, visiting 32 unique destinations across her new voyages.

Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner, will begin her season with an Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing from New York, before setting off from Southampton on a 108-night World Voyage.  The liner will sail to the Mediterranean, Asia via the Suez Canal, Australia and returning to Europe via South Africa. 

Following a fly-cruise season in Barcelona, Queen Elizabeth will relocate to Singapore before starting her Australian residency with a 6-night voyage from Fremantle. She'll then embark on a series of short break and roundtrip voyages from Melbourne and Sydney, including a Christmas and New Year voyage to New Zealand, a 10-night exploration of Queensland, and a new 14-night voyage calling in the South Pacific.

"Announcing each new voyage program for Cunard is always exciting, but this year is even more so, as guests will be able to choose itineraries across four magnificent ships in the fleet for the first time since 1999," said Matt Gleaves, Vice President, Commercial, North America. "Each ship offers a unique experience with distinct itineraries: Queen Anne will be based out of Southampton, Queen Elizabeth out of Australia and Japan, and Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 will both sail world voyages, one with a full circumnavigation and one exploring the finest destinations across the Mediterranean, Asia, Australia and Africa. Our new voyages bring opportunities to explore all corners of the world in luxurious surroundings while enjoying our White Star Service as well as all the other special touches that make a trip with Cunard so special."

Itinerary Highlights: Welcome to The World 2023 & 2024 New Voyages

Full World Voyage (V404D)
This stunning 107-night World Voyage offers the perfect opportunity to see the four corners of the world. Destinations including San Francisco and Fiji plus overnights in Hong Kong and South Africa. Queen Victoria departs Southampton January 11, 2024. Inside staterooms from 18,499 per person.

Southampton to Sydney (M403B)
Blissful days at sea on board provide a relaxing balance between time ashore in Portugal, South Africa and Australia on this 47-night sailing that includes three overnight port calls. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton January 11, 2024. Inside staterooms from $7,999 per person.

Queensland (Q405)
The wondrous white sands of the Whitsunday Islands and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef are among the natural highlights of this 10-night voyage. Queen Elizabeth departs Sydney January 22, 2024. Inside staterooms from $1,999 per person.

Southern Islands (Q417)
The 10-night round trip voyage sailing from Tokyo will transports guests from neon-lit streets to historic shrines, stately castles and natural habitats, abundant with beauty. Queen Elizabeth departs Tokyo May 14, 2024. Inside staterooms from $2,299 per person.

From the bustle of vibrant cities, beauty of tropical shores to the wonder of historic treasures, the inspiring new itineraries from Cunard bring an ocean of opportunities to explore all corners of the world.

The 2023 and 2024 new voyages sailing on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth are available to book from May 24, 2022.

VALENCIA, Calif., April 26, 2022 - Luxury cruise line Cunard is so confident with guest demand for their Britannia Club staterooms on new ship Queen Anne, that they have increased their volume of this accommodations category by more than 200% versus other ships in the fleet.

The accommodations and dining on board Queen Anne offer upgraded levels of luxury, whatever type guests choose, from Britannia staterooms through to Princess and Queens Grill Suites.  Britannia Club, which is an experience unique to Cunard, offers exclusive benefits above those in the Britannia category, and is often considered a ‘taste’ of the Grills Suite experience on board.

Paris Based Sybille de Margerie, whose impressive portfolio includes the Mandarin Paris and Atlantis The Royal Residences in Dubai, was chosen to design several areas including the Britannia Club staterooms on Queen Anne.  Each of the 162 staterooms offers a balcony and attention to detail comes as standard, from the striking blue color palette, to the paper-cut frame artwork inspired by Cunard’s heritage, to the bespoke bedside lights to in-built USB ports.

Guests staying in Britannia Club will be able to dine in the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant, which is positioned at the heart of the ship next to the atmospheric Grand Lobby, boasting breathtaking panoramic sea views. Guests will have their own dedicated table, reserved exclusively for the duration of their voyage. They can dine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, at whichever time they choose, and will be attended to by Cunard’s renowned White Star Service trained crew.

Sture Myrmell, President, Carnival UK said: “With the design of Queen Anne, we have responded to increasing guest demand for our Britannia Club experience. Guests looking to make their experience on board even more special will now have more opportunity than ever to book one of these coveted staterooms.”

Myrmell, added: “For those looking for something very special, and a true private residence at sea, we guide guests towards the ultimate Cunard experience - a stay in the exclusive Princess and Queens Grill Suites. This experience is like on no other cruise line, allowing leisurely days spent on deck on the dedicated Grills Terrace, a butler for Queens Grill Suite residents and the finest dining options at sea. Whichever stateroom or suite a guest chooses on Queen Anne, they will be steeped in luxury.”

Queen Anne will set sail in early 2024, with her maiden season program available to book from May 2022.

For more information on Queen Anne visit www.cunard.com/queen-anne.

VALENCIA, Calif., April 7, 2022 - Luxury cruise line Cunard announced today that the company will once again partner with Julien's Auctions, the world-record breaking auction house to the stars, on an exhibition preview of the Property from the life and career of Betty White. White passed away on December 31, 2021 at the age of 99 years old in Los Angeles.

During the August 5^th Transatlantic Crossing aboard flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy a sneak-peek preview of the auction's highlights, and have the special opportunity to bid on select items prior to the official three-day auction event on Friday, September 23^rd, Saturday, September 24^th and Sunday, September 25^th, 2022 at Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills and online on juliensauctions.com.

The auction and exhibition will be an exclusive presentation and celebration of the legendary actress and cultural icon's extraordinary life and eight decade spanning career.

On offer is an exclusive collection of over 1,500 lots featuring the Hollywood icon's awards, scripts, wardrobe and memorabilia from her iconic television shows and films, as well as furnishings, artwork, fine jewelry, household and personal items from her beloved homes in Brentwood and Carmel, California.

"We are delighted to once again collaborate on a Transatlantic Crossing with our longtime partner, Julien's Auctions, and privileged to bring our guests such a special enrichment opportunity," said Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales for Cunard North America. "Betty White epitomized warmth, grace and class, and we know our guests will be keen to learn more about the illustrious life of this beloved icon."

During the seven-night Transatlantic Crossing, guests will enjoy:

• A daily, rotating exhibit of the Property from the Estate of Betty White Collection
• Q&A with Darren Julien, President/CEO of Julien's Auctions and Martin Nolan, Executive Director of Julien's Auctions

"Betty White was a beloved national treasure and a cross generational icon who made us laugh for eighty years with her illustrious work on film, radio and television classics such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls," said Darren Julien, President/CEO of Julien's Auctions. "We are honored to work with her Estate in this exclusive presentation of these precious artifacts and personal mementos from her storied life and career which will be offered for the first time at auction to the public, museum curators and her legions of fans worldwide."

American actress, comedian, television pioneer, producer, animal advocate and author, Betty White was one of the most beloved entertainers of the 20th and 21st centuries.  Among her voluminous career achievements, she became the first woman to produce a sitcom, Life with Elizabeth, in which she also starred.  With her company Bandy Productions, she became one of the rare women with power in Hollywood during the early days of television. She starred in two iconic television series,' the Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Golden Girls, winning Emmy^® Awards for both. White's superstardom and career surged and gained even more momentum in her later years when she starred in the film The Proposal with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds and in the TV series Hot in Cleveland.

