Celebrating a historic anniversary, Queen Mary 2 has embarked on her 400th Transatlantic Crossing as she heads home from New York this week.
To mark this extra special crossing, guests will be joined by some fascinating maritime historians. They’ll have the chance to attend talks and listen as experts share tales and anecdotes about the historic journey that Cunard ships have been making since 1840.
During the voyage, guests can enjoy themed celebrations, on top of the signature Cunard experiences that they 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 guests thinking; ‘I can’t believe they thought of that!’
Whether guests want to be part of maritime history, or simply travel the Atlantic like Hollywood’s finest, this unique voyage will be one to remember.
Words by Maritime Historians Chris Frame & Rachelle Cross.
Celebrating Queen Mary 2
Queen Mary 2 joined Queen Elizabeth 2 on the Atlantic in 2004, with the two ships rendezvousing in New York. After spending a day alongside the city together, the Queens undertook a tandem Transatlantic Crossing to Southampton.
Not since the 1960s had two Cunard Queens sailed the Atlantic together – only this time they were within a mile of each other, affording wonderful views to guests on both ships.
Queen Mary 2 became the flagship of Cunard in April 2004, and when Queen Elizabeth 2 retired in November 2008, Queen Mary 2 became the last of the great transatlantic liners. Like the great Cunard ships before her, Queen Mary 2 has enjoyed an interesting and diverse Atlantic career.
In 2005 the ship carried the first signed copy of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince across the Atlantic in a special trunk, loaded on board the ship under guard. Five years later, staterooms on Queen Mary 2 were in hot demand when the Eyjafjallajökull eruptions grounded transatlantic air traffic.
In 2013 Queen Mary 2 celebrated her 200th Transatlantic Crossing. Later that same year, the giant liner came to the aid of Mylene Paquette who was attempting to row across the Atlantic. Having been impacted by Atlantic storm Humberto, Queen Mary 2 provided Canadian solo-rower with necessary supplies.
The centenary of Southampton as Cunard’s British home port was acknowledged in 2019, with a Transatlantic Crossing on board Queen Mary 2. Sailing from Southampton to New York in November of that year, the voyage was a nod to the first Southampton express service undertaken by Mauretania in 1919.
On this voyage, we celebrate Queen Mary 2’s 400th Transatlantic Crossing. The ship continues a grand tradition established 184 years ago, and as the largest ocean liner ever built, the experience Queen Mary 2 offers makes this ship the finest way to sail the Atlantic.