Cunard 2024 Event Voyages

Cunard has announced their anticipated 2024 Event Voyages collection offering the chance for you to be part of an experience unlike any other. Sports legends. Award-winning authors. Master composers. Cunard’s Event Voyages invite you to sail with some of the greatest talents in gastronomy, art, and entertainment!

Share your love of the spoken word or celebrate the joy of theatre. With unforgettable performances, Q&As, and hands-on workshops, an Event Voyage on a Cunard Queen is a holiday like no other.

Guests can join Cunard for an extra special adventure with the following Event Voyages in 2024:

• London Theatre at Sea – M417 – 15 -23 June 2024
• Queen Mary 2’s 400th Transatlantic Crossing​ – M426 – 23-30 August 2024
• Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra – M432A – 4-13 October 2024
• Literature Festival at Sea – M436 – 13-20 November 2024
• Great Australian Culinary Voyage – Q402 – 5-12 January 2024
• Sporting Greats and Wellness Voyage – Q407 – 13-20 February 2024
• Big Band Ball – Q416 – 5-14 May 2024

London Theatre at Sea

This unique Transatlantic Crossing will showcase Olivier Award-winning talent both on and off the stage. London Theatre at Sea will feature spectacular performances and an illustrious line-up of guests in conversation about their careers, as well as talks on productions, how they are put together, and the theatres themselves.

Highlights:

• In partnership with Society of London Theatre and the Olivier
  Awards
• Performances, insight talks and workshops with award-winning stars
  and creatives
• A fascinating look behind the scenes at what it takes to put a West
  End show together

Discover Olivier Award-winning talent – on and off the stage – on this unique Transatlantic Crossing, in partnership with the Olivier Awards, and curated by Julian Bird OBE. See performances from an illustrious line-up of guests. Be part of conversations with the stars. Peek behind the scenes to learn the secrets of putting on a world-class show. A unique series of events in the day and a special evening programme, culminating in a very special event, ‘The Oliviers in Concert.’ Watch in awe as the orchestra and cast take you back over 45 years of the Olivier Awards in an outstanding one-off production.

With immersive acting and vocal workshops from the creatives who make it happen, and dance classes led by West End choreographers, theatre fans are well and truly in their element on this one-of-a-kind voyage. Settle in and watch, as we unveil the curtains on the very best the London Theatre has to offer.

Queen Mary 2’s 400th Transatlantic Crossing

Next year Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 will embark on her 400th Transatlantic Crossing and what better way than to have a designated sailing all about Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossings.

Experience a historic anniversary on Queen Mary 2 as she sails her 400th Transatlantic Crossing, having sailed her first 20 years ago in 2004 on her maiden voyage.

A journey that remains as iconic today as it was in 1840 when Cunard’s history began, Queen Mary 2 has welcomed thousands of guests on board to enjoy a Transatlantic Crossing with Cunard.

To mark this extra special crossing, you’ll be joined by some fascinating maritime historians. Attend talks and listen as they share tales and anecdotes about this historic journey, that Cunard ships have been making since 1840.

Enjoy themed celebrations, on top of the signature Cunard experiences that you can always count on. Sparkling Gala Evenings. Afternoon Tea served by white-gloved waiters. Cocktails inspired by seven of Cunard’s celebrated Commodores. Then there’s the White Star service that leaves you thinking; I can’t believe they thought of that. Whether you want to be part of maritime history, or just travel the Atlantic like Hollywood’s finest, don’t miss your chance to experience this unique voyage.

Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra Voyage

Be immersed in a world of classical music, brought to you by eminent maestro Anthony Inglis and the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra. With two unforgettable evening performances in your ship’s Royal Court Theatre, this 15th-anniversary sailing is one you won’t want to miss.

Highlights

• Anthony Inglis will conduct on this special crossing as well as offering a Q&A
• Enjoy classical concerts in the Royal Court Theatre
• Rehearse with the choir and join the group performance during the evening’s show

Start the week with a concert of all-American music, including Gershwin’s evergreen Rhapsody in Blue. Then, celebrate the Best of British with a special evening filled with passion, colour, and entertainment.

Away from the stage, you’ll be invited to listen in as Inglis talks candidly about his career. A chance to rehearse with the choir is another voyage highlight, offering you the opportunity to put your own vocal strengths to the test with the best and join the group performance during the evening’s show.

Literature Festival at Sea

In partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times.

Ship: Queen Mary 2
Cruise No: M436
Itinerary: Westbound Transatlantic
Date: 13-20 November 2024
No Nights: 7 nights

Find yourself in literary heaven, surrounded by authors, poets, journalists, historians, and fellow book lovers, on this seven-night sailing, dedicated to the power of the pen. Curated by the programming team of Cheltenham Festivals, this unique voyage celebrates the written word in its many forms.