At the age of 88, White's ubiquitous celebrity presence and persona on social media, film and television made her an even bigger pop culture icon, as she became the subject of a viral fan-based Facebook campaign to host Saturday Night Live where her appearance on May 8, 2010 (as the oldest person to ever host SNL) garnered 12 million viewers and her fifth career Emmy award win. She also appeared in a Snickers Super Bowl commercial, guest appeared in My Name Is Earl, 30 Rock, Community, The Middle, and received more Emmy^® nominations as the host of the reality show Off Their Rockers.

A lifelong animal lover and advocate, White would often quip that she "had to do her show business to keep up with her animal business."  Her work to raise awareness and funds for animal wellness included involvement with both the LA Zoo and Morris Animal Foundation as a board member and trustee, along with participation in several other charities around the world. 

She was also the author of several books including her 2010 memoir Here We Go Again: My Life in Television; the 2011 New York Times bestseller If You Ask Me: (And Of Course You Won't); Betty & Friends: My Life at the Zoo; Betty White in Person and Together: A Shared Vision and The Leading Lady: Dinah's Story, both co-written with Tom Sullivan, and more.

Highlights of Betty White's collection include (with estimates):

• White's original director chair from The Golden Girls set ($1,000-$2,000)
• The Golden Girls pilot first draft script, read by White when considering taking the part of Rose ($1,000-$2,000)
• A large number of production-used scripts for The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girls, and Hot in Cleveland, some with annotations by White ($500-$700 each lot)
• An envelope from the 1976 Primetime Emmy^® Awards, announcing the nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and the winner, Betty White on The Mary Tyler Moore Show ($400-$600)
• Cherished items from White's marriage to her beloved third husband Allen Lunden will be featured such as White's gold leaf design with brilliant diamond set wedding band and a gold leaf design wedding band, worn by Allen Ludden, engraved on the interior: "6-14-63 I really do," in reference to their wedding June 14, 1963 at the Las Vegas, Nevada Convention Center (each lot $600-$800)
• A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels gold flower brooch with brilliant diamond and blue sapphire details, seen in photographs of White wearing on multiple occasions ($14,000–$16,000)
• An orange needlepoint director's chair decorated with owls and reading "Allen" on the seat back made by White for her husband.
• White's fine jewelry and showstopping gowns worn to her many awards shows and publicity appearances
• White's furnishings, home décor, artwork and items from her longtime Brentwood and Carmel homes

VALENCIA, Calif., March 10, 2022 - Echoing the travel industry's excitement at the news that the Canadian authorities are once again welcoming cruise ships, Cunard is eager to call on Vancouver and the spectacular region of Alaska this summer and beyond. 

Cunard returned to Alaska in 2019 to much fanfare and excitement, and now looks ahead with great enthusiasm to their 2022 summer Alaska season on Queen Elizabeth. The ship will again sail through the storied waters and landscapes of the Last Frontier, featuring the blue hues of the immense Hubbard Glacier, and Glacier Bay National Park – where visitors are awed by some of the world's most spectacular tidewater glaciers.

The ship will sail a coastal transit from Los Angeles to Vancouver on May 30, and begin sailing in Alaska on June 5, offering seven and 10-day voyages through July. At the conclusion of the season in late July, Queen Elizabeth will sail down the west coast, providing guests the option to join the ship in San Francisco and in Los Angeles, as the ship journeys onward through the Panama Canal to cap off her Alaska voyages this year. Queen Elizabeth sails in Alaska again in 2023 with an expanded series of itineraries.

"Amidst the myriad choices, Cunard's signature voyage offering, in tandem with the wild frontier of Alaska, is uniquely captivating and distinctive in many ways," says Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales, Cunard North America. "Guests enjoy the line's hallmark experiences and amenities in a large ship environment but with fewer guests on ships of her size. And this year we are excited to debut our new 'Ice White Ball' with 'Taste of Alaska' Gala dining menu."

Guests will also enjoy world class enrichment programs including acclaimed adventurers Kenton Cool, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Felicity Aston and Peter Hillary; renowned Princess and Queens Grill Suite accommodations and dining; signature White Star Service; more time in port, and the ability to call on smaller regional destinations such as Sitka and Haines.

Guests can choose from a variety of itineraries and book reduced fares on an Alaska voyage through Cunard's "Sailing Soon Savings" offer: https://www.cunard.com/en-us/cruise-deals/sailing-soon-savings. Balcony accommodations on seven-night Alaska voyages in 2022 start from $899 per person; 2023, sailings are also available.

As always, Cunard will carry on adapting protocols to best protect everyone onboard, and meet all requirements of visited destinations, including vaccine and testing policies.

VALENCIA, Calif., March 9, 2022 - Following the eagerly anticipated name reveal of Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne on February 8^th, the luxury brand now introduces her first Captain, Inger Klein Thorhauge. Thorhauge will lead the team responsible for on board operations and take charge for the new Queen's maiden season.

Thorhauge, Cunard's first female Captain, celebrates 25 years of service this year with the company and will sail Queen Anne from Italy, where she is currently being built, to Southampton ahead of her inaugural sailing in early 2024.

Thorhauge, who became Captain of Queen Victoria in 2010, started her career in 1997 as Second Officer on board Cunard's Vistafjord. Originally from the Faroe Islands, her career with the company has seen her travel the world many times over as captain of Queen Victoria and more recently Queen Elizabeth.

"I am very proud to be Cunard's first female captain, but to be named as the first captain of Queen Anne is the greatest honor. It means the absolute world to me to be a part of the next chapter of Cunard," Thorhauge comments. "I can't wait to see the reaction Queen Anne will receive from our guests when they first step on board, then to set sail and showcase our beautiful new ship to the world, visiting wonderful, and exciting ports! I can only begin to imagine the reception she will receive. When I discuss Queen Anne with Cunard crew it is so clear how excited and proud they are too, to welcome a new ship to the fleet. The crew are fundamental in delivering that quintessential Cunard experience, and I know they will continue to deliver the exceptionally high standards of our White Star Service on Queen Anne that our guests expect from us."

Sharing captain duties will be David Hudson who started his career with Cunard in 2006.

Itineraries for Queen Anne will be revealed in May 2022. Further news about Queen Anne's senior leadership team will be revealed over the coming months.

VALENCIA, Calif., March 9, 2022 -  Following the eagerly anticipated name reveal of Queen Anne on February 8^th, Cunard now proudly introduces exciting details of the design. Queen Anne has been created with an extraordinary new vision, taking some of the finest talent of our time to write a striking new chapter in Cunard's a story inspired by the brand's remarkable past.

Designers David Collins Studio, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie, working with the Creative Director Adam D. Tihany, are collaborating to create an extraordinary and thoughtful, modern approach to the venues, suites and décor design. The talents' portfolios include luxury hotels, spas, restaurants and bars, as well as high end yachts, and private grand residences. For the first time David Collins Studio and Sybille de Margerie are taking their land based expertise to the ship experience.

The principle concept was founded on heritage, craftsmanship, storytelling, style and innovation. These five pillars ultimately became the design DNA for the ship, and accordingly, the engine of inspiration for the designers, working together in unison. Adam D. Tihany, Creative Director for Cunard, underscored how these five values would interplay: "Just the way a world-renowned orchestra delivers a feeling, or takes you to a moment or an era, Queen Anne's aesthetic would do the same in harkening Cunard's gilded age, but through the bold, onward lens of modernity."

