Queen Mary 2 completed her historic first transit through the Panama Canal this weekend, marking a major milestone in her 2026 World Voyage.
Guests traveling on board were treated to a rare moment as she began her historic passage through the canal’s new set of locks on Saturday, 24 January.
Following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station, the ship continued her transit and passed under the Bridge of Americas on Sunday, 25 January.
“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard. Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen’s 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”
– Katie McAlister, Cunard President
Following her transit, Queen Mary 2 will visit Fuerte Amador, Panama for an overnight stay and Manzanillo, Mexico, before arriving to Los Angeles on February 2. Her arrival in Southern California will mark a long-anticipated return after 17 years as she completes this remarkable leg of her world voyage.
Queen Mary 2 will also celebrate a reunion with her legendary namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years. She will return to Southampton on 30 April 2026.
Crew Celebrations on QM2
Crew on board Queen Mary 2 had a surprise in store to celebrate the ship’s first ever transit of the Panama Canal. To recognise this special moment, the Seafarer’s Welfare Committee (SWC) arranged for each crew member to receive a Panama Hat, to keep as a memento.
They were each awarded with a personalised Panama Canal Transit Certificate and took part in a special photo shoot on the ship’s foredeck to mark the occasion:
Congratulations, Queen Mary 2!