Cunard's 185th Anniversary at Sea
Cruise Circle
Cunard is celebrating their 185th anniversary this year! Events will unfold across Cunard’s fleet with special sailings from May 2025, including Sailaway deck parties, Anniversary Gala Dinners, historical speakers, onboard exhibitions and Swing & Big Band nights.
A Celebration of Rich Heritage
One of the most popular British cruise lines, Cunard’s 185-year legacy of ocean travel is extensive. From transporting troops during World War II and hosting Hollywood stars in the Golden Age of transatlantic travel, to the first flushing toilet at sea (1870) and Cunard's Carpathia (pictured) arriving on the scene to rescue survivors as the Titanic sank (1912) - a lot of history has been made since 1840.
A New Exhibition to Display This Fascinating History
To coincide with the anniversary, Cunard has created a new 'Sea of Glamour' photography exhibition to travel on Cunard's fleet. Showcasing 185 years of ocean travel, it will feature a stunning collection of images and stories, a timeline of iconic moments in Cunard’s history.
Celebrations Sailings
Queen Mary 2 - Transatlantic Crossing - 24th June 2025
Set sail on this iconic Transatlantic Crossing – a route sailed by Cunard ships for almost two centuries – and be treated to a host of unique events on Queen Mary 2. Highlights include a Sailaway celebration on deck, Gala dinner and Charlie & Stan entertainment residency. The latter is a nod to Charlie Chaplin and Stan Laurel's sailing on a Transatlantic Voyage from Southampton as part of Fred Karno's famous music hall troupe. You can also hear fascinating insights from maritime historian Chris Frame, naval architect Stephen Payne (who designed Queen Mary 2) and maritime expert Mensun Bound.
Queen Anne - British Isles - 18th May 2025
Join Cunard’s newest ship for a unique voyage around the British Isles. Enjoy anecdotes from maritime expert Eric Flounders and a special Anniversary Gala Dinner onboard.
Guests will also be transported back to the 40s at the Big Band Night in the Queens Room. Here, the Queens Room musicians and Royal Court Orchestra come together for a night of swing and Big Band favourites, featuring the music of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald and their modern-day counterparts, Michael Bublé and Jamie Cullum.
Queen Victoria - Central Mediterranean Cruise - 30th June 2025
Set sail on the shimmering waters of the Mediterranean, wander ancient streets in Croatia, visit the historic city of Palma de Mallorca with its impressive 13th-century cathedral, and finally end in Barcelona. Whilst onboard, listen to fascinating stories from maritime historian Roy Paul and, in the evening, embrace the sparkle at a special 185th anniversary Big Band Night in the Queens Room, plus an anniversary dinner with the bespoke commemorative menu.
Queen Elizabeth - Western Caribbean - 9th December 2025
Anniversary celebrations are set to add a little pizzazz to Queen Elizabeth’s winter sun sailing in the Caribbean. With talks from maritime historian Bill Miller, and a special Gala Dinner, there’ll also be a glittering Sailaway Party, where you can mix, mingle, and dance with fellow guests and look forward to the adventures ahead. Enjoy a roundtrip itinerary from Miami, including stops at Turks and Caicos, Jamaica, Belize and Mexico.