The design teams tapped into the Cunard Archives, held at the University of Liverpool, sourcing a rich trove of historical documents and details on layout, materials, fabrics, patterns and textures. No stone was left unturned, from iconic poster advertisements, brochure covers and plans of grand spaces of Cunard's early deco inspired ships, to deliver a ship concept that rivals the finest in hospitality experienced on shore. Adam D. Tihany explains he crystallized the vision as an "enchanting bridge from Cunard's storied history to the future."

Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio says of the design brief, "I was daunted by the scale, and multitude of venues to begin with, but as we started to unravel the journey, craft the experiences, and hone the vision, it all became clear. We wanted to create something nostalgic yet contemporary, relaxed yet glamorous, new and exciting – all within the constraints of a ship." Sybille de Margerie says, "We based the design on a sense of wonder, like a matchmaker at sea that introduces the past to its most alluring future."

"We worked very closely with the Cunard ship building team during the design process to gather as much knowledge as possible and also referred back to our extensive hospitality experience, where longevity and practicality are as important as the look and feel," explains Lewis Taylor, Design Director at David Collins Studio on the process. "We have added layers of architectural details and design codes that refer back to Cunard's history and that add a touch of whimsy and British eccentricity to the experiences. These architectural design elements along with the exquisite level of service on board, will make the new vessel truly unique."

The design DNA was first brought to life through the iconic Cunard Queens Grand Suites. The Queens Grill Grand Suites offer guests their own private residences on board and deliver a new level of exclusivity, with each finish carefully curated in every room. Designed by David Collins Studio, they represent the epitome of luxury accommodations at sea with a dedicated dining room and adjacent butler's pantry, walk-in wardrobes, marble finished bathrooms with views out to sea, a spacious bedroom and the largest balconies onboard. The Princess Grill Suites, designed by Sybille de Margerie, are warm, inviting and surrounded in the softest materials and delicate textures for an intimate experience featuring a bespoke dressing table and bar area with pattern wall panel inspired by the flowing lines of Cunard's past liners, sculpted ceiling panels and grand saloon carpets by textile designer, Corinne Hughes. While the Britannia balcony staterooms provide cozy sofa seating areas looking out to sea, and light, bright bathrooms with glass walk-in showers for a more relaxed, luxury experience.

A focal point for guests and the heart of the ship, the Grand Lobby, was designed to provide a show-stopping entrance, full of energy and light. Marking the transition from past to present, the area houses a contemporary metal mural sculpture that changes throughout the day by the lighting effect integrated within with an art deco leaning in homage to the 'Golden Age' of travel. The narrative is also keenly brought into play through the elevated entertainment spaces such as the vivid reimaging of the flagship Royal Court Theatre. The two-deck 825 seat space, designed by Richmond International, is inspired by the great sound halls of the world. All seating is of the utmost comfort and adorned in rich velvet providing each guest with a perfect view of the stage, where they may enjoy a wide variety of entertainment throughout the day and night. 

Each of the fifteen restaurants on board Queen Anne are distinctive where guests will enjoy a wide variety of cuisines from around the world. This is vividly reflected in the décor - from the strikingly grand Britannia Restaurant to the newly refined Golden Lion pub. A first in Cunard's fleet, Queen Anne will also exclusively reveal a new wellness and beauty concept never seen before on a Cunard vessel featuring the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa suite facilities with a contemporary, open and airy aesthetic.

Another vital aspect to the overall blueprint is the color palette which has been individually curated for every space to create a unique ambience in every setting. Bold new colors elevate the signature spaces and Queens Grill Suites, deep blues with flashes of golden yellow in the Britannia Staterooms have been chosen to reflect the sea and shimmer of sunlight and deep rich tones of red, amber and gold heighten the luxurious lounge feel of the Princess Grill Suites. For the Princess and Queens Grill restaurants, bright colors were chosen with elements of gold, to reinforce the luxurious but refined overall design aesthetic on board.  Simon Rawlings adds, "Anything tricky can date, anything too predictable can be tiresome and replicated, so keeping things fresh, unique and bold ensures the designs are timeless, and meet or exceed guest expectations. "

Another first for Cunard, the updated exterior of the ship will proudly sport the famous red funnel but also will debut a refined updated  livery, with a finessed design of the iconic crest and introduction of an elegant new font inspired by the grand ocean liners of the past, to confidently present the name Queen Anne on the forward bow.

Every Cunard ship is set to the highest interior design standard and Queen Anne epitomizes this approach. Lee Powell, Cunard Brand Vice President adds, "We've worked with world leading interior designers and fresh creative talent; we've discussed and tested our ideas with guests from around the world; and we've delved deep into the Cunard Archives to make sure we can truly celebrate what makes Cunard so unique."

Queen Anne will set sail in early 2024, with her maiden season programme available to book from May 2022.

VALENCIA, Calif., February 8, 2022 - Cunard - pioneers of luxury ocean travel, is delighted to announce the name of the new ship joining a world-renowned fleet, Queen Anne. Queen Anne will be Cunard’s 249^th ship and will make up a remarkable quartet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. This will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships at sea.

The name ‘Queen Anne’ celebrates Cunard’s rich heritage, royal history and refined status - joining a luxury contemporary fleet now honoring the names of each Queen Regnant over the last millennium.

The Cunard team explored multiple naming options and inspired by Queen Anne’s reign, engaged with British historian, author and television presenter, Kate Williams, to assist in the detailed research. Kate says, ‘It is so exciting that the fourth ship of the fleet will be named after Queen Anne. She has a fascinating tale to tell – one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts. She was an inspiring woman, wildly popular with her people. She should be celebrated. This new ship in the Cunard fleet is the perfect way to do it!’

Queen Anne will feature reimagined Cunard signature spaces as well as the introduction of new guest experiences within dining, culture and entertainment, for an unparalleled cruise experience underpinned by outstanding White Star Service. Bridging tradition and contemporary luxury, Queen Anne celebrates the influential design styles of both past and present and introduces an updated Cunard livery. World renowned designers have joined forces to create an extraordinary and thoughtful standard-setting design - inspiring a new way to travel on sea. The décor will reveal bold color tones and showcase a striking aesthetic, while in keeping with the renowned timeless Cunard sophistication.

Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell comments, ‘I am absolutely delighted to welcome Queen Anne, the fourth ship to Cunard’s fleet. This marks a very special moment in Cunard’s 182-year history and showcases Cunard’s exciting global plans for the future, allowing even more guests around the world to set sail with Cunard. With design inspired by the past and set for the future, Queen Anne is the perfect way for our guests to rediscover the joy of exploration and travel again. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months.’

Queen Anne’s maiden season program will go on sale in May, with the ship’s first sailings in early 2024. More in-depth details are to be shared shortly.

VALENCIA, Calif., February  2, 2022 -- Cunard announces the return of the extraordinary Literature Festival at Sea, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival aboard flagship Queen Mary 2 in 2022, featuring a line-up of some of the world's finest talent, including Bernardine Evaristo, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, Mary Beard and Richard Osman.

