Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in NYC for July 4

Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in NYC for July 4

Cunard marked a landmark moment today as the Queen Mary 2, took center stage in New York Harbor for Sail4th 250, which is said to be the center piece of the United States’ 250th Independence Day celebrations.

Anchored in a prime position, the Queen Mary 2 gave guests front-row views of one of the most significant Fourth of July celebrations ever staged, featuring the largest gathering of tall ships and naval vessels ever seen in New York City.

The celebration drew national attention as NBC’s TODAY broadcast live from Queen Mary 2, with Jenna Bush Hager reporting from the ship during the historic festivities.

The day featured the International Parade of Sail, with more than 100 vessels parading through the harbor, including 47 tall ships from 20 nations, sailing from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge past the Statue of Liberty and up the Hudson River to the George Washington Bridge.

Guests also witnessed an International Naval Review, during which a Navy vessel formally acknowledged the anchored fleet of 37 U.S. and allied naval ships. The celebrations continued with a military flypast led by the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels featuring more than 150 aircraft, including the Red Arrows, and a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Cunard To Add 30 New Cabins to Queen Mary 2

Cunard To Add 30 New Cabins to Queen Mary 2

Deck plans published on Cunard’s website show that the company is planning to add 30 new staterooms to the Queen Mary 2.

Set to undergo a major refurbishment program in 2027, the 2004-built vessel will see the introduction of new suites and inside cabins.

Designed as the world’s first modern ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2 currently carries 2,620 passengers in double occupancy, and that will now increase by approximately 2.5 percent..

Most of the extra staterooms will be added to a section of Deck 13 that is being turned into a new accommodation area.

Currently housing a sun deck, the space will offer 18 Princess Grill Suites, as well as five inside staterooms.

On Deck 9, the current Concierge Lounge is being converted into four additional inside cabins, while a new Penthouse Suite is being added to Deck 8.

The premium accommodation takes over an area adjacent to the ship’s library, which is currently occupied by a book store.

Cunard is also replacing part of the Queen Mary 2’s Teens and Kids Zone on Deck 6 with four new inside staterooms.

Other changes to the vessel’s deck plan include the addition of a new sun deck on Deck 14, as well as the removal of the Boardwalk Café from Deck 12.

While no details of the refurbishment have officially been confirmed at press time, Cunard’s website confirms that the Queen Mary 2 will undergo enhancements ahead of next year’s summer season.

The 151,400-ton ship is expected to enter drydock in late March 2027 before welcoming guests back on May 9, 2027.

The cabin additions follow a recent trend in the cruise industry, which has seen  cruise lines adding significant numbers of new staterooms to their older ships.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Norwegian, Holland America and Celestyal are among the brands that added capacity to vessels in drydock recently.

Cunard Reveals Itinerary for America’s 250th Anniversary Cruise

Cunard Reveals Itinerary for America’s 250th Anniversary Cruise

Cunard has unveiled the itinerary for its cruise celebrating America’s 250th birthday in New York.

As previously reported, the Queen Mary 2 will join over 100 vessels passing through the New York Harbor as part of the Sail4th meetup of tall ships.

The cruise line said in a press release that this will be the largest ever flotilla of tall ships from around the world.

The seven-night cruise honoring the shared maritime history between the U.S. and the U.K., will start on July 3, 2026, and return to New York on July 10.

Days 1-2 are spent exploring New York, followed by Newport on day 3 (July 5) and a day at sea after that.

On days 5-6 (July 7-8) the ship sails to Halifax, where guests can visit the star-shaped fortress and the statue of Sir Samuel Cunard.

Day 7 (July 9) is spent at sea, followed by return to NYC on day 8.

Two special guest speakers will be onboard.

The first is Dr. Seth Gopin, a lecturer in Art History from Rutgers University, and the second is Bill Miller, also known as “Mr. Ocean Liner”, who has written over 100 books on the topic of passenger ships.

Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal

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

Queen Anne Departs on Maiden Voyage

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

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Completes Two Decades at Sea

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.

