Cunard reveals 2022 event voyages line up

Cunard has revealed its 2022 line of up of event voyages on board Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth.

The company will reprise its Literature Festival at Sea in partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival; and Anthony Inglis and the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra. The company will also introduce its first first Art & Design Week, and Beatles and Beyond: Celebrating the Best of British as well as a London Theatre at Sea with the Olivier Awards.

Cunard president, 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.”

Some of the cruises on offer include:

15-22 May 2022 London Theatre at Sea, with the Olivier Awards
Transatlantic crossing New York to Southampton on Queen Mary 2 with flights from the UK
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 performances and a line-up of guests in conversation about their careers, as well as talks on productions, how they are produced, and the theatres themselves.

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.”

Prices start at £1,049 per person for an Inside stateroom

25 October-1 November 2022, Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra
Transatlantic crossing New York to Southampton on Queen Mary 2 with flights from the UK
The UK’s National Symphony Orchestra sets sail again with maestro Anthony Inglis leading the ensemble in orchestral performances in the Royal Court Theatre.

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.”

Prices start at £949 person for an Inside stateroom.

3-10 December 2022 Literature Festival at Sea
Transatlantic crossing New York to Southampton on Queen Mary 2 with flights from the UK
In partnership with the Cheltenham Literature Festival this eastbound transatlantic crossing, crafted by the programming team of the 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.

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, 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?”

Prices start at £1,219 per person for an Inside stateroom.