The line said the gathering will be the first time its full fleet of four ships has assembled in one place. It described Liverpool as its spiritual home and said the event will offer a rare chance to see all four Queens together.

Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool on 16 May 2028 will also mark her first transatlantic crossing from New York directly to the city, according to Cunard. The company added that it will be its first eastbound arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than 61 years, since RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage on 18 November 1966.

Liverpool plans

Cunard said the 2028 event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Liverpool being named European Capital of Culture. The city is preparing a year-long programme of music, maritime and sporting events, with Cunard’s return forming a centrepiece of the celebrations, according to the release.

The last time Cunard ships gathered on the Mersey was in 2015, when three Queens came together for the brand’s 175th anniversary. Cunard said that event attracted more than one million spectators to the city and waterfront.

The 2028 gathering is expected by the line to draw significant crowds and global attention, with Liverpool marking the occasion through a waterfront celebration as the Four Queens meet and return home for the first time.

Voyage details

Cunard said guests will be able to take part in the occasion through a series of specially designed Four Queens Celebration voyages across the fleet. Queen Mary 2 will operate her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool before continuing with Transatlantic Crossings, Canada and New England voyages, and Caribbean itineraries.

Queen Anne will begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria guests will witness the gathering from on board, with Queen Elizabeth sailing from Southampton to Le Havre before joining the Mersey celebrations and Queen Victoria arriving after a voyage around the British Isles.

Company comments

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard. Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond. It will be an unforgettable day for our guests, for the city, and for everyone who comes together to enjoy the spectacle from the shore.”

Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors. We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home.”

He added: “2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us – with the Four Queens’ visit, hosting Euro 2028 matches, and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Capital of Culture, we’ve got a brilliant programme of events and activities in store.”

Further details on Cunard’s 2028 voyage itineraries and booking dates will be announced soon.

Source: Official announcement by Cunard on 22 April, 2026

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Cunard President Katie McAlister said:
“For more than 185 years, Cunard’s iconic Transatlantic Crossings have been defined by extraordinary journeys and exceptional experiences. In 2026, we’re offering the most extensive enrichment program ever on a single year of crossings, placing world-class entertainment at the heart of every voyage.
From award-winning theatre and classical music to thought-provoking literary conversations, this program reflects our long-standing commitment to celebrating culture at sea. We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Olivier and Tony Awards and to welcome such remarkable talent on board Queen Mary 2.”

Olivier Awards partnership

The 2026 programme includes a theatre‑focused sailing in partnership with the Olivier Awards. The collaboration brings West End‑inspired programming to sea through performances, talks and onboard events linked to the awards.

A highlight is The Oliviers in Concert, a production that takes guests through the history of the Olivier Awards. The schedule also features the return of London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards, departing 22 May 2026, with performances, sing‑alongs and an exclusive concert celebrating 50 years of the awards.

New theatre and comedy productions

Cunard will debut The Constant Wife, a comedy produced by Royal Shakespeare Company on 29 May 2026 during Queen Mary 2’s UK tour. Written by Olivier Award‑winning playwright Laura Wade and starring Kara Tointon, the show features original music composed by British jazz artist Jamie Cullum.

Orchestral performances

In September 2026, guests will be able to attend two evening concerts by the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Inglis. The programme includes Q&A sessions and opportunities for guests to join a choir rehearsing throughout the voyage.

Queen Mary 2’s 450th Transatlantic Crossing

The 2026 schedule includes special programming marking Queen Mary 2’s 450th Transatlantic Crossing. The celebration features The 450 Club: Celebrate the Transatlantic, created by Immersive Octopus theatre company, presenting moments from Cunard’s history including Noël Coward’s early performances and Captain Arthur Rostron’s role in the Titanic rescue.

A commemorative Gala Dinner will include special performances and interactive experiences celebrating Cunard’s 186‑year heritage.

Literary and cultural programming

The 2026 season also includes the Literature Festival at Sea, bringing together authors, journalists, critics and historians for discussions, book signings and storytelling events.  

Entertainment residencies

Cunard will offer a series of Entertainment Residencies across selected 2026 crossings, featuring musicals, comedy, opera and immersive theatre.

Scheduled performers and companies include:

• Adam Riches’ Jimmy
• Tim Benzie’s It’s a Mystery!
• Dyad Productions’ A Room of One’s Own
• Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful
• West End comedy The Last Laugh

Across its wider fleet in 2026, more than 680 speakers will appear throughout the year, including Celia Imrie, Dame Floella Benjamin, Sir Tony Robinson and former England cricket captain Sir Andrew Strauss.

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The upgraded transatlantic voyages will include refined culinary experiences featuring Michelin-starred chefs, expanded art and lecture series exploring transoceanic history, and enhanced wellness venues focusing on mindfulness and rejuvenation. These additions underline Cunard’s commitment to marrying heritage with contemporary luxury, appealing to GCC clients seeking leisurely, immersive ocean travel.

The Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to complete fifteen roundtrip crossings between Southampton and New York, providing multiple sailings timed to accommodate peak Gulf travel windows. Cunard is specifically marketing these voyages to multi-generational groups and cultural tourists keen to combine elegant sea travel with premium city stays in Europe and North America.

The line’s official statement emphasises that these sailings provide a rare blend of classic transatlantic ocean liner tradition combined with 21st-century luxury comforts—positioning Cunard to capture the growing GCC segment interested in sophisticated global cruising.

Travel advisors in the Middle East note that interest in slow, culturally rich cruise experiences is rising, driven by higher disposable incomes and evolving travel preferences. Cunard’s enhancements seek to meet and exceed these demands for 2026.

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