Cunard connects the entire fleet to shore power

Cunard's new vessel Queen Anne will be able to connect to shore power (source: Cunard)

British cruise operator Cunard has taken a ‘significant step’ in reducing its emissions by providing the capability for its trio of current vessels and new vessel Queen Anne to connect to shore power when docking, where available

Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth now have shore power capabilities while Queen Anne, set to launch in May 2024, will have the technology already installed.

Cunard president Katie McAlister said, “By adopting shore power technology, we are taking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions, minimising our carbon footprint, and fostering healthier port environments. The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard’s corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step.”

MSC Virtuosa connected to shore power Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Shore power technology enables docked ships to connect directly to a specially fitted land-based source, allowing cruise ships to switch off their engines and operate on electricity sourced entirely from the local electrical grid, reducing emissions and noise while at port. The ability for the ships to plug into local grids already exists at many key ports, including Queen Mary 2’s homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Anne’s homeport in Southampton, England.

Cunard ‘crowns’ new ship Queen Anne

Cunard has revealed that its “iconic red and black funnel” has been installed on Queen Anne.

The work has been labelled a “significant construction milestone”, as the ship prepares for its maiden voyage in May 2024.

The red and black funnels have been on the line’s ships for more than 150 years and were designed by Robert Napier, the shipyard owner who built some of Cunard’s earliest ships.

Queen Anne will be the 249th vessel to sail under the Cunard flag and will operate alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

When it sets sail it will be the first time since 1999 that the operator will have four Queen ships at sea.

Cunard funnel an ‘iconic symbol of heritage’

Cunard senior vice-president Angus Struthers 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 recognisable features.”

Queen Anne’s inaugural British Islands cruise from Southampton is due to depart on 24 May 2024.

Sir Bob Geldof Makes Appearance on Queen Mary 2

Sir Bob Geldof Makes Appearance on Queen Mary 2

Sir Bob Geldof made a guest appearance aboard the Queen Mary 2 while cruising from to Cape Town, South Africa, treating guests to an exclusive question and answer session.

 Geldof spoke at the ship’s Royal Court Theatre on Wednesday, sharing stories with guests from his music career as well as his connection with Cunard.

Angus Struthers, senior vice president at Cunard, said: “As one of the world’s most iconic musicians and humanitarian figures, we were delighted to welcome Sir Bob aboard Queen Mary 2 for a unique Q&A.

 “It was an incredible opportunity for our guests to hear from a true trailblazer who has had a profound impact on music and the world at large. We were honoured to have him on board, and it was a truly unforgettable experience for our guests.”

Geldof’s father worked as a chef onboard the Cunard fleet, and Geldof revealed he treasures an original menu card as a memento. He embarked on the ship on April 3 in Durban and the Q&A was titled An Audience With Sir Bob Geldof.

 Sir Bob Geldof said: “It was a pleasure to join guests onboard Queen Mary 2 and share some interesting tales from my time in music and politics. I’ve a personal connection with Cunard, so it was wonderful to rekindle that family tie and experience the delights that make Cunard so unique.”

 

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas Turns 20 Years Old

Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas Turns 20 Years Old

The Navigator of the Seas completed its 20th year in service this month. Part of Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager Class, the 132,000-ton vessel departed on its maiden voyage on December 14, 2002.

At the time as the world’s largest cruise ship, the Navigator debuted in the Caribbean, offering week-long cruises departing from Miami.

Sailing to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean, the itineraries featured visits to popular destinations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The program also included regular calls to Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in Haiti.

After losing the title of the world’s biggest ship to the Queen Mary 2 in 2004, the Navigator continued to sail year-round cruises in the Caribbean through 2007 – when it debuted in Europe.

For its first season in the Old World, the ship offered a series of Northern and Western Europe itineraries departing from Southampton, England. After sailing in additional destinations over the years, the Navigator of the Seas marked the return of Royal Caribbean International to regular operations on the West Coast in 2021.

