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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Float out at Monfalcone

The float out took place on 16 April 2026 at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone, where Norwegian Aura touched water for the first time. The event marked the completion of the ship’s external hull construction and the start of the next stage of interior development.

Two ceremonial coins were welded into the hull during a traditional coin ceremony. NCL said the custom symbolises good fortune and safe passage for the ship, her crew and future guests.

Official comments

“Norwegian Aura’s float out is a proud and meaningful moment for our entire team,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “She builds on the legacy of our award-winning Prima Class while taking our commitment to thoughtfully designed guest-first experiences even further. Created in close partnership with Fincantieri, the ship is purposefully constructed to deliver an elevated, multi-generational vacation experience, with expansive outdoor spaces like Ocean Heights, that bring families and friends together for fun-filled days. With her flexible, open-air design, Norwegian Aura is exceptionally well suited for Caribbean itineraries, offering the perfect balance of high-energy fun, relaxation and an effortless escape for guests of all ages.”

“Norwegian Aura’s float out marks a highly symbolic and operationally significant milestone in our shared journey with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division. “This vessel reflects the strength of a long-standing partnership and our ability to turn design vision and innovation into tangible solutions, helping to redefine onboard experience for future generations of guests.”   

Size and ship design

Norwegian Aura, described as the line’s largest and most illuminating vessel to date, will measure nearly 1,130 feet in length and approximately 170,000 gross tons, making it around 10 per cent larger than Norwegian Aqua and Norwegian Luna.

The ship will offer more than 1,970 staterooms and accommodate approximately 3,880 guests at double occupancy. NCL said the vessel has been designed with expanded outdoor spaces and multi-generational features as part of its Prima Class evolution.

Onboard spaces

A central feature of the ship will be Ocean Heights, an open-air activity area that NCL says will include the most slides of any ship in its fleet. The complex will feature Eclipse Racers, the line’s first duelling waterslides, along with Aura Free Fall and The Wave.

The release also says Ocean Heights will include an 82-foot ropes course, a 25-foot rock-climbing wall and Aura Midway, a carnival-style games area. In the evening, the space will change through lighting and LED projections.

Other features listed in the release include a pool deck that is more than 20 per cent larger than on previous vessels, extra seating, an additional hot tub, open lounge areas and a Kids’ Aqua Park. The adults-only Vibe Beach Club will also be available, while Ocean Boulevard on deck eight will be extended by 11 per cent.

Launch plans and routes

Norwegian Aura is scheduled to begin service in May 2027 with a seven-day Mediterranean sailing from Trieste, Italy. The itinerary will call at ports in Italy and Malta before the ship sails a 14-day transatlantic voyage to the United States.

From 10 June 2027, the ship will be homeported in Miami and will operate seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages through March 2028. These sailings will include calls at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize.

Great Stirrup Cay visit

The release says Norwegian Aura will make its first call at Great Stirrup Cay in June 2027. At that point, guests will have access to upgraded facilities on the island, including a multi-ship pier, a welcome plaza and a tram service.

Other island features listed by NCL are Great Life Lagoon with two swim-up bars, Splash Harbor for children, the adults-only Vibe Shore Club and the Great Tides Waterpark. The waterpark is described as a nearly six-acre attraction with 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, a kids’ splash zone and a river experience.

Source: Official announcement by Norwegian Cruise Line on 16 April, 2026

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Jazz programming curated with international partners

Guests will be invited to immerse themselves in the evocative worlds of bossa nova and swing through a vibrant tribute to the iconic collaboration between Antônio Carlos Jobim and Stan Getz. The programme promises intimate concerts, privileged encounters with artists, and rare moments of improvisation that capture the very essence of jazz.

The itinerary has been designed to explore a range of jazz styles, with onboard performances and themed sessions including a dedicated homage to the Jobim–Getz collaboration. PONANT confirmed that the voyage has been conceived under the artistic direction of Hughes Kieffer, with the aim of integrating live music into the onboard experience alongside destination‑focused exploration.

Baltic and North Sea itinerary across five countries

The sailing will take guests across Northern Europe, with ports of call in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Finland. The itinerary blends urban and natural landscapes, from coastal capitals to fjords and remote shorelines.

Among the highlights referenced by the company are the dramatic cliffs of Lysefjorden in Norway, as well as visits to major capitals and smaller regional destinations. The route is positioned to showcase both cultural centres and striking natural environments across the Baltic and North Sea regions.

PONANT indicated that the onboard programme is designed to complement the itinerary, with performances and events scheduled around time spent in port.

Expedition ship experience aboard Le Commandant Charcot

The voyage will take place on Le Commandant Charcot, PONANT’s hybrid electric polar exploration vessel. Purpose‑built for operations in colder climates, the ship provides a refined and cocooning environment that contrasts with the winter landscapes encountered along the route.