The seven-night Transatlantic crossing, which departs New York for Southampton on December 3, 2022 will include a plethora of workshops, talks and readings as Queen Mary 2 sails across the Atlantic.

Guests will hear from award-winning authors about their life and work, go behind the headlines with The Times journalists and have the opportunity to improve their writing skills in workshops led by literary experts.

English scholar and one of Britain's best-known Classicists, Mary Beard, said, "I am beyond excited to travel, speak and engage with guests on a literary festival on the high seas. I am sure there will be plenty of wonderful distractions, but the pleasures of being literally away from it all with a chance to discuss bookish things…what could be better?"

Award-winning British writer, journalist and broadcaster, Damian Barr, who featured on the 2019 Literature Festival at Sea, and will return in 2022, said, "Books are a world away from the one we're all in—a portal to other places, an escape.  This unique floating literature festival adds another dimension to that feeling of freedom we get when we're lost in a good book.  Away from the world and all its concerns, I find that I think more deeply and have richer conversations with fellow writers and chance chats with passengers along the way. I am most looking forward to returning to this Literature Festival at Sea."

The seven-night Transatlantic Crossing is priced from $1,039 per person.

"Cunard is delighted to once again host a dazzling line-up of acclaimed literary talent who will headline our 2022 Literature Festival at sea," said Jamie Paiko, vice president, Cunard North America. "Our guests will truly relish this second-to-none ocean travel experience as they sail with these renowned authors amidst the elegance and style of our flagship, Queen Mary 2."

VALENCIA, Calif., January 18, 2022 -- Luxury cruise brand Cunard unveils over 150 new international voyages, sailing on its three Queens between April 23 and December 15, 2023

Across the new itineraries, the iconic fleet of Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will call at 120 unique ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration.

Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner, will sail a program of 18 Transatlantic Crossings, with departures from both Southampton and New York.  In addition, a Mediterranean season from Barcelona, a series of 10-night roundtrips in Alaska, an Independence Day sailing calling in Boston, a 16-night Baltics voyage with an overnight call in St Petersburg, and a 14-night Canada and New England voyage offering three full days in Quebec are just some of the highlights.

"We're excited to share our 2023 voyage program, with which our guests can rediscover the joy of exploration, visiting long-dreamed of destinations," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard, North America. "Our signature ocean travel experience and White Star Service provide the perfect setting to escape, unwind and feel special."

Key Itineraries of The World Awaits Voyage Program include:

Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada (M329H)
Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, you'll travel to New York via Transatlantic Crossing, before embarking on an exploration of New England and Canada that includes three days in Quebec. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton September 22, 2023. Inside staterooms from $5,199 per person.

Alaska (Q320)
Guests will be charmed by Ketchikan's colourful totem poles, as they keep a watchful eye for humpback whales, and absorb the splendour of skyscraper-tall glaciers, on a voyage to Alaska's icy fjords. Queen Elizabeth departs Vancouver June 8, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,899 per person.

Mediterranean Highlights (M316)
Pisa's UNESCO World Heritage listed leaning tower, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and Gaudi's architectural legacy, the Sagrada Familia, are all within reach on this 14-night voyage sailing from Southampton. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton June 9, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,999 per person.

Western Mediterranean (Q330B)
The sparking azure waters of the French Riviera, Pisa's UNESCO-listed leaning tower and Ibiza's captivating old town, Dalt Vila, await discovery on this 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. Queen Elizabeth departs Barcelona September 25, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,299 per person.

The Canary Islands (V312)
The volcanic terrain of Tenerife's Teide National Park and Sintra's Moorish palaces (tours from Lisbon) are among the UNESCO World Heritage sites awaiting discovery on this 12-night voyage of Spain and Portugal. Queen Victoria departs Southampton April 27, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,899 per person.

North Cape Discovery (V315)
Immerse in a land of forest and water, where ancient wooden houses decorate the streets, waterfalls spill from verdant gullies, and soaring mountains reflect in mirror-like fjords. Queen Victoria departs Southampton June 6, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,499 per person.

Whether seeking the tropical warmth of sandy beaches, the unparalleled beauty of icy frontiers, or the allure of cities steeped in history, the world awaits with Cunard.

The World Awaits 2023 New Voyages are available to book for past guests on February 1 and are on general sale from February 2, 2022.

VALENCIA, Calif., January 12, 2022  -- Cunard will be taking Shakespeare and new work to the high seas in 2022, as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage. 

Available exclusively on board flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances by the RSC, which creates captivating theatre by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and other literary legends past and present. The performances will be available for all guests on board, including a unique blend of Shakespeare's iconic love scenes in a brand new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley.

Guests will also have the opportunity to see critically acclaimed new work from the RSC with Miss Littlewood: a musical by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre's most playful and radical figures, making its transatlantic debut.

For those interested in learning what it takes to be an RSC actor, the on board cast will be leading a series of workshops that explore their craft. Guests will also be able to access "Shakespeare Tales," intimate, informal events where the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience.

"What a thrill to welcome the Royal Shakespeare Company to Cunard! Our Transatlantic voyages are known to feature dazzling onboard experiences, and our new partnership with the RSC continues, and elevates this tradition," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard, North America. "To offer our guests unique access to exclusive contemporary performances and of Shakespeare's finest work is something special, an unforgettable experience that our guests will fully immerse themselves in."

Erica Whyman, RSC Acting Artistic Director, said: "We are thrilled to be working with Cunard to bring our performances to the guests of Queen Mary 2 together with unique opportunities to get close to working theatre artists and learn more about our house playwright.  The RSC ignites imaginations and expands horizons, and Shakespeare's plays allow us to imagine new and remarkable worlds, so this partnership has a perfect synergy.  Boundless as the Sea, which is what Juliet calls her love for Romeo, will be a heartwarming taster of all the ways Shakespeare explores love and romance, and we are also very pleased to be presenting a version of the joyous, quirky and toe-tapping Miss Littlewood. This is an exciting new venture for us, and we look forward very much to meeting new audiences on board."

In addition, Queen Mary 2 will host a touring exhibition, "Digital Diorama: An Augmented Journey Through Shakespeare's Stratford." Guests will use devices to experience scenes from his plays come to life before their eyes. Some of the RSC's most popular productions in recent years including Hamlet, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like it will also be screened in Cunard's on board cinema, Illuminations.

The three year partnership will begin on May 29 until August 12, 2022 and then again from September 15 to November 13, 2022, and will offer this bespoke programme exclusively to Cunard guests on Queen Mary 2 throughout these two periods. Guests will experience either Boundless as the Sea or Miss Littlewood on each featured voyage. Dates for future years to be announced at a later date.

VALENCIA, Calif., December 1, 2021 - Luxury cruise line Cunard and Orange County's acclaimed Pacific Symphony are embarking on a new partnership, with Cunard's exclusive sponsorship of the organization's premier Box Circle Club. 

As the official cruise line of the Pacific Symphony, Cunard's support will enhance the organization's mission to engage, inspire and serve Orange County through exceptional music performances, education and community programming. Just as the Pacific Symphony's vision is to lead a classical music renaissance in the community through creativity and innovation, Cunard's credo mirrors those core values by providing an elegant and distinctive ocean travel experience featuring the line's renowned White Star Service, and providing guests unique special event opportunities.