For the first time in the region, the 3,100-guest ship started a year-round program of cruises to the Mexican Riviera and Baja California sailing from the World Cruise Center in Los Angeles.

The deployment features a variety of short three-, four- and five-night cruises to Catalina Island and Ensenada, in addition to week-long itineraries to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and more.

Last drydocked in mid-2021, the Navigator underwent a large modernization in 2019. Part of the Royal Amplified program, the $115-million refit added new attractions to the ship, including a resort-style Caribbean pool deck, the three-level signature bar The Lime & Coconut and the first blow-dry bar at sea To Dry For.

One of the vessel’s most iconic features, the Royal Promenade was also reimagined with the creation of new restaurants, retail and nightlife.

Cunard Pushes Back Introduction of New Queen Anne

Cunard Pushes Back Introduction of New Queen Anne

Cunard Line has announced a delay to the introduction of its newest cruise ship, Queen Anne.

Originally set to enter service in early 2024, the 3,000-guest ship will now debut in early May, with the Carnival Corporation-owned brand citing numerous challenges in shipbuilding, including the supply chain and energy shortages.

The ship is under construction for the iconic brand at Fincantieri.

“As a result, our new ship Queen Anne will be arriving slightly later than expected,” the company said in a statement.

“We have automatically transferred guests booked or waitlisted on the maiden voyage to the new seven-night maiden voyage, which will depart from Southampton on May 3 2024, visit La Coruna on 5 May 2024, Lisbon on May 7, 2024, and then return to Southampton on May 10 2024.”

Queen Anne’s new maiden season voyages will include sailings from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords. Voyages go on sale this December.

Joining Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, Queen Anne makes it four ships for Cunard Line in 2024.

Cunard Announces New Cruise Ship Queen Anne

Cunard has announced the name of the new ship joining its fleet, the Queen Anne.

According to a press release, the Queen Anne will be Cunard's 249th ship and will make up a 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.

Cunard said that the name “celebrates Cunard's rich heritage, royal history and refined status." According to the press release, the cruise line's 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.

"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!" Williams said.

Queen Anne will feature reimagined Cunard signature spaces as well as the introduction of new guest experiences within dining, culture and entertainment. The cruise line said that the ship celebrates the influential design styles of both past and present and introduces an updated Cunard livery.

Designers have joined forces to create its design with bold colour tones, while at the same time in keeping with the  Cunard "sophistication," the cruise line said.

"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 a 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," said Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell.

The 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, the cruise line said,

Queen Mary 2 Will Host the 2022 Literature Festival at Sea

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 ship will host the Literature Festival at Sea organized by The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival and The Times programming team later this year.

The line-up includes Ian Rankin, Bernardine Evaristo, Mary Beard, Richard Osman, and Alexander McCall Smith.

The authors will talk about their lives and discuss their work. They will also advise The Times journalists on how they can write better.

"I am beyond excited to travel, speak and engage with guests at 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?" said Mary Beard, one of Britain's most famous Classicists and English scholars.

"Cunard is delighted to once again host a dazzling line-up of acclaimed literary talent who will headline our 2022 Literature Festival at sea. 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," said Jamie Paiko, the vice president of Cunard North America.

The seven-night Transatlantic Crossing will cost $1,039 per passenger and leaves New York for Southampton on Dec. 3 2022.

Cunard Adds Over 150 Voyages for 2023 Season

Luxury cruise brand Cunard has unveiled over 150 new international voyages, sailing on its three ships between Apr. 23 and Dec. 15, 2023.

According to a press release, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, will call at 120 ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration. The Queen Mary 2 will sail a program of 18 Transatlantic Crossings, with departures from both Southampton and New York.

Some of the highlights are a Mediterranean fly-cruise 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.

“We’re thrilled to launch such an exciting programme of new itineraries, giving the opportunity to those new to Cunard – or new to cruising in general – the chance to visit the places they’ve always dreamed of, escape, unwind and feel special,” said Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell. “From famous city destinations to breathtaking natural wonders, the Cunard 2023 New Voyages offer the perfect way to rediscover the joy of exploration while enjoying our signature White Star Service and all the other special touches that set a Cunard cruise apart from the rest.”