Throughout the sailing, the vessel will host the full jazz programme, with concerts and events taking place in dedicated onboard venues. PONANT describes the setting as an intimate stage for musical immersion, enhancing the overall expedition experience.

The company also confirmed that guests will be offered a complimentary additional night in Helsinki prior to embarkation, subject to conditions outlined in the official programme.

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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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Norwegian Luna christened in Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line said the christening of Norwegian Luna celebrated the ship’s arrival into the fleet and continued the line’s long tradition of maritime ceremonies. The event included the ceremonial blessing and bottle breaking across the hull, symbolising safe passage for the vessel and its future guests.

The ship’s godmother was ELLE, a street artist who also created the hull artwork titled La Luna. Norwegian Cruise Line said the piece was inspired by humanity’s relationship with the moon and explores themes of connection and transformation.

Leadership remarks

Senior leaders from Norwegian Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. attended the ceremony. Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, described Norwegian Luna as an evolution of the company’s approach to guest experience and highlighted the ship’s mix of family-focused attractions and adult-oriented entertainment.

John W. Chidsey, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., said the christening was a significant milestone for the company and noted the ship’s role in shaping future guest experiences.

Prima Class design

Norwegian Luna measures 1,056 feet in length and has capacity for 3,565 guests. The ship was built with the open spaces and design principles associated with the Prima Class, and it offers a range of activities, entertainment and accommodation options for families, couples and solo travellers.

Among its headline features is the Aqua Slidecoaster, an NCL-exclusive attraction also found on Norwegian Aqua, with the line describing it as the longest and fastest slides at sea. Other onboard spaces include the Glow Court digital sports complex, the Luna Game Zone, Luna Midway, Moon Climber and Horizon Park.

Entertainment and dining

Evening entertainment on Norwegian Luna includes Elton: A Celebration of Elton John and HIKO: Innovation Meets Wonder. The line also says Syd Norman’s Pour House will present A Tribute to Eagles, while LunaTique offers a late-night experience for guests aged 21 and over at The Improv at Sea.

For younger guests, the ship includes Sea of Discovery! An Under-the-Sea Festival, a children’s programme inspired by classic field day activities. Norwegian Cruise Line also lists 17 dining venues offering more than 15 global cuisines, alongside 18 bars and lounges.

Accommodation options

Accommodation on board includes solo staterooms, inside, oceanview and balcony cabins, plus suites within The Haven by Norwegian. The Haven area features a private restaurant, bar and lounge.

Dining venues named in the release include Onda by Scarpetta, Sukhothai and Le Bistro. Among the bars and lounges highlighted are the Whiskey Bar, the Belvedere Bar and the Metropolitan Bar, which features the line’s Sail and Sustain cocktail programme.

Caribbean deployment

Norwegian Luna will sail Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami between April 2026 and April 2027. Those voyages include calls at Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas and Harvest Caye in Belize, both of which Norwegian Cruise Line says have recently been enhanced.

At Great Stirrup Cay, the line highlights the Great Life Lagoon, featuring a large pool area, swim-up bars, cabanas and a family splash pad. The adults-only Vibe Shore Club offers private beach access and premium seating, while the Great Tides Waterpark is due to open later in 2026 with 19 waterslides, cliffside jumps, a children’s splash zone and the Wandering River.

New York sailings

After its Miami season, Norwegian Luna will reposition to New York for four- and seven-day round-trip sailings to Bermuda from April to October 2027. The official release says these itineraries will include extended port time and overnight stays, giving guests more time to explore Bermuda’s beaches and take part in activities such as catamaran excursions, cave dives and scenic bike tours.

Source: Official announcement by Norwegian Cruise Line on 30 March, 2026

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The newly released voyages are designed to offer extended destination immersion, with an emphasis on longer stays in port and access to a wide range of destinations through Seabourn’s smaller-ship operations.

Global itineraries with focus on destination immersion

The 2027–2029 programme spans a broad selection of global destinations, reflecting Seabourn’s continued focus on worldwide deployment.

According to the announcement, the voyages are structured to prioritise destination immersion, with itineraries designed to include longer port stays and opportunities for in-depth exploration.

Seabourn’s fleet of smaller ships allows access to ports that may not be available to larger vessels, supporting a more varied itinerary structure across regions.

This approach remains central to the cruise line’s offering, providing guests with the ability to explore destinations in greater detail during each voyage.

40th anniversary milestone for the brand

The 2027–2029 voyage programme coincides with Seabourn’s 40th anniversary, marking four decades since the brand’s founding in 1986.

The announcement positions the upcoming seasons as part of this milestone period, reflecting the cruise line’s long-standing presence within the ultra-luxury segment.

