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Cunard launches 2024 Event Voyages program

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Cunard launches 2024 Event Voyages program

Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

VALENCIA, Calif., July 11, 2023 -- Set sail with some of the greatest talents in gastronomy, art and entertainment next year, as Cunard announces its renowned Event Voyages for 2024.

Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 plays host to four of the seven newly launched themed voyages, offering guests an unbeatable experience to cross the Atlantic in style, while a further three take place on board Queen Elizabeth as she navigates Australia and Japan in early 2024.

Back by popular demand in June is "London Theatre at Sea," an eight-night Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing of musical theatre in partnership with the Olivier Awards, with whom Cunard proudly partners every year in London. This unique crossing features immersive acting workshops, fascinating behind the scenes talks and award-winning performances, curated by Julian Bird OBE.

Also returning in November 2024 is "Literature Festival at Sea," where book lovers can absorb themselves in seven days of inspiring literary events on this westbound Transatlantic Crossing, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, with whom Cunard also partners each year. Each "Literature Festival at Sea" features more than 20 acclaimed authors, with past headliners including Ian Rankin, Victoria Hislop and Simon Armitage.

New for 2024 is a unique opportunity to celebrate history in the making, as Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 embarks on her 400th Transatlantic Crossing in August from New York to Southampton – a journey that remains as iconic today as it was in 1840, when Cunard's history began.

2024 also marks the 15th anniversary of Cunard's spectacular National Symphony Orchestra voyages, brought to you by the eminent maestro Anthony Inglis. Guests will be able to rehearse with the choir by day and enjoy classical concerts in the Royal Court Theatre by night, on board this unique nine-night Eastbound Transatlantic crossing via Newport and Boston in October.

Queen Elizabeth hosts the first-of-its-kind Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage in January 2024, which offers sports fans the chance to sail with some of Australia's most iconic sporting superstars, including legendary cricketer Brett Lee and celebrated golfer Karrie Webb, as well as Amanda McLaren, owner of the eponymously named British luxury car company.

The Great Australian Culinary Voyage, also on Queen Elizabeth in January, promises to be an unforgettable foray into the world of food and wine, including special guest and award-winning chef Karen Martini taking over The Steakhouse at The Verandah.

The extraordinary Big Band Ball voyage in May sees dance and music lovers from all over gather to celebrate the magnificent Swing era, in between exploring the enticing ports of Japan on this nine-night circumnavigation. Special guests include internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe.

"Cunard's Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances.  Each is expertly curated to offer our guests unique opportunities to immerse themselves into theme or occasion, meeting and hearing from world-renowned leaders in their fields, many with interactive workshops and a programme of activities and performances to choose from throughout the day and evening," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America.  "And of course, all offered with the luxurious backdrops of the Cunard Queens and all while enjoying the signature touches you can always look forward to with Cunard."

2024 Event Voyages schedule:

Queen Mary 2:

  • London Theatre at Sea (M417), Eastbound Transatlantic, 15-23 June 2024

  • Queen Mary 2's 400th Transatlantic Crossing (M426), Eastbound Transatlantic, 23-30 August 2024

  • Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra's 15th Anniversary (M432A), Eastbound Transatlantic, 4-13 October 2024

  • Literature Festival at Sea (M436), Westbound Transatlantic, 13-20 November 2024

Queen Elizabeth:

  • Great Australian Culinary Voyage (Q402), Southern Australia, 5-12 January 2024

  • Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage (Q407), Southern Australia, 13-30 February 2024

  • Big Band Ball (Q416), Japan, 5-14 May 2024

Please note: speakers and activities are subject to change. Some activities may incur an additional charge.