Key itineraries of The World Awaits 2023 program include:

The Canary Islands: The volcanic terrain of Tenerife’s Teide National Park and Sintra’s Moorish palaces (tours from Lisbon) are the UNESCO World Heritage sites that will be visited on this 12-night voyage of Spain and Portugal. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on Apr. 27, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,299 British pounds per person.

North Cape Discovery: North Cape Discovery presents “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,” according to the press release. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on June 6, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,699 British pounds per person.

Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada: This roundtrip itinerary from/to Southampton will take guests to New York via Transatlantic Crossing, before embarking on an exploration of New England and Canada that includes three days in Quebec. The Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton on Sept. 22, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 3,299 British pounds per person.

Mediterranean Highlights: Pisa’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed leaning tower, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and Gaudi’s architectural legacy, the Sagrada Familia, are all part of this 14-night voyage sailing from Southampton. The Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton on June 9, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,999 British pounds per person.

Alaska: Guests will see the colourful totem poles in Ketchikan and Alaska’s tall glaciers and icy fjords, as well as looking for humpback whales. Queen Elizabeth departs Vancouver on June 8, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 1,499 British pounds per person.

Western Mediterranean: This seven-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona features the French Riviera, Pisa’s UNESCO-listed leaning tower and Ibiza’s old town, Dalt Vila. Queen Elizabeth departs Barcelona on Sept. 25, 2023. Inside staterooms start from 899 British pounds per person.

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

Queen Mary 2 Cancels New York Call, Waits for More Crew in Barbados

The Queen Mary 2 is changing its current itinerary due to the impact of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. According to a letter received by the ship’s current passengers, the ship will likely now be required to stay in Barbados for “additional manning” until the evening of Jan. 2.

“(This) extended stay in Barbados means that unfortunately, we will no longer be calling in New York on Jan. 3 if we are to maintain our arrival back in Southampton on Jan. 10,” wrote the ship’s captain, Andrew Hall, in the letter.

The decision of additional manning in essential roles onboard came after speaking with the relevant authorities and Cunard’s head offices in Miami and Southampton, Hall said.

He added that it was a precautionary measure and the Jan. 2 departure from Barbados was yet to be confirmed.

Cunard’s new focus, according to the letter, is “making sure that for those guests due to disembark on Jan. 3 in New York, the onward journey home is as smooth and easy as possible.”

Hall said that the cruise line is looking at flight options for these passengers and will be in contact directly with “exact details and confirmation.”

The Queen Mary 2 is currently on a 28-day round-trip itinerary entitled Grand Caribbean Celebration. The ship left Southampton on Dec. 13 and arrived in Barbados on Dec. 28. It was due to leave Barbados for Dominica today.

With the announced amendments, the Queen Mary 2 would seemingly skip three ports of call in Dominica, St Maarten and New York on Dec. 29, Dec. 30 and Jan. 3, respectively. The ship would instead head straight from Barbados to Southampton on Jan. 2.

To compensate for the itinerary changes, guests will receive an enhanced 125-percent Future Cruise Credit of the money paid on their booking pro-rata to all days sailed from Dec. 22, when the Queen Mary 2 departed from New York.

For example, if a guest joined the ship in Southampton on Dec. 13 and was due to disembark the ship in New York on Jan. 3, they will receive an FCC for 13 days (Dec. 22 to Jan. 3).

“Your FCC can be used for any new sailing that is booked before Dec. 31, 2023, on any voyage on sale at the time of booking. Should this be unsuitable for any reason, then you are entitled to a 100-per cent refund of monies paid on your booking on the same pro-rata basis,” the letter read.

UK-based guests have also been offered the option of flying from Barbados to Southampton earlier, should they wish so.

