Cunard to mark 500th transatlantic sailing with Liverpool departure

Cunard has unveiled details of 93 additional voyages in its 2028-29 programme, including Queen Mary 2’s 500th transatlantic crossing.

 

The new sailings will take place between October 2028 and May 2029, spanning 104 destinations across 49 countries, with 18 overnight stays and 18 late-evening departures taking the average time in port to 12 hours.

 

Queen Mary 2’s 500th transatlantic crossing will be a 21-night round-trip voyage from New York, with passengers also having the option to embark in Hamburg, Southampton and Liverpool.

 

This marks the first time since 2015 that passengers have been able to depart from Liverpool on a Cunard transatlantic crossing, in “a significant moment” for the line’s history.

 

Other highlights of the collection include a round-trip world voyage on Queen Elizabeth and a South America Discovery voyage on Queen Anne, which will call in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival.

 

Queen Elizabeth will operate a 115-night round-trip world voyage, which passengers can join from Southampton or Miami, featuring a return to New Zealand for the first time in four years. 

 

The itinerary also includes Australia, Asia and South Africa, with overnight stays in Cape Town, Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney.

 

Queen Anne’s 86-night South America Discovery voyage will sail from Southampton and visit Caribbean ports in addition to Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru, with overnight stays in Montevideo, Buenos Aires, Valparaiso and Callao.

 

There will be seven maiden ports of call for Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth, including the company’s first visit to Praia in Cape Verde.

 

Queen Elizabeth will make maiden calls in Fort-de-France in Martinique and Nawiliwili in Hawaii, while Queen Anne will visit San Juan in Puerto Rico, St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, Castries in St Lucia and Colón in Panama for the first time.

 

Meanwhile, Queen Victoria will sail from Southampton on itineraries to Scandinavia, Northern Europe, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands, including new seven, 14 and 16-night options.

 

The ship will operate a February half-term sailing with an overnight stay in Oslo and two seven-night voyages coinciding with the Easter school holidays, with one sailing to Spain and France and the other taking in the Norwegian fjords.

 

General sale for these cruises will open on November 4 at 2pm, while Cunard World Club members will get early access from 2pm on November 3.

 

Customers booking these sailings through agents before December 30 can secure a 10% early booking discount on a Cunard Fare, or Early Saver Fare where available.

 

Iain Baillie, associate vice-president of EMEA sales, said the line would make a series of trade webinars about the new itineraries available for agents to support them with the launch.

He added: “The real story is the choice it gives agents and customers, and particularly with the pricing there is something for every type of traveller and budget.”

He highlighted a range of lead-in fares from £189 for a two-night sailing from Hamburg to Southampton, to £149,999 for a Queen’s Grill Suite on the Queen Elizabeth 115-night world cruise, and “everything in between”.

 

Paul Ludlow, president of Cunard, said: “Some journeys become stories you’ll tell for years to come, and this new programme brings together some of the most memorable experiences we have ever offered.

 

“Queen Mary 2’s landmark 500th Transatlantic Crossing will be one of the most significant moments in Cunard’s modern history, reconnecting Liverpool with our iconic Transatlantic service.

 

“Alongside Queen Elizabeth’s World Voyage and the opportunity to experience Rio Carnival with Queen Anne, these voyages showcase the breadth and richness of the Cunard experience.

 

“Whether guests are looking for a short European escape, an iconic ocean crossing or the adventure of a lifetime, there is a voyage designed to inspire.”