Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

Posted on 27 January, 2026 by Spacejunkie2

Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

The Queen Mary 2 completed its historic first transit through the Panama Canal this weekend, marking a major milestone in her 2026 World Voyage, according to a press release from Cunard.

Guests traveling on board the 108-night voyage were treated to a rare moment as Queen Mary 2 began her passage through the canal’s new set of locks on Saturday, January 24. Following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station, the ship continued her transit and passed under the Bridge of Americas on Sunday, January 25.

“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard,” says President, Katie McAlister. “Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen’s 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”

Following the transit, the Queen Mary 2 will visit Fuerte Amador, Panama for an overnight stay and Manzanillo, Mexico, before arriving to Los Angeles on February 2.

The Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Southern California will mark a long-anticipated return after 17 years as she completes this remarkable leg of her world voyage. The Queen Mary 2 will also celebrate a reunion with her legendary namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years. The ship will return to Southampton on April 30.

Queen Anne Departs on Maiden Voyage

Posted on 6 May, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

Cunard’s latest new ship, the Queen Anne, embarked on its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon amid a stunning fireworks display on Friday.

The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne set sail just after 9 pm local time as thousands of spectators gathered on the shores of Southampton water. Guests onboard the 3,000-guest, 113,000-ton ship will enjoy several celebrations throughout the voyage, which includes a special Maiden Gala Evening and performances by tenor Russell Watson.

According to Katie McAlister, President of Cunard: “Queen Anne’s maiden voyage signals the dawning of a new era in luxury ocean travel, and her historic sail away from Southampton was a very special moment for everyone connected with Cunard.” Queen Anne will sail to Lisbon via La Coruna and then return to Southampton. From there, the ship will embark on a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands.

Cunard’s latest addition to their fleet marks the completion of a perfect quartet, alongside the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. As McAlister stated: “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.”

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Completes Two Decades at Sea

Posted on 30 January, 2024 by Spacejunkie2

The Queen Mary 2 is completing its second decade at sea in 2024.

Having started sailing in early 2004, the 151,400-ton vessel was the result of the “Queen Mary Project.”

Announced by Cunard Line in 1998, the project called for the construction of the “the biggest and most luxurious ocean liner ever.”

After being built by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard in France, the Queen Mary 2 was christened by the late Queen Elizabeth II in Southampton on Jan. 8, 2004.

A few days after the ceremony, which celebrated Cunard’s British heritage with performances of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Marines band, the ship set sail on its first voyage: a transatlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale.

Before starting its transatlantic service, the Queen Mary 2 offered a media preview cruise, in addition an 11-night cruise to the Caribbean.

As the world’s last ocean liner, the ship traditionally spends most of the year offering one-way Atlantic crossings that sail between New York City, and Southampton, in the United Kingdom. Guests can also embark or disembark on the German port of Hamburg on some of the sailings.

Most of the six- to eight-night voyages feature only sea days and sail at higher speeds when compared to regular cruising.

In 2024, after returning from its 108-night world tour, the vessel is set to offer two- to 13-night cruises to Western Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, the British Isles, Canada & New England, the Caribbean, and more.

Cunard’s website describes the Queen Mary 2 as its “legendary flagship,” a “true icon,” and a “astonishing liner.”

According to the company, the 2,620-guest vessel offers several unique features, including a vast library, an indulging spa, and more.