Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is set to make history in Liverpool as the luxury cruise line announces plans for its landmark 500th Transatlantic Crossing, giving passengers the opportunity to sail from the city for the first time in more than a decade.
The historic voyage forms part of Cunard’s newly announced programme of 93 sailings between October 2028 and May 2029, taking guests to 104 destinations across 49 countries.
The programme will see Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, celebrate its 500th Transatlantic Crossing with a special 21-night roundtrip voyage from New York. Passengers will also have the opportunity to embark in Hamburg, Southampton and Liverpool.
The sailing will mark the first time since 2015 that guests have been able to depart Liverpool on a Cunard Transatlantic Crossing, reconnecting the city with one of the most celebrated traditions in maritime travel.
Liverpool holds a special place in Cunard’s history, having been the birthplace of the company in 1840. The landmark voyage represents another significant moment in the relationship between the cruise line and its spiritual home.
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.”
Cunard unveils 93 new voyages
Beyond the historic Liverpool sailing, Cunard’s latest programme includes a range of itineraries across its four-ship fleet.
Queen Mary 2 will offer Transatlantic Crossings alongside Caribbean voyages from Southampton and New York, a 14-night Norway and Northern Lights itinerary and a 14-night Western Mediterranean voyage timed to coincide with the UK Easter school holidays.
Queen Elizabeth will embark on a 115-night World Voyage, visiting destinations across five continents, including Australia, New Zealand, Asia and South Africa. The voyage will mark the ship’s return to New Zealand for the first time in four years, with visits to Auckland and Wellington.
Meanwhile, Queen Anne will return to South America in 2029 for an 86-night voyage from Southampton, with an extended 90-night sailing available from Hamburg.
Highlights will include an overnight stay in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, alongside visits to Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Peru.
Queen Victoria will explore Scandinavia, Northern Europe, the Norwegian fjords, Spain, Portugal, Morocco and the Canary Islands, with selected itineraries including overnight stays in Oslo and Copenhagen.
Across the new programme, guests will have opportunities to explore 64 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with 18 overnight port calls and 18 late-evening departures providing additional time in destinations.
When do bookings open?
Cunard World Club members will receive exclusive early booking access from 2pm GMT on Tuesday 3 November 2026, before general bookings open at 2pm GMT on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Guests booking before midnight on 30 December 2026 can benefit from a 10% Early Booking Saving on applicable Cunard Fares, with Early Saver Fares also available on selected voyages.
For more information about the new voyages, visit the website.
Image Credit: Cunard