“Should our UK guests wish to fly back to the UK directly from Barbados we do have some limited flight options departing on Dec. 31 or Jan. 1. We will be sending you a further letter in the next 24 hours asking if you would like to take this option,” Hall wrote.

However, Hall said, passengers, are welcome to stay on board until the very end of the voyage.

“There may be some slight amendments to our services, but we will make every endeavour to ensure that you have a very enjoyable journey as planned,” he wrote.

Queen Mary 2 Takes Center Stage in HBO Max Film Let Them All Talk

The Queen Mary 2 is among the stars of the new film  "Let Them All Talk," directed by the award-winning Steven Soderbergh, streaming on HBO Max.

As Meryl Streep's character, Alice, steps out of the taxi upon arriving at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, she gazes in awe at Cunard's Queen Mary 2. This is one of the opening scenes of the new film, according to a press release as Streep's character is sailing aboard the Cunard ship 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 the ship.

In fact, the majority of the film was shot on board in some of the vessel's spaces: the Art Deco Commodore Club, the Queens Grill suites and dining room, the Royal Court Theatre, and the 9,000 volume library, among others. 

As the film was captured aboard a live voyage, many onboard 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 onboard 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."

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."

Cunard puts 2022 world cruise on sale

Cunard puts 2022 world cruise on sale

Cunard has confirmed plans for a 2022 world cruise by flagship Queen Mary 2.

The 104-night voyage departs from Southampton on January 10 and returns on April 24, 2022.

Calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, Bali, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal are planned with sailings through the Suez Canal on both the outbound and return legs.

Overnight stops in Haifa, Dubai, Hong Kong, Sydney and Singapore are included plus a late-night departure from Colombo.

The voyage has gone on sale today despite all ocean cruises currently being cancelled due to government travel restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prices for an inside cabin start at £11,499 per person.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “Our guests have told us they want memorable destinations which combine intrinsic glamour and heritage.

“This unique programme spans 16 countries, offering a combined 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which we hope will combine the perfect blend of exploration onshore and relaxation on board.”

Palethorpe added: “This 104-night voyage can be split into six sectors and booked individually, which is tailored to those who want to fully immerse themselves in the Cunard experience for just a portion of the journey.

“It truly is the ultimate exploration of east meets west experienced from the magnificent setting of the world’s only ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2.

“Guests on board will be able to take advantage of a multitude of luxurious offerings whether they want to be entertained, learn something new, get active or simply relax, while the ambience throughout the ship is warm, friendly and inclusive.”

Those sailing the full World Voyage will enjoy a welcome onboard reception, services of a World Voyage Concierge and use of a private lounge, a gala event ashore and complimentary daily gratuities.

Cunard Cancels Cruises Into 2021 and Makes Sweeping Deployment Changes

Queen Mary 2

Cunard will be extending its pause in operations from November 2020 until March 25, 2021 for its ship Queen Elizabeth; until April 18, 2021 for Queen Mary 2 and until May 16, 2021 for Queen Victoria, the company announced.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said:  “We are so sorry to all those guests who were due to sail on any of the cancelled voyages and for the disappointment this news will cause. After very careful consideration and reviewing the latest guidance, we simply do not feel it would be sensible to start sailing again with our current schedule so we have reviewed future itineraries.

“Queen Elizabeth has returned to the UK and with ongoing uncertainty over the re-opening of many ports and countries, it is sadly not practical to continue her planned itineraries for 2021.

“Therefore, in addition to the pause in operations, all of Queen Elizabeth’s sailings due to depart between March 26, 2021 and December 13, 2021, in and around Australia, Japan and Alaska, will be cancelled.

“These voyages will be replaced with a programme of shorter duration European holidays ranging from three to 14 nights, departing from Southampton. These will start at the end of March 2021, with a series of scenic voyages around the coast of Cornwall, the west coast of Ireland and the Scottish Isles. There will also be short breaks to Amsterdam which will include an overnight in the city, as well as voyages to northern and southern European destinations including Norway and the Iberian coast, with several of these itineraries featuring overnight city stays.

