Queen Mary 2 Makes History with First Panama Canal Transit, Enhancing 2026 World Voyage and Cape Tow

The iconic Queen Mary 2 has etched a new chapter in maritime history by completing her inaugural transit of the Panama Canal, a landmark event in Cunard’s 2026 World Voyage. This momentous passage took place over the weekend of January 24th and 25th, 2026, as the 149,215-ton ocean liner—renowned as the world’s only true ocean liner—navigated the canal’s modern Cocoli Locks and cruised beneath the famed Bridge of the Americas.

Guests aboard the vessel experienced this rare and captivating journey firsthand, including an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station before completing the canal crossing. This unique transit adds an iconic highlight to the Queen Mary 2’s extensive 108-night itinerary, which also features extended calls in notable destinations such as Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Singapore before concluding in Southampton.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, remarked, “Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests. Queen Mary 2’s maiden Panama Canal transit marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard.”

Following the canal passage, the ship docked overnight at Fuerte Amador in Panama before setting course for Manzanillo, Mexico. The vessel is scheduled to arrive in Los Angeles on February 2nd, marking its first visit to Southern California in 17 years. This call is especially significant as it will reunite Queen Mary 2 with her historic namesake, the Queen Mary, for the first time in two decades.

This historic transit coincides with broader adjustments to Cunard’s 2026 world cruise itineraries in response to evolving global maritime conditions. Due to ongoing security concerns in the Red Sea rendering the Suez Canal route unviable, Cunard has rerouted both Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne to circumnavigate the west coast of Africa. This change brings new calls to key African ports including Port Louis in Mauritius and Cape Town, underscoring Cape Town’s rising prominence as a strategic cruise hub amidst shifting international routes.

Queen Mary 2 will depart Cape Town on April 17th, 2026, embarking on a 17-night voyage back to Southampton, while Queen Anne will sail from Cape Town to Singapore on a 22-night journey starting January 31st, 2026. This marks a notable milestone with two Cunard ships departing from Cape Town in one year, reflecting the city’s growing importance in global cruise itineraries.

Cunard’s world cruises, typically available as full circumnavigations or shorter segments, have seen some segment cancellations due to the itinerary revisions. Affected guests are being offered full refunds within 14 days, as per company policy.

Queen Mary 2’s 2026 world voyage, shaped by historic achievements and adaptive routing, is set to culminate with her return to Southampton on April 30th, 2026, offering guests an unparalleled blend of maritime tradition and contemporary exploration.