Founded in 1978, Pacific Symphony began as a collaboration between California State University, Fullerton, and North Orange County community leaders led by Marcy Mulville. The Symphony has now been led by Music Director Carl St.Clair for over 30 years and has been the resident orchestra at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall for 15 years. Currently in its 43^rd season, the Symphony is the largest orchestra formed in the U.S. in the last 50 years and is recognized as a Tier 1 orchestra making strides on both the national and international scene. In April 2018, Pacific Symphony made its Carnegie Hall debut as one of two orchestras invited to perform during a celebration of composer Philip Glass' 80^th Birthday.

Cunard has long supported and been passionate about classical music, featuring musical ensembles each year on flagship Queen Mary 2. Most notably is the much-anticipated, annual performances of Sir Anthony Inglis and the UK's National Symphony Orchestra.

The partnership with Pacific Symphony provides Cunard a rare opportunity for west coast cruise and classical music enthusiasts to learn more about the line's sailings in the region, as Cunard increases the fleet's presence in North America; Queen Elizabeth will be sailing north through Los Angeles en route to Alaska in late May, followed by her second Alaska season commencing in early June 2022.

"We are elated to partner with the Pacific Symphony, a beloved, cultural gem in Orange County," said Jamie Paiko, Vice President, Sales, Cunard North America. "Our guests are passionate about classical music and we hope to have the future opportunity of bringing the Symphony on board a voyage for everyone to enjoy. We are eager to introduce Pacific Symphony and their patrons to Cunard's signature voyages, and are excited to support such an important organization in Southern California."

"Pacific Symphony is delighted to welcome Cunard as the exclusive sponsor of our Box Circle Club, and we are gratified that they have joined us as the Symphony official cruise line. Cunard's guests and Pacific Symphony's audiences share much in common in their love for the very finest in art, culture, and world-class experiences," said John Forsyte, President & CEO, Pacific Symphony.

Cunard and Pacific Symphony are evolving their partnership and look forward to announcing developments in the New Year.

VALENCIA, Calif., November 11, 2021 - In partnership with The Greatest GENERATIONS Foundation, Cunard will again pay tribute to the heroes of World War II, featuring several esteemed veterans on the fourth such powerful enrichment program on board a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing. This special voyage will depart New York and sail to Southampton, England, June 5 to 12, 2022.

On this 7-night voyage, guests will have the opportunity to attend lectures and interact with several WWII veterans, hearing first-hand about their experiences during the war. From the “Battle of the Atlantic,” and the DDAY landings in Normandy, to the last living survivor of Pearl Harbor, these distinguished war heroes will engage in discussions and Q&A’s, giving guests a very personal glimpse into the human elements of wartime service.

A special new feature on this Crossing will be the inclusion of veterans from the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars.

“We are honored to continue our relationship with The Greatest Generations Foundation, and to pay tribute to these esteemed veterans and their wartime service. Ever since we first introduced this very special program in 2017, guests have been riveted by their very moving and personal narratives, resulting in standing ovations every day,” said Jamie Paiko, vice president, Sales, Cunard North America.  “We are both humbled and thrilled to welcome back some returning WWII veterans to our flagship, and to meet some veterans new to the Cunard experience.”

Participating veterans scheduled to be on board will include:^

• STEVE MELNIKOFF, 102, who experienced the full horrors of Omaha Beach, when he served in 1^st Battalion, 175^th Regiment of the 29^th Infantry Division and who earned three Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts for his service.
• MICKEY GANITCH, 102, who served as a Senior Chief Quartermaster in the United States Navy and witnessed Pearl Harbor.and went on the fight in 17 battles throughout the Pacific.
• HAROLD ANGLE, 98, who served in the 112th Infantry Regiment, 28th Infantry Division, and who marched down the Champs-Elysées on August 29, 1944, in the Liberation of Paris.
• JAMES BLANE, 98, Corporal of the 4^th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps and served in the battles of Kwajalein (Roi-Namur), Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima.
• HAROLD RADISH, 97, served with the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 90th Infantry Division, as a combat intelligence observer. During the battle of the BULGE, RADISH, a Jewish-American, was captured by the Germans and served the rest of the war as a prisoner of war in Nazi Germany.
• IRVING LOCKER, 97, remembers in vivid detail the brutally cold winter of 1944-45 when he was a 19-year-old staff sergeant with the 116th AAA Gun Battalion of the 1st Army's 7th Corps. They fired 90mm anti-aircraft, anti-tank guns at the Germans in Hitler's last desperate effort to avert inevitable defeat in the European Theater of WWII. 
• ROBERT FISHER, 88, is a 1955 Naval Academy graduate and career Marine Corps officer who retired in 1982. At that time, he also studied four guerrilla wars in Southeast Asia and obtained the Malaya Jungle School Syllabus at Johore Bahru and went on to train 20,000 Marines, Navy Seals, Sea-Bees, and Army Special Forces Teams for Vietnam.
• RICHARD PRINCE, 76, was assigned to Delta Company, 1st Battalion 5th Marines and assaulted the Dong Ba Tower in Hue. Pictures of his bravery were featured in Time Magazine and on the cover of Stars & Stripes Magazine during the war. He was severely wounded in the neck and medevac’d out of Vietnam to the United States during this action.
• JESSE “BUD” ALLEY, 80, served two years active duty; a complete twelve-month tour in Vietnam with the First Cavalry Division (Airmobile)-August 1965-August 1966. His award-winning book The Ghosts of the Green Grass documents his experience in the Vietnam War.
• KEVIN BREWINGTON, 38, served with the U.S. Army and was two months into his Afghanistan deployment as an infantryman with the 125th Special Brigade Combat Team when he stepped on a landmine. He woke up four days later in a hospital in Germany. BREWINGTON lost both his legs and part of his right arm in the blast and has spent seven years recovering and rebuilding his life.

Q&A’s and other discussions with the World War II veterans will cover topics including:

• The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
• D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944
• The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge, 1944
• Blood Sand: The Battle for Iwo Jima, 1945
• Vietnam War: The Forgotten Generation
• Afghanistan: The Forever War

Jeremy Hubbard, current co-anchor of FOX31 Denver News will join the voyage and act as a moderator of the panels and lectures. Prior to joining the FOX31 Denver News team, Hubbard, a native of western Colorado, worked as a New York-based correspondent for ABC News where he contributed and reported for all ABC News broadcasts including: Good Morning America, World News with Dianne Sawyer and Nightline.

VALENCIA, CA - July 14, 2021 – Cunard enthusiasts will return to what they love with the line’s “Grand Escape Voyages,” commencing in October. Cruise vacations range from two to 40-nights, offering guests the chance to enjoy over 40 new 2021 and 2022 voyages, visiting 49 destinations, sailing on board flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. Guests will revel in the unparalleled Transatlantic Crossing, and then head to the Caribbean, with guests enjoying the flexibility of embarking from either New York, Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg or Southampton. Queen Elizabeth will explore Western Europe, the Atlantic Coast and Asia, while Queen Victoria will sail in Europe and the Baltics.

The Cunard fleet will also spend several overnight port calls in destinations including Amsterdam, Lisbon, Hong Kong, Madeira, Dubai and Barbados, offering more time to explore ashore, while on board brings sparkling entertainment, exquisite fine dining and the luxury of doing whatever one pleases.

