Cunard has announced its 2022 line-up of Event Voyages, offering a rich and compelling variety of themes on board flagship liner Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth.
Welcoming back Guest favourites including the Literature Festival at Sea in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times; and the much-loved Anthony Inglis and the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra, Cunard also introduces the line’s first Art & Design Week, and Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of British. Also joining the roster is the highly anticipated London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards.
Guests will enjoy an opportunity to meet and mingle with renowned authors, West End theatre stars, wax nostalgic with one the world’s top Beatles tribute bands, and learn insider views and latest trends with the new Art & Design week.
Every journey offers the opportunity to delve deeper into an existing passion or discover something new, with an enriching programme of interactive workshops, masterclasses, performances, and thought provoking speakers and discussions with fellow Guests.
Simon Palethorpe said: “Our Event Voyages have become a much-loved cornerstone of our brand. They are known for giving guests exclusive access to notable global luminaries in their fields, whilst also providing an opportunity to delve into one’s passions, from entertainment to literature to art, all within the luxurious surroundings of our ships.
Our line-up for 2022 sees a welcome return of guest favourite Event Voyages as well as ones we hope will also become as revered in the future.”
Here’s a taster of what to expect:
This eastbound transatlantic crossing, created in partnership with Society of London Theatre, will showcase Olivier award-winning talent, both on and off the stage. This Event Voyage 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 produced, and the theatres themselves. Highlights include a dazzling show with the stars in the Royal Court Theatre in a production looking back at the last 45 years of the Olivier Awards; an immersive workshop about the secrets and techniques of putting on a production; and dance classes led by world class choreographers. Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre, said: "In May 2022, we can't wait to welcome Guests on the London Theatre at Sea Event Voyage - a blend of performances, workshops, talks, dance classes and some special evening shows combine with an extraordinary array of on and off-stage talent to bring theatre to life. The world leading Queen Mary 2 transatlantic experience together with the very best of London theatre will result in an extraordinary week.”
A regular favourite in the Cunard calendar, the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra sets sail again with maestro Anthony Inglis leading the ensemble in memorable orchestral performances in the Royal Court Theatre. Guests will enjoy an evening of all-American music including Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”, after departing New York, and an evening celebrating the best of British music before arriving into Southampton. Charismatic conductor Inglis leads the audience, Guest choir, soloists and orchestra in both concerts, as well as presenting another afternoon concert featuring Ravel’s “Bolero.” Anthony Inglis, said: “The annual Transatlantic Crossing by the National Symphony Orchestra and myself is keenly looked forward to by the musicians, as much as the Guests on board the magnificent liner, Queen Mary 2. “After the year we have all had, the orchestra and I have decided that we need a huge celebration in 2022, not only on behalf of the ship and her wonderful crew, but also the Guests we have all missed. Therefore, I have planned some exciting surprises, which will be both hugely challenging and equally rewarding. We look forward to welcoming Guests for a gigantic, seven-night party with an orchestra playing some favourite classical pieces of music, a choir made up of the Guests, plus many other entertaining events as we cross the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Southampton.”
In partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Times and The Sunday Times: This extraordinary eastbound Transatlantic Crossing, crafted by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, will offer book lovers the opportunity to join some of the best-loved authors, historians, poets, and critics, as well as journalists from The Times and The Sunday Times, to bring the spirit of the Festival to the voyage. This seven-day programme of inspiring literary events celebrates the written word in all its variety with workshops, discussions, and Q&As focusing on literature, art, film, history and politics, all underpinned by the quality of delivery that is Cheltenham’s hallmark. Guests will include bestselling authors Ian Rankin, Maggie O’Farrell, Charles Cumming, Sathnam Sanghera, Mick Herron, and Simon Winchester; revered classicist Mary Beard; acclaimed journalists Damian Barr and Rachel Johnson; and Times Columnist and Times Radio Presenter, Matt Chorley. Nicola Tuxworth, Head of Programming, The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival said: “We can’t wait to be back on the gorgeous Queen Mary 2 for the 2022 Literature Festival on Sea. There is something truly magical about sailing across a vast ocean on a beautiful, luxurious ship and listening to some of the world’s best writers sharing their stories. The first Festival at Sea was a fabulous, an unforgettable seven days – and the 2022 programme will be packed with fascinating events for everyone who loves books and brilliant journalism. Whether you want to hear your favourite author discussing their craft, get behind the day’s headlines with The Times, or even have a go at writing yourself, why not join us on board?”
Cunard’s first ever Art & Design Week is a one-of-a-kind experience that will take Guests on a journey celebrating the best of design, past, present and future. Unmissable insights, expert-led masterclasses and special on board exhibitions promise to inspire the inner creative life of those who participate. In addition, Guests will have an exclusive opportunity to hear from creative influencers at the forefront of design for Cunard’s newest ship.
Queen Elizabeth will sail a nine-night roundtrip voyage departing Tokyo, tracing the shores of Japan and South Korea, and play host to Cunard’s first ever Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of the British voyage. Through music, film, tastings and demonstrations, the sailing will celebrate much-loved aspects of British culture, culminating in a spectacular finale in the Royal Court Theatre by the superb Bootleg Beatles, the world’s leading Beatles tribute band.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and what excites you most about these future cruises.