Enjoy a daily dose of news from Times journalists. Lose yourself in thought-provoking conversations at Q&A sessions. Meet your favourite writers at intimate book signings. Listen as literary greats dissect everything from art and film to history and politics.

You could fill every day on board with all kinds of literature-based activities and experiences. And that’s on top of exploring the range of signature Cunard experiences you can already look forward to when you holiday
with us.

Discover a line-up that includes acclaimed crime writer Mark Billingham, Scottish novelist Chris Brookmyre and his co-writer and wife, Marisa Haetzman, former US ambassador to the UK Matthew Barzun, and Sunday Times journalist Decca Aitkenhead, with more authors to be announced. The Literature Festival at Sea is a must for book lovers and free thinkers everywhere.

Special guests include the following:

Great Australian Culinary Voyage

Good food. Fine wine. Unforgettable company. Setting sail in January 2024, Cunard’s Great Australian Culinary Voyage offers a unique opportunity. Indulge your love of all things food and wine, while at the same time enjoying a summer voyage on Queen Elizabeth.

Ship: Queen Elizabeth
Cruise No: Q402
Itinerary: Southern Australia
Date: 5-12 January 2024
No Nights: 7 nights

This seven-night sailing from Melbourne, visiting Hobart and Adelaide, celebrates everything that’s special about Australia’s culinary scene. Listen and learn as some of Australia’s most loved chefs, producers, and food critics shine a spotlight on the wonders of Australian cuisine.

Taste exceptional dishes. Learn about local produce. Sample beautiful wines. You can also make the most of chances to immerse yourself in the local food scene, on one of our Shore Experiences.

Plus, the icing on the cake; treat your tastebuds to an explosion of flavour with exclusive dishes created by talented Australian food icons including Karen Martini. This voyage is set to be one you’ll never forget.

Special guests include the following:

• Karen Martini – an award-winning chef, restaurateur, television presenter and author who owns and runs Hero, a Melbourne restaurant that showcases her love of global cuisines and great, seasonal Victorian produce. Karen hosts regular segments on Australia’s most-watched lifestyle TV show, Better Homes & Gardens, and has recently released her eleventh cookbook, COOK, to rave reviews. Karen will take over the Steakhouse at the Verandah dining venue* and create a unique and exclusive degustation menu, and deliver a three-course menu for Queen Elizabeth’s main dining room, Britannia Restaurant. During talks and panel discussions, Karen will give insights into her career, and share stories about Australian food culture.
• Gary Mehigan – One of Australia’s most loved TV presenters, chefs and cookbook authors. Best known for his role as former judge on MasterChef Australia.
• Mark Olive – a.k.a The Black Olive, an Australian food icon for his work with Australian indigenous and native ingredients. Mark will showcase his expertise with a restaurant takeover and bespoke menu.*
• Darren Purchese – Renowned pastry chef, owner and creator of B&P Sweet Studio in Melbourne. Darren will bring a twist on Cunard’s Afternoon Tea* as well as taking part in talks and cooking demonstrations.
• Katie Spain – Leading drinks expert, writer and journalist, the national drinks writer for GOOD FOOD.

Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage

Celebrate your love of sport with some of Australia’s most iconic sporting superstars, on this inaugural Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage in 2024. Sailing from Sydney on Queen Elizabeth, this seven-night voyage includes a stellar line-up of Australian sporting talent. Hear from living legends in live Q&As. Relive edge-of-your-seat moments in panel
discussions. And find out what it takes to be a top-flight athlete at the peak of your game.

Ship: Queen Elizabeth
Cruise No: Q407
Itinerary: Australia
Date: 13-20 February 2024
No Nights: 7 nights

With the chance to holiday among Australia’s sporting greats, this first-of-its-kind voyage is an unmissable escape for sports fans. Unwind with tailored entertainment and White Star service on board your ship. Or put your own sporting skills to the test in one of our classes or workshops.

From deck sports and aerobics classes to table tennis and dance tutorials, you’ll find plenty of ways to finesse your fitness on board. You can also stay active on port calls to Tasmania and Melbourne, perhaps even upping the adrenaline with one of our sports-themed Shore Experiences.

Special guests include the following:

