Luxury cruise brand Cunard bade its newest vessel Queen Anne as well the Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, bon voyage as both ships set sail from Southampton to begin their respective World Voyages.
As the ships took to water, the Southampton sky lit up with a dazzling fireworks display to celebrate the occasion and Cunard’s longstanding tradition of annual World Voyages aboard its Queens.
Queen Anne and Queen Mary 2 will circumnavigate the globe for a combined 225 nights, guiding guests to unique, bucket list-worthy destinations around the world, all paired with Cunard’s renowned White Star service and luxurious accommodations from Britannia and Club level staterooms to Princess and Queens Grill Suite experiences.
Off to adventure
This is the Queen Anne’s second World Voyage following her debut last year,, and she sails eastward with 30 ports of call across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
With overnight stays in Cape Town, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Los Angeles, guests can authentically immerse themselves in each destination while enjoying the comfort and luxury of their home aboard Queen Anne.
The send-off likewise heralded the return of the Queen Mary 2 World Voyage following a two-year hiatus, with the journey including historic milestones for the iconic ocean liner.
The 108-night, round-trip voyage will depart Southampton and sail west to the Americas before visiting Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe.
Nearly two weeks after departing Southampton, Queen Mary 2 will make a historic, first-ever transit through the Panama Canal on 24th and 25th January.
Following the historic transit, Queen Mary 2 will then visit Long Beach, CA to reunite with her namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years.
After the Royal rendezvous, Queen Mary 2 will make her official return to Port of Los Angeles after 17 years with an overnight stay.
Meaningful experiences onboard
In addition to exquisite dining, luxurious accommodations and outstanding service, Cunard’s 2026 World Voyages also feature a variety of unique expert speakers as part of the beloved Cunard Insights programme.
Aboard Queen Anne, guests can hear from a variety of experts including solo cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, The Crocodile Hunter producer John Stainton, and US World Champion Sprinter Tyree Washington, among others.
Queen Mary 2 will also bring a line-up of unique speakers to its World Voyage including award-winning journalist and counter terrorism expert Margaret Gilmore, former pilot Jeff Skiles who flew alongside Captain Sully during the Miracle on the Hudson, and Zelda La Grange, former private secretary to Nelson Mandela, among others.
A two-year circumnavigation
Those inspired by Cunard’s incredible 2026 itineraries can now plan their journeys across the globe in 2027 and 2028 with 100+ night escapes, unforgettable segments and overnight calls in cities like Los Angeles, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore, Yokohama, Cape Town, and more.
Highlights of upcoming World Voyages include:
- Queen Victoria, Jan. 10, 2027 (V703C): This 109-night World Voyage begins from Southampton, UK, visiting 30 ports of call across Europe, Central America, the U.S. Australasia, Asia and Africa.
- Queen Anne, Jan. 9, 2028 (H802F): The 115-night World Voyage departs from Hamburg, Germany visiting over 30 ports of call across Europe, the U.S., Central America and Africa and Australasia.
- Queen Elizabeth, Jan. 6, 2028 (Q802D): This 113-night World Voyage will depart from Miami, FL and visit 30 ports of call across Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, the U.S. and Central America.