“Travelers choose Seabourn because they want to genuinely connect with the places they visit,” said Mark Tamis, president of Seabourn. “As we look ahead to our 40th anniversary, this collection reflects where we began and where we are going, combining our heritage of small–ship luxury with new destinations and itineraries, new first-of-its-kind collaborations, and more opportunities to bring luxury and exploration together in an immersive way.”

While the anniversary is acknowledged within the programme, the focus of the release remains on the deployment of global itineraries and the continued development of Seabourn’s voyage offering.

Smaller ships enabling broader access

A key feature of the programme is the use of Seabourn’s smaller ships, which enable access to a wider range of ports compared with larger cruise vessels.

This operational model allows the cruise line to design itineraries that include a mix of established ports and destinations that require more flexible access.

The emphasis on smaller-ship cruising continues to define Seabourn’s positioning within the luxury segment, supporting a more tailored and destination-focused experience.

Background and brand positioning

Founded in 1986, Seabourn operates within the ultra-luxury cruise segment, offering voyages characterised by smaller ships, personalised service and destination-led itineraries.

Over time, the cruise line has built a global footprint, with itineraries spanning multiple regions and designed to appeal to travellers seeking a more refined and immersive cruise experience.

The 2027–2029 programme reflects this established positioning, maintaining a focus on global destinations and extended itineraries.

Industry context and forward booking strategy

The release of the 2027–2029 ocean voyages reflects a broader industry trend towards earlier itinerary announcements, allowing cruise lines to capture forward demand and support long-term planning.

This approach provides travel advisors with extended booking windows and allows guests to plan voyages well in advance, particularly within the luxury segment where longer lead times are common.

By releasing its programme early, Seabourn is aligning with industry practices aimed at securing early bookings and strengthening forward visibility across upcoming seasons.

Source: Official announcement by Seabourn in Seattle on 25 March, 2026

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The ceremony transformed the Florida waterfront into an open-air theater, featuring a multi-tiered stage, intricate projections cast directly onto the ship’s hull, and a sky illuminated by drone special effects. The production paid homage to the diverse array of stories represented onboard, with a live band and vocalists delivering custom arrangements of anthems from The Lion King, Frozen, Black Panther, and Hercules.

A Heroic Godmother

Breaking from the recent tradition of collective godparents, Disney returned to individual honors by appointing Broadway and animation legend Susan Egan as the ship’s godmother. Egan, whose career is inextricably linked to the Disney canon, is best known for voicing the quick-witted Megara in the 1997 animated classic Hercules and for originating the role of Belle in the Broadway adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

The evening reached its crescendo as Egan took to the stage to deliver the traditional maritime blessing. “The Disney Destiny Christening combined the spirit of a high-energy concert with the theatricality of a Disney spectacular,” noted the official press update. Following her blessing, a “sparkling pop of champagne” signaled the ship’s official readiness to sail, triggering a “glittering grand finale of heroic proportions.”

Leadership Perspectives

Executives at the event emphasized the strategic importance of this new vessel, which joins the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure as the third ship in the Wish class.

“For more than 100 years, we have entertained our fans in new and innovative ways, connecting them to the Disney stories they love,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman of Disney Experiences. “Disney Cruise Line is a powerful part of that legacy because our ships become brand ambassadors that travel the globe and bring joy to our guests in ways only Disney can. Now, the Disney Destiny makes its own extraordinary entry into our growing fleet.”

Joe Schott, President of Disney Signature Experiences, highlighted the craftsmanship behind the vessel: “The Disney Cruise Line team, alongside our Disney Imagineers, have invested years of their expertise, creativity and dedication into this beautiful ship. They have created something truly spectacular.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

In conjunction with the launch, the line announced “Discover Your Destiny,” a new community initiative targeting students in Florida and The Bahamas. The program is designed to “inspire students through the arts” by connecting them with creative professionals from the cruise line. Through this mentorship, students will get a behind-the-scenes look at entertainment careers, encouraging them to “dream boldly about their futures.”

A Fleet in Expansion

The Disney Destiny is a key component of Disney Cruise Line’s aggressive expansion strategy, which aims to grow the fleet to 13 ships by 2031. This roadmap includes the upcoming Disney Adventure, set to homeport in Singapore from March 2026, and a newly announced agreement to bring Disney cruise vacations to Japan in 2029.

Onboard, the Disney Destiny differentiates itself with venues steeped in “legendary Disney lore.” Guests can experience a first-of-its-kind “Pride Lands: Feast of The Lion King” dining show, a Cruella de Vil-inspired piano lounge, and a “Doctor Strange” sanctum.

The ship will embark on her maiden voyage on November 20, 2025, kicking off an inaugural season of four- and five-night cruises to The Bahamas and Western Caribbean. These itineraries will feature stops at both of Disney’s private island destinations, Disney Castaway Cay and the new Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point.​

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