The Queen Mary 2 completed its first-ever transit of the Panama Canal on January 24 and 25, 2026. A historic moment for Cunard 's flagship , part of its 108-night World Cruise 2026.
This passage through the canal's new locks marks a significant milestone in the history of the ocean liner, the only transatlantic vessel still in service in the world. According to the specialized press, this crossing further reinforces Cunard's ultra-premium positioning in the luxury cruise segment.
Summary
A symbolic passage through the new locks
The Queen Mary 2 began its maiden transit of the Panama Canal on Saturday, January 24, before continuing its journey on Sunday, January 25, after spending the night at the Cocoli berth. The ship notably passed under the famous Bridge of the Americas, an iconic landmark of the canal.
"As the world's only transatlantic ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2's first transit of the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard," said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.
She adds: "Our world-renowned voyages offer our passengers truly enriching, unique, and meaningful experiences. The Panama Canal transit is one of the highlights and iconic moments of this magnificent 108-night World Tour."
A 108-night global itinerary
Departing from Southampton, the Queen Mary 2 is part of a global itinerary including several major destinations, among them Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before a planned return to Southampton on April 30, 2026.
After crossing the canal, the ship set course for Fuerte Amador, Panama, for a stopover with an overnight stay in port, before heading to Manzanillo, Mexico, and then Los Angeles, where it will dock on February 2, 2026.
This return to Southern California, awaited for 17 years, will be marked by a symbolic reunion with the legendary Queen Mary, an unprecedented event for twenty years.
Further canal crossings are planned for 2026 and 2027
Cunard has already confirmed that several other ships in the fleet will transit the Panama Canal in the coming months.
The Queen Elizabeth will make a transit on September 24, 2026, as part of a 21-night cruise between Seattle and Miami, following a summer season in Alaska. In January 2027, the Queen Anne will transit the canal on a grand 56-night voyage dedicated to exploring South and Central America.
Finally, the Queen Victoria will also include the Panama Canal in its 2027 World Tour, departing from and arriving in Southampton, with more than 30 stops planned.
A strong signal for high-end cruising
This maiden voyage through the Panama Canal by the Queen Mary 2 exemplifies Cunard's commitment to promoting iconic and meaningful itineraries, while drawing upon its maritime heritage. For tourism professionals, these long-haul voyages represent high-value products aimed at an international clientele seeking unique experiences.
With four ships in service; Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Anne and Queen Victoria, the British company continues to deploy an offering positioned on luxury, duration and the exceptional.
Sources
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