Queen Mary 2: Historic Transit in the Panama Canal
The flagship of Cunard, the Queen Mary 2, achieved a historic milestone during her World Voyage 2026 by completing her first transit through the new locks of the Panama Canal. The event marked a rare and significant moment for guests on board the 108-night cruise, offering a unique and memorable experience that combined history, engineering, and luxury.
The historic passage began on Saturday, January 24, when Queen Mary 2 entered the canal’s new lock system for the first time. The maneuver allowed guests to witness up close the impressive hydraulic and engineering technology that regulates the transit of ships between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. After an overnight stop at the Cocoli Mooring Station, the ship resumed her voyage, completing the transit on Sunday, January 25, as she sailed beneath the iconic Bridge of the Americas, a symbol of the connection between the two oceans.
Queen Mary 2_Panama (3)
Queen Mary 2_Panama (4)
According to Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, the transit marked yet another extraordinary milestone for the company and an iconic highlight of Queen Mary 2’s 108-night World Voyage. The passage through the Panama Canal offered guests the opportunity to witness a historic and memorable moment, forming part of an itinerary that also featured world-renowned destinations such as Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
Following the transit, the Queen Mary 2 called at Fuerte Amador, Panama, for an overnight stay. During the call, guests had the opportunity to explore the port city and participate in organized shore excursions discovering the area’s history and local culture, experiencing firsthand a strategic gateway to the Panama Canal. The voyage then continued to Manzanillo, another port distinguished by its striking natural scenery and opportunities for guests to discover local attractions through cultural and recreational activities.
The arrival in Los Angeles on February 2 marked a long-awaited return to Southern California after 17 years, completing one of the most significant chapters of the ship’s world voyage. On this occasion, Queen Mary 2 also celebrated a long-anticipated reunion with her legendary namesake, RMS Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years, offering guests a unique opportunity to relive the company’s history and that of the world’s most iconic ocean liner tradition.
The transit through the Panama Canal offered guests not only the thrill of witnessing a historic event, but also the opportunity to gain insight into the engineering and management of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors. The canal’s new locks enabled Queen Mary 2 to navigate safely and precisely, while onboard experts explained the system’s operation and distinctive features, making the experience as educational as it was inspiring.
The event once again demonstrated Cunard’s ability to combine luxury, heritage, and exclusive itineraries, reinforcing Queen Mary 2’s position as the world’s only true ocean liner capable of delivering unparalleled experiences where history, technology, and comfort converge. Guests enjoyed memorable moments on board, including gala evenings, lectures, and in-depth presentations dedicated to the transit and the destinations visited, making each day of the voyage truly unforgettable.
Queen Mary 2_Panama (2)
Queen Mary 2_Panama (1)
Cunard has also announced that its ships will continue to offer transits through the Panama Canal during the 2026 and 2027 seasons, providing guests with further opportunities to experience this extraordinary feat of engineering and technology. Among the most significant sailings are: the Queen Elizabeth, which will depart from Seattle on September 24, 2026, on a 21-night voyage to Miami, including a Panama Canal transit following her second summer season in Alaska; the Queen Anne, which will transit the canal on January 22, 2027, as part of her 56-night South America Discovery itinerary, featuring more than 20 calls across South and Central America; and the Queen Victoria, whose World Voyage will depart from Southampton on January 10, 2027, visiting more than 30 ports, including a Panama Canal transit after calls in New York and Aruba. These itineraries reaffirm Cunard’s commitment to combining luxury, adventure, and unique experiences aboard its iconic cruise ships.
In conclusion, the first transit of the Queen Mary 2 through the Panama Canal marked a milestone in Cunard’s history, offering guests on the 2026 World Voyage a unique blend of historic excitement, luxury, and cultural discovery, further strengthening the company’s reputation as a leader in the cruise industry.
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