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Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

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Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

VALENCIA, Calif., June 8, 2023 -- Stage and screen star Alan Cumming will join Cunard as part of the luxury cruise line's renowned Insights program on the December 8, 2023 Transatlantic Crossing on flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2.

photo credit: Josh Going

While sailing on the seven-night voyage from New York to Southampton, England, Cumming will offer a Q&A session with guests, host two screenings, and hold a book signing of his memoir, "Baggage." Alan will be screening the 2022 documentary, My Old School, about the scandal of Brian MacKinnon, a 30-year-old who enrolled in school as a 16-year-old. Cumming appears as an avatar for MacKinnon in the documentary.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Alan Cumming on Queen Mary 2's December 8th Transatlantic Crossing," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America. "Alan's immense talent and captivating presence will be a highlight for guests, giving them the opportunity to learn about his career, creative process, and personal journey, and creating an unforgettable experience during their Crossing."

The multi-talented Cumming has appeared in numerous films and television shows, was nominated for Emmys, SAG Awards and Golden Globes, and is a long-time renowned stage actor both in New York and London. Most famously Alan won a Tony award for his role in Cabaret on Broadway and is best known for his roles in Emma, GoldenEye, Anniversary Party, X2 and The Good Wife. He has his own cabaret club in New York, "Club Cumming," most recently hosted the reality show The Traitors, starred in Schmigadoon!, and continues to perform live around the country. A dedicated humanitarian and activist Cumming devotes much of his energy to promoting LGBTQ and human rights, receiving over forty awards for his humanitarianism and social activism.

Cunard's Insights program showcases fascinating experts from various industries on every voyage, providing guests with an elevated and inspiring experience. The addition of Alan Cumming further demonstrates Cunard's commitment to offering exceptional entertainment and cultural enrichment aboard their ships.


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Coronation Celebrations at Sea on board Cunard's Three Queens

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Coronation Celebrations at Sea on board Cunard's Three Queens

VALENCIA, Calif., May 2, 2023 -- Cunard joins the celebration in marking the historic coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with a range of coronation-themed activities planned on all three of its Queens.

From street parties in the majestic Grand Lobby to themed musical performances, films and quizzes, guests on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will be able to truly immerse themselves in the regal festivities.

An exclusive Coronation dinner menu has been created for the evening of Saturday, May 6, inspired by King Charles' love of farming, agriculture, game, and organic principles. It features a selection of specially curated dishes showcasing some of his favorite ingredients, to create a meal that perfectly commemorates this auspicious occasion.

Specially designed cocktails will be available to toast Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, including a "Coronation Oath" made with Prosecco, White Vermouth, Grapefruit and Cardamom Bitters and a "Monarch Martini" using Cunard's 3 Queens Gin.

All three ships will be at sea for the big day and will broadcast the ceremony live from Westminster Abbey into the ships' Royal Court Theatres and stateroom TVs. Queen Elizabeth guests will be just starting their nine-night tour of Southern Japan and Taiwan, visiting the stunningly beautiful island of Hualien and the idyllic tropical paradise of Miyakojima, while Queen Victoria will be returning from a 12-night voyage around the Canary Islands.

A brand-new Coronation Celebration voyage was announced earlier this week, with Queen Mary 2 sailing roundtrip from Southampton on May 2 to Cunard's spiritual home port of Liverpool.

Cunard's world-renowned Insights program across the fleet will feature royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, historian Caroline Aston and etiquette expert Grant Harrold.

Each ship will also host a deck walk in honor of The Big Help Out on Monday May 8, to raise money for youth charity The Prince's Trust, a proud partner of Cunard's for the past 15 years since the Queen Consort was named as godmother to Queen Victoria in 2007. This significant milestone will be celebrated on a special British Isles voyage in August. To date, thanks to the generosity of guests, crew and friends, Cunard has raised over $3.37 million for the Trust. The charity helps young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build a better future for themselves, through employment, education and enterprise.

Cunard's royal connections date back to August 1861, when Prince Alfred sailed from Halifax to Liverpool on Cunard's SS Arabia. More recently, Cunard is immensely proud that members of the royal family have graced each of the ships in its current fleet.


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