“We are thrilled to announce our new ‘Grand Escapes Voyages,’ as we celebrate Cunard’s full return to sailing,” said Jamie Paiko, Vice President of Sales, Cunard North America. “These new itineraries will not disappoint our dedicated guests who have eagerly been waiting for the opportunity to sail on their favorite ship. They will once again enjoy our distinctive ocean travel experience, hallmarked by new voyage options and our impeccable White Star Service,” Paiko added.

Queen Mary 2

Welcomed wherever she sails, flagship Queen Mary 2’s style, elegance and freedom of space are legendary. Fresh, light-filled public venues lend the ship an invigorating and

airy feel, while contemporary art deco details offer a nod to Cunard’s prestigious maritime past. On her signature Transatlantic Crossing, guests even have the coveted option of bringing along their four-legged friends.

Queen Mary 2 will treat guests to time on both sides of the Atlantic with her “Grand Escape Voyages,” calling at 15 ports in 14 countries. Embarking on 29 new itineraries, she’ll complement a series of Transatlantic Crossings with brief cruises in Western Europe and will spend time in the Caribbean, sailing roundtrip from New York, Fort Lauderdale, Hamburg or Southampton.

Queen Mary 2’s Caribbean itineraries appeal to travelers who have been dreaming of a vacation that is both tranquil and intriguing. Guests will bask in the region’s turquoise waters and white sands, and explore the many sites including bridge-linked canals through ancient streets steeped in history; storied military architecture in Basseterre; hot springs and volcanoes in Castries; and natural harbors in Curacao. Overnight calls in Bridgetown, Barbados, time ashore in St. Maarten and Dominica, coupled with the delights of St. Lucia and St. Kitts all await. Fares for a Caribbean 14-night voyage start from $1,499.

Queen Elizabeth

Spacious decks offering a true sense of freedom, days filled with possibilities, and evenings where the night is always young, Queen Elizabeth’s world is always vibrant and inviting.

Fresh from a summer exploring Britain’s coastline, Queen Elizabeth’s “Grand Escape Voyages” season will include visits to 41 ports in 21 countries. She will begin in Western Europe before sailing to the Iberian Coast for a series of voyages exploring Spain and the Atlantic Islands. Queen Elizabeth will treat guests to itineraries with overnight port stays in Lisbon and Madeira as well as late departures from Malaga, offering time to experience these destinations after dark. She’ll then undertake voyages between London, Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai, including a transit of the Suez Canal and calls to Sri Lanka and Malaysia. Guests will visit colorful bazaars heady with aromatic spices, be captivated by ancient Moorish castles and stretch out on beaches in the dappled shade of palm trees. Fares for the 32-night Southampton to Singapore voyage start from $5,599.

Queen Victoria

A guest favorite, Queen Victoria’s refined style enchant all who step on board. Guests relish discovering new cocktail blends in the Gin & Fizz bar, radiate in the light-infused Winter Garden, and reinvigorate the senses in the ship’s Mareel Wellness and Beauty Spa.

Commencing her Grand Escape Voyages in April 2022, Queen Victoria will mark her official return to sailing with three new itineraries, coupling two Western Europe short breaks with a 16-night exploration of the Baltics. Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, she’ll visit 11 countries, treating guests to time ashore in Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallinn and Gdynia, together with overnight calls in Amsterdam, Lisbon and St Petersburg. Wander atmospheric canals and ancient medieval streets, retrace the past in historic palaces, and explore forward-thinking cities at the cutting edge of innovation. Fares for the 16-night Baltic voyage start from $3299.

Cunard Double Upgrade

Guests who book a “Grand Escape Voyage” by September 30, 2021 on voyages six to 52 nights will receive the Cunard Double Upgrade from Inside to Balcony, Free Onboard Credit up to $600 per stateroom, Hotel and Dining Service Charge included, Reduced Deposit, and Grill Suite guests will also enjoy Free Drinks and Free Internet.

VALENCIA, Calif. (June 16, 2021) Cunard resumes operations from July 19, 2021 as Queen Elizabeth welcomes guests on board for a series of UK voyages from Southampton, England; and beginning October 13, 2021, sailing internationally with new voyages including to the Iberian coast and the Canary Islands. Queen Elizabeth will then leave the UK in mid-February to resume her previously scheduled season in Japan from April 13, 2022.

Queen Mary 2 will resume sailing with a Transatlantic Crossing on November 14, 2021 as per her existing schedule, and will now sail on a series of voyages around the Caribbean between January and April 2022, with embarkation options from Southampton, New York and Hamburg before resuming her existing published schedule on April 24, 2022.

Queen Victoria will embark on three new voyages departing from Southampton from April 22, 2022 which includes Western Europe, the Baltics and the Iberian Coast before resuming her existing published schedule on May 20, 2022.

"On July 19 Queen Elizabeth's crew and I will be welcoming guests on board as at long last we start our return to sailing," said Simon Palethorpe, president of Cunard. "This will be a momentous day for Cunard as after a long pause we finally get back to doing what we love doing, hosting guests for fantastic vacations. To say we cannot wait would be an understatement!"

"Sadly, the path for a return to sailing across international waters is less clear and we are extremely sorry for the huge disappointment cancellations will cause for all guests who have been affected. Unfortunately, there are simply too many international ports of call affected by the ongoing complexities of COVID-19, which has sadly led to this decision." 

"We're really excited about the new itineraries mentioned, such as Queen Mary 2's sailings around the Caribbean, and hopefully these will appeal to those looking for some much needed winter sun and those looking for adventure later this year and in 2022."

Due to the ongoing complexities of navigating global travel, Cunard has today announced that they will be cancelling the following voyages:

Queen Elizabeth's sailings from the UK to Australia and her homeport season in Australia from October 18, 2021 up to and including March 9, 2022. 

World Voyages on Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria in 2022 are now cancelled.

Queen Victoria's sailings from September 10, 2021 up to and including April 29, 2022 are now cancelled.  

However, five of Queen Victoria's sailings will transfer onto identical voyages on sister ship Queen Elizabeth. These voyages are V126, V128, V129, V130 and V201.

All guests whose cruises have been cancelled will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125% of the standard deposit terms, and 100% of any additional monies paid.

Alternatively, 100% refund is available through completing the form on www.cunard.com

All new itineraries mentioned above will go on sale in July.

VALENCIA, Calif. (April 20, 2021) Luxury cruise line Cunard announced today its 2022 line-up of Event Voyages, offering a rich and compelling variety of themes on board flagship liner Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth. Welcoming back guest favorites including the Literature Festival at Sea in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times; and much-loved Anthony Inglis and the UK National Symphony of Orchestra, Cunard also introduces the line's first Art & Design Week, and Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of British. Also joining the roster is the highly anticipated London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards.

Guests will enjoy an opportunity to meet and mingle with renowned authors, West End theatre stars, wax nostalgic with one the world's top Beatles tribute bands, and learn insider views and latest trends with the line's new Art & Design Week.

Every journey offers the opportunity to delve deeper into an existing passion or discover something new, with an enriching program of interactive workshops, masterclasses, performances, and thought provoking speakers and discussions with fellow guests, truly there is something for everyone on board.

