Breaking: Cunard pulls pin on Australia and Asia based programmes from 2026

Golden crown on red velvet pillow for coronation. Royal symbol of british UK monarchy.  3d illustration
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Cunard is a brand loved by many around the world, and welcoming guests from every corner will always be a key part of what makes Cunard special.   

    From 2026, Queen Elizabeth shall be operating year-round from North America, spending the summer season sailing in and around Alaska and in the winter, she will sail an exciting new programme for Cunard in the Caribbean from Florida. 

    We know that many guests in Australia and Japan love to sail with Cunard and Queen Elizabeth is already on her way to Australia to begin her 2023/2024 homeport season starting 27 November.  

    The ship will also return for her scheduled 2024/2025 season and whilst this news means that from 2026 there will be no locally based programme, Australia and Asia will remain important destinations on our round-the-world voyages and we look forward to welcoming guests from these regions wherever they chose to sail with us. 

    Cunard will continue to deliver exciting programs across the fleet of four Queens, visiting all the incredible destinations that our guests know and love, as well as some lesser-known gems for our guests to explore – from Mediterranean departures to Northern Europe, and across the Transatlantic on Cunard’s famous crossings, there will be plenty for our guests to choose from.  

    The new deployments are an exciting development, and we look forward to releasing the full details of our future programs in early 2024. 

    Matt Gleaves, Commercial Vice President North America & Australasia 

    Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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