• Mark Beretta – best known as the sport presenter on Australia’s number one breakfast TV show, Sunrise on Channel 7, and as the host of Seven’s major sport broadcasts. His list of big event roles includes MC at the AFL’s Brownlow Medal, an Olympic Games Flagbearer and Team Ceremonies, Olympic Welcome Home Ceremonies, and some of Australia’s biggest sporting, corporate, government and military events and awards nights.
• Adam Goodes – a symbol of resilience and optimism and an inspirational role model as he works to create a better Australia for all. An Adnyamathanha man, indigenous community leader, former professional footballer in the Australian Football League (AFL) and dual Brownlow medallist. Adam Goodes was named Australian of the Year in 2014, in recognition of his tireless community work in addition to his sporting achievements. Adam is also the co-founder and director of GO Foundation as well as the co-founder and CEO of Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium (iDiC).
• Brett Lee – a former Australian international cricketer and fast bowler, who played and became a cult legend in all three formats of the game of cricket. Lee is recognised as delivering one of the fastest deliveries of all time. He is also widely regarded as one of the best pace bowlers ever to have played the sport, and finished his test cricket career with 310 wickets, and his One Day International career with 380 wickets.
• Karrie Webb – one of Australia’s most celebrated golfers. Over a career spanning more than two decades, her 41 victories place her 10 career wins ahead of the next closest active player (Juli Inkster). In addition to her incredible golfing ability, she is an avid supporter of women’s amateur golf in Australia, as well as a proud supporter of the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. She sponsors the Karrie Webb series, a program rewarding the Top Two Australia Amateur Women Golfers. Her extensive work and support of the Reeve Foundation earned her the Christopher Reeve Spirit of Courage Award in 2011.
• Amanda McLaren – Bruce’s only child and a Brand Ambassador for McLaren Racing, McLaren Automotive, a Trustee of the Bruce McLaren Trust and Patron of the Women’s Motor Racing Associates Club (“The Doghouse”) and of Motorsport Endeavour. Amanda was born in London, England, (and grew up in Walton on Thames, Surrey,) in a house called Muriwai, named after the beach in New Zealand, where her father won his first race. As a Registered Nurse, Amanda started her career in the Operating Theatre before more senior roles in management and education.

Big Band Ball Voyage

Glenn Miller. The Rat Pack. Harry Connick Jr. The music of the Big Band scene is nothing short of iconic. On this extraordinary voyage on Queen Elizabeth, dance and music lovers from all over gather to celebrate the magnificent Swing era.

Ship: Queen Elizabeth
Cruise No: Q416
Itinerary: Japan Circumnavigation
Date: 5-14 May 2024
No Nights: 9 nights

Spend days at sea perfecting your steps for the nights ahead, at expert-led dance classes, or why not find a spot in a lounge, and enjoy the variety of live music across the ship? British singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe and our own skilled musicians come together to perform renditions of the Big Band songs you know and love, all culminating in one spectacular evening. Put your glad rags on and make your way to the Queens Room, where a swinging 18-piece orchestra is set up to transport you back to another time.

You could simply sit and toe-tap, signature Cunard cocktail in hand, or maybe you’ll be tempted to get up, swaying and twirling to the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Frank Sinatra. Not forgetting their modern-day counterparts, the likes of Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum. Make incredible memories on this voyage that’s sure to be like no other, all while taking in Japan’s enticing ports as you sail.

Special Guests: Joe Stilgoe

Joe Stilgoe, an internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter creates a fresh jazz sound for the 21st century. As a recording artist he has released five critically lauded albums, three of which topped the UK Jazz chart.

His most recent album, launched in June 2019, was a new departure of style and genre. THE HEAT IS ON! Joe’s unique interpretation of the soundtrack of the 1980s, reimagined with a full 1950’s Big Band.

Stilgoe will perform twice during the voyage, he will provide spectacular vocals for the Big Band Ball, along with an evening of song in the Queens Room. And a Q&A that will offer a fascinating insight into his life and work.

Highlights

• The Queens Room will play host to an unforgettable Big Band Ball inspired by the iconic big bands of the Swing era.
• A magnificent 18-piece Big Band, featuring some of the biggest names from the British Big Band scene, will delight guests with music from Glenn Miller, Count Basie. Duke Ellington. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
• Dance classes and live music throughout the day.

Why Sail with Cunard?

For over 180 years Cunard has set the bar and then raised it. A voyage with Cunard means a chance to travel the globe with the pioneers of the world voyage. It means an effortless holiday, on which every day can be different.

Unwind. Embrace a sense of freedom. Enjoy life with no responsibilities. With more included than you might think, spend time in any way you like. It is your holiday, after all. Indulge (at least once or twice) in a delicious Afternoon Tea.

Learn something new at fascinating Insight talks, or maybe take part in a beginner’s Wine Academy course, leaving with a recognised qualification. Take in remarkable theatre, from the renowned talents of the Royal Shakespeare Company to critically acclaimed Cunard Showcases productions. That’s when you’re not treasuring peaceful hours spent at Mareel Spa or gazing out to sea from spacious decks. You could fill your days and nights with activities, or do you dream of laying by the pool doing nothing at all, while you sail to the next destination?

You could push yourself at the gym by morning and glam up for a sparkling Gala Evening by night, maybe with a signature Cunard cocktail in between (why stop at one?). Art classes and fine dining. Pub fare and karaoke.

However, you choose to spend your time, find added comfort knowing that all the finer details have been taken care of, thanks to the renowned White Star Service. Take home all kinds of unique and extra special memories from your Cunard holiday.