"Cunard is excited to again offer an incredible array of Event Voyages in 2022, which have become an eagerly anticipated hallmark of Cunard's on board experience," said Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales for Cunard North America. "From art and literature to music and design, our guests enjoy the luxury of time to more deeply delve into their passions, and appreciate the opportunity to meet notable luminaries form all over the world. Anticipation is high for the return of Event Voyage favorites, as well as those new to Cunard, and ones we hope will be equally revered in the future," Paiko added. 

Here's a taster of what to expect:

15-22 May 2022, Queen Mary 2: London Theatre at Sea, with the Olivier Awards: This eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, created in partnership with Society of London Theatre, will showcase Olivier award-winning talent, both on and off the stage. This Event Voyage will feature spectacular performances and an illustrious line-up of guests in conversation about their careers, as well as talks on productions, how they are produced, and the theatres themselves

Highlights include a dazzling show with the stars in the Royal Court Theatre in a production looking back at the last 45 years of the Olivier Awards; an immersive workshop about the secrets and techniques of putting on a production; and dance classes lead by world class choreographers.

"In May 2022, we can't wait to welcome guests on the London Theatre at Sea Event Voyage - a blend of performances, workshops, talks, dance classes and some special evening shows combine with an extraordinary array of on and off-stage talent to bring theatre to life. The world leading Queen Mary 2 transatlantic experience together with the very best of London theatre will result in an extraordinary week," said Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre. Fares start from $1,399 per person.

8-17 May 2022, Queen Elizabeth: Beatles and Beyond:  Queen Elizabeth will sail a nine-night roundtrip voyage departing Tokyo, tracing the shores of Japan and South Korea, and play host to Cunard's first ever Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of British voyage.  Through music, film, tastings and demonstrations, the sailing will celebrate beloved aspects of British culture, culminating in a spectacular finale in the Royal Court Theatre by the superb Bootleg Beatles, the world's leading Beatles tribute band. Fares start from $1,579 per person.

28 August-4 September 2022, Queen Mary 2: Art & Design Week:
Cunard's first ever Art & Design Week is a one-of-a-kind experience that will take guests on a journey celebrating the best of design, past, present and future. Unmissable insights, expert-led masterclasses and special on board exhibitions promise to inspire the inner creative life of those who participate. In addition, guests will have an exclusive opportunity to hear from creative influencers at the forefront of design for Cunard's newest ship. Fares start from 1,519 per person.

25 October-1 November 2022, Queen Mary 2: Anthony Inglis and the UK's National Symphony Orchestra: A regular favorite in the Cunard calendar, the UK's National Symphony Orchestra sets sail again with Maestro Anthony Inglis leading the ensemble in memorable orchestral performances in the Royal Court Theatre.  Guests will enjoy an evening of all-American music, including Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" after departing New York; and an evening celebrating the best of British music before arriving into Southampton. Charismatic conductor Inglis leads the audience, guest choir, soloists and orchestra in both concerts, as well as presenting another afternoon concert featuring Ravel's "Bolero."

"The annual Transatlantic Crossing by the National Symphony Orchestra and myself is keenly looked forward to by the musicians, as much as the guests on board the magnificent liner, Queen Mary 2," said Anthony Inglis. "After the year we have all had, the orchestra and I have decided that we need a huge celebration in 2022, not only on behalf of the ship and her wonderful crew, but also the guests we have all missed. Therefore, I have planned some exciting surprises, which will be both hugely challenging and equally rewarding. We look forward to welcoming guests for a gigantic, seven-night party with an orchestra playing some favourite classical pieces of music, a choir made up of the guests, plus many other entertaining events as we cross the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Southampton."
Fares start from $1,149 per person.

3-10 December 2022, Queen Mary 2: Literature Festival at Sea in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times:  This extraordinary eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, crafted by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, will offer book lovers the opportunity to join some of the best-loved authors, historians, poets, and critics, as well as journalists from The Times and The Sunday Times, to bring the spirit of the Festival to the voyage.

"We can't wait to be back on the gorgeous Queen Mary 2 for the 2022 Literature Festival on Sea," said Nicola Tuxworth, Head of Programming, The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival.  "There is something truly magical about sailing across a vast ocean on a beautiful, luxurious ship and listening to some of the world's best writers sharing their stories. The first Festival at Sea was fabulous, an unforgettable seven days – and the 2022 program will be packed with fascinating events for everyone who loves books and brilliant journalism. Whether you want to hear your favorite author discussing their craft, get behind the day's headlines with The Times, or even have a go at writing yourself, why not join us on board?"

This seven-day program of inspiring literary events celebrates the written word in all its variety with workshops, discussions, and Q&As focusing on literature, art, film, history and politics, all underpinned by the quality of delivery that is Cheltenham's hallmark.

Guests will include bestselling authors Ian Rankin, Maggie O'Farrell, Charles Cumming, Sathnam Sanghera, Mick Herron, and Simon Winchester; revered classicist Mary Beard; acclaimed journalists Damian Barr and Rachel Johnson; and Times Red Box Editor, Matt Chorley. More names to be announced.
Fares start from $1,049 per person.

VALENCIA, Calif. (April 13, 2021) Cunard Captain, Christopher Wells, is retiring after a stellar 20 year career with Cunard, part of 30 years spent working across Carnival Corporation cruise lines. In recognition of his outstanding service, he has been awarded the rank of Commodore.

Commodore Wells has spent the last 13 years leading the team on board Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, having originally been a key part of the commissioning of the ship which launched in 2004.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “Commodore Wells has been a wonderful ambassador for Cunard, proudly upholding the finest traditions and highest standards of the world’s most famous shipping line. It is only fitting, and I am delighted, that he be awarded the rank of Commodore, the highest rank afforded to any seafarer.

“He’ll be sorely missed by colleagues and guests alike, evidenced by the vast numbers of cards that have been received wishing him all the very best and noting his much-loved sense of humor as well as the respect he commanded. We thank him for the enormous contribution he has made to Cunard, in a highlight packed career, and wish him an equally successful retirement.” 

Bournemouth-born Commodore Wells began his career at sea on board tankers and bulk carriers in South East Asia before transitioning to cruise shipping in 1992, first with Cunard then Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia before returning to Cunard. 

During his three decades on cruise ships, Commodore Wells has had the pleasure of meeting Her Majesty the Queen at the naming event for Queen Mary 2 and once again as Master at the naming of Queen Elizabeth.  Another highlight was in 2017 when Commodore Wells climbed the tallest sail of the Sydney Opera House to mark the 10-year anniversary of Queen Mary 2’s very first visit to the Australian city.

Commodore Wells combined his seafaring career with a 25-year commission in the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) and remains an Honorary Captain in the RNR.

VALENCIA, Calif. (March 16, 2021) Cunard is set to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of its pioneering world cruise, and the first-ever continuous circumnavigation of the globe by a passenger liner, with two celebratory voyages in 2023 on board Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

Cunard's 2023 World Voyages will call on many ports from the first world sailings on ships RMS Laconia and RMS Samaria.

These unique voyages will mirror many ports of call from Cunard's first world sailings on ships RMS Laconia followed by RMS Samaria, as well as calling at some of today's most inspiring destinations.

Destinations on Queen Mary 2's roundtrip New York, 117-night Centenary World Voyage will include Colombo, Singapore and Hong Kong, emulating RMS Samaria's 1923 world sailing. The voyage also includes overnight stops in Dubai, Sydney and Cape Town as it travels from Southampton through Asia, Australia and South Africa. Fares start at $21,499 per person.