Queen Elizabeth

“Queen Elizabeth’s new program will be completed with a series of seven and 14 night voyages in the Mediterranean, sailing from Barcelona. It is an exciting new programme which I am sure will have great appeal.”

All new itineraries onboard the Queen Elizabeth will be available to book from September 29, 2020.

Palethorpe continued: “Additionally, recognising the immense disappointment of those onboard Queen Mary 2’s curtailed World Voyage this year, and the cancellation of her World Voyage in 2021, we are delighted that Queen Mary 2 will sail a classic World Voyage in 2022. This will replace her scheduled sailings departing January 3, 2022 to April 3, 2022, including the voyage to South America.”

The new 104 night adventure will depart from Southampton on January 10, 2022 and include calls to Greece, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia and Bali before returning to Southampton via Abu Dhabi, Oman, Italy and Portugal. The ship will sail through the Suez Canal both on the outbound journey and on return. It will be bookable, either as a full world voyage or as one of six sectors, from September 8, 2020.

“Given the current uncertainty, the complexity of our scheduled World Voyage with our international mix of guests visiting many countries and continents, each with its own evolving travel regulations was a very real factor in our decision making.”

Rumoured sale of Cunard and Seabourn denied by Carnival Corporation

Rumoured sale of Cunard and Seabourn denied by Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation has scotched speculation that luxury brands Cunard and Seabourn could be sold as the cruise giant seeks to navigate recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The company was responding to a specialist media report.

Global shipping news service TradeWinds claimed a sale could be prompted by ageing passenger demographics and a need to generate higher returns.

But a Carnival Corporation spokesman said: “There is no truth to this rumour.

“Cunard and Seabourn are iconic brands for our company, and both lines have a strong track record of success over the years.”

The company announced that it is to dispose of a further two ships, in addition to the disposal of 13 ships across its brands and the delayed delivery of new vessels announced earlier this month.

Four older Holland America Line ships have been sold, including two to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, while P&O Cruises’ Oceana has left the fleet and Greek line Celestyal Cruises acquired Costa Cruises’ Costa NewRomantica.

In June, Carnival Corporation said it was speeding up the disposal of ships after a registered $2.4 billion adjusted net loss in the three months to May 31.

It has raised at least $10 billion through a series of financial transactions since March, and had “taken significant actions to preserve cash and secure additional financing to maximise its liquidity”.

It also confirmed $8.8 billion of credit facilities to fund ship deliveries originally planned through to 2023.

Cunard sailings by Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria are suspended until November 1 and Queen Elizabeth until November 23.

Seabourn’s five-ship fleet is on an extended pause in operations into October and November.

The brand had previously announced a suspension of its global ship operations from March 14 until June 30.

Cunard extends cancellations until November

Cunard extends cancellations until November

Cunard is further extending the cancellation of cruises until November, blaming the continued impact of Covid-19.

Flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will have sailings cancelled until November 1 and Queen Elizabeth until November 23.

The extension follows the sister brand extending its pause in operations until October 15.

Cunard will be communicating with all passengers, and their travel agents, who are booked on affected voyages.

Passengers booked on cancelled cruises will automatically be given a 125% future cruise credit which can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021 on any voyage on sale at the time of booking.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “With many differing restrictions across countries, people’s ability to move freely and safely across borders remains seemingly someway in the distance.

“For Cunard, where we celebrate having a truly international mix of guests and sail all over the world, this becomes particularly impactful. We also need to better understand the implications Covid-19 will have onboard our ships.

“We are therefore working, at the highest level possible, with government bodies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – the CDC – and Public Health England, as well as the industry collective body – Clia – and other expert medical professionals to review every aspect of a holiday with us.”

He added: “Whilst we have always taken pride in having the highest levels of health and safety we are looking at enhanced protocols across all aspects of ship life and experiences onshore.

“We will only return to service when we have a comprehensive restart protocol with the stamps of approval and accreditation from the most trusted and informed sources.”