Queen Mary 2 will reconnect Liverpool with Cunard's transatlantic service when the ocean liner makes her landmark 500th crossing of the Atlantic in May 2029.
The milestone sailing will be available as a 21-night round trip from New York, beginning on 20 April 2029. Guests will also be able to join the voyage in Hamburg, Southampton or Liverpool.
Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to depart Liverpool for New York on 4 May 2029. The seven-night westbound passage will be the first time since 2015 that guests have been able to begin a Cunard transatlantic crossing in Liverpool.
A milestone voyage from Cunard's spiritual home
Liverpool has a particularly important place in Cunard's history. The company was established in 1840 and its first scheduled transatlantic service sailed from Liverpool to Halifax and Boston aboard Britannia.
Cunard describes Liverpool as its spiritual home. Queen Mary 2's return for the 500th crossing will therefore connect a modern milestone for the world's only ocean liner with the city where the company's transatlantic story began.
The Liverpool-to-New York section is due to take seven nights, departing on 4 May and arriving in New York on 11 May 2029. Other versions of the milestone voyage are expected to include an 11-night sailing from Hamburg from 30 April and a nine-night voyage from Southampton from 2 May.
Part of 93 newly announced voyages
The crossing was revealed as part of Cunard's new programme of 93 voyages operating between October 2028 and May 2029.
The wider programme covers 104 destinations in 49 countries and offers access to 64 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Cunard says it includes 18 overnight port calls and 18 late-evening departures, with ships spending an average of 12 hours in port.
Queen Mary 2's programme will also include Caribbean voyages from Southampton and New York, a 14-night Norway and Northern Lights itinerary and a 14-night Western Mediterranean voyage. Overnight calls are planned at Bridgetown in Barbados and Philipsburg in St Maarten.
Cunard calls crossing a defining moment
Cunard president Paul Ludlow described the 500th crossing as one of the most significant moments in the company's modern history, saying it would reconnect Liverpool with Cunard's iconic transatlantic service.
Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004 and remains the world's only operational ocean liner. Unlike a conventional cruise ship, she was designed for regular North Atlantic crossings and is Cunard's flagship.
When bookings will open
Cunard World Club members will receive early access to the new voyages from 2pm UK time on 3 November 2026. General sale is scheduled to open at 2pm on 4 November 2026.
The cruise line has also announced an early-booking saving of 10 per cent on applicable Cunard Fare and Early Saver Fare bookings made before midnight on 30 December 2026. Availability, prices and booking conditions should be checked directly with Cunard or a travel agent.
Frequently asked questions
When will Queen Mary 2 make her 500th transatlantic crossing?
The milestone voyage begins as a 21-night round trip from New York on 20 April 2029. Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to depart Liverpool for New York on 4 May 2029.
Can passengers embark in Liverpool?
Yes. Cunard says guests can join the crossing in Liverpool, as well as Hamburg, Southampton and New York.
How long is the Liverpool-to-New York voyage?
The westbound crossing from Liverpool to New York is scheduled to take seven nights, arriving on 11 May 2029.
Why is Liverpool important to Cunard?
Cunard's first scheduled transatlantic service departed Liverpool in 1840. The company regards the city as its spiritual home.
When did a Cunard transatlantic crossing last depart Liverpool?
The previous departure was in 2015, when Queen Mary 2 sailed from Liverpool during Cunard's 175th-anniversary celebrations.
When do bookings open?
Cunard World Club members receive early access at 2pm on 3 November 2026, followed by general sale at 2pm on 4 November 2026.