Queen Victoria's 92-night Centenary World Voyage (New York to Southampton, England) will visit RMS Laconia's 1922/23 port calls with stops in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Cabo San Lucas, Colombo, San Francisco, Hilo, Honolulu, Manila and Naples as well visiting Aruba, Jordan, Tonga and a full transit of the Panama Canal. Fares start at $18,499 per person.

Guests will be able to enjoy a program of exclusive events and parties, both ashore and on board, with entertainment and dining reflecting each region of the world visited. 

"Cunard pioneered the World Voyage and a century later we're as passionate about these very special voyages as ever," said Simon Palethorpe, president, Cunard. "Our Centenary World Voyages in 2023 will provide a unique opportunity for guests to celebrate 100 years of visiting the four corners of the world in true Cunard luxury."

As well as the full Centenary World Voyages both Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria's journeys can be booked in individual segments ranging from two to 40 nights in duration.

"For those looking to explore the very best of Australia and New Zealand we're delighted to once again offer a comprehensive season of sailings on Queen Elizabeth, including a Cunard first of a 28-night circumnavigation of Australia," Palethorpe said.

With her sister ships exploring the world, Queen Elizabeth will enjoy a season of home port sailings around Australasia with a selection of two to 28-night voyages, with departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Auckland. This includes for the first time a 28 night circumnavigation of Australia voyage. Fares for the 28-night roundtrip Sydney voyage start at $6,199 per person.

Cunard's Centenary World Voyages are part of Cunard's program of new sailings now available to book. Past guests who book before May 24, 2021 may receive up to $1,200 per person discount off launch fares.

VALENCIA, Calif. (March 11, 2021) Cunard will offer a series of UK voyages on Queen Elizabeth, providing a unique and luxurious staycation opportunity this summer for British guests. More details will be revealed later this month. 

Sailings will be from Cunard's home port of Southampton and will be in UK coastal waters, seeking out the very best of the summer sunshine. Cunard's flexible booking terms will be applicable for these voyages, so guests will be able to book with confidence.

These new UK staycation voyages will replace a number of international sailings that unfortunately will be cancelled due to the current environment.

"With the UK Government confirming that domestic travel is close on the horizon, we are introducing a series of exciting, shorter duration holidays for British residents looking for the perfect staycation in Cunard luxury this summer," said Simon Palethorpe, president, Cunard. "These will be sailings from Southampton, for UK residents, around the UK and will make the very most of the summer sunshine."

"However, with international travel restrictions still in place, we unfortunately need to cancel a number of departures. We know how much everyone is desperately looking forward to longed-for holidays overseas, so to all affected by this news, I am sincerely sorry for the disappointment this will cause," added Palethorpe.

Sailings on Queen Victoria are now cancelled for departures up to and including August 27, 2021.

Queen Elizabeth's summer Mediterranean fly cruise season and all departures up to and including October 11, 2021 are cancelled. 

Queen Mary 2's current program is affected by a number of factors and all departures up to and including November 12, 2021 are cancelled.

All guests whose cruises have been cancelled will automatically receive a Future Cruise Credit worth 125% of what they paid.  This 125% Future Cruise Credit can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021, on any cruise on sale at the time of booking.

Alternatively, 100% refund is available through the form on www.cunard.com

VALENCIA, Calif. (December 10, 2020)  As Meryl Streep’s character, famed novelist Alice, steps out of the taxi upon arriving at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, she gazes in awe at Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 dwarfing the port, a magnificent site, even to the most veteran cruise passenger. This is one of the opening scenes of the new film, “Let Them All Talk,” directed by the award-winning Steven Soderbergh, streaming on HBO Max on today. Streep’s character is sailing aboard the grand ocean liner as a special guest of the voyage’s enrichment program, Cunard Insights.

The three-time Academy Award^® winner Streep is joined by fellow acting royalty, two-time Academy Award^® winner Dianne Wiest, and five-time Emmy Award^® winner Candice Bergen. Supported by Academy Award^® nominee Lucas Hedges and actress Gemma Chan, the film is set aboard the storied Transatlantic Crossing, amidst the backdrop of Queen Mary 2’s inimitable style, elegance and luxurious surroundings. In fact, the majority of the film was shot on board in some of the vessel’s most beloved spaces: the atmospheric, Art Deco Commodore Club, the sumptuous Queens Grill suites and dining room, the Royal Court Theatre and the 9,000 volume library, just to name a few.

As the film was captured aboard a live voyage, many on board guests had a chance to grab their moment in the spotlight when they were cast as extras in the film.

“We were absolutely delighted when Steven Soderbergh approached us to film his next feature on board Queen Mary 2,” said Simon Palethorpe, President, Cunard. “While  Cunard and our flagship are accustomed to hosting luminaries from all over the globe, it was quite something to welcome Steven, Meryl, Dianne, Candice, Lucas and Gemma for this very special and unique opportunity. We are very excited about the film, its witty and engaging story and how lovingly Steven captured the essence of our flagship and the Transatlantic Crossing experience.”

Deadline commented that the film’s “highly sophisticated and elegant filmmaking is one of Soderbergh’s finest…” which resonates with the atmosphere on board, and very well reflected in the production. The viewer can almost experience the leisurely and luxuriant pace of the Crossing, and the allure of this iconic voyage.

Commenting on his experience aboard Queen Mary 2, Soderbergh said: “Color me well impressed. I have never seen an enterprise on this scale of complexity run so beautifully. Every Cunard staff member we interacted with was committed to providing the best possible experience for their guests, which in this case included our cast and crew. And I can confirm without question that as stunning as Queen Mary 2 looks on camera, she’s even more stunning to the naked eye.”

HBO Max begins to stream “Let Them All Talk” on December 10. To learn more about the film, visit hbomax.com. To learn more about a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing, or a Cunard voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

VALENCIA, Calif (December 9, 2020) Cunard has extended its pause in operations due to the current travel constraints in place across the world.

Voyages departing on board Queen Mary 2 up to and including May 28, 2021 and on board Queen Elizabeth up to and including June 4, 2021 are now cancelled. Departures on Queen Victoria remain unaffected and are scheduled to resume May 17, 2021.

Guests who have had their voyage cancelled will automatically receive a 125% Future Cruise Credit, providing an additional 25% on any monies paid, to redeem against a future voyage.

The 125% Future Cruise Credit can be used on any new booking made by the end of December 2021 and on any voyage available at the time of booking. Voyages are currently available through to early 2023.

Guests preferring a refund should complete the form on Cunard.com.

Cunard President, Simon Palethorpe said:

“Our extension to the pause in operations is the result of the ongoing restrictions on cruising in the UK and around the world and recognises the significant lead times to return to service, once those restrictions are lifted.

“We are extremely sorry to be extending our pause in operations and for any disappointment this will cause. We know how much careful consideration goes into planning a holiday and apologize that our guests now have to wait a little bit longer to travel once again with Cunard.

“Guests are able to use their enhanced 125% Future Cruise Credit to book for later in 2021 or for one of our newly announced 2022 voyages. The tremendous response already to our 2022 voyages, put on sale just a few weeks ago, clearly demonstrates our guests are eagerly anticipating travelling again with us. We’re equally looking forward to the time when we can welcome back our guests.