Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic Panama Canal Transit On Her Way To Australia

The world’s most celebrated ocean liner, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, has achieved a historic milestone—completing her first-ever transit through the Panama Canal as part of her current 108-night World Voyage. This remarkable achievement marks a standout moment in the liner’s epic journey from Southampton to Australia, delivering a once-in-a-lifetime experience for her guests.

Cunard’s flagship has long been revered as the world’s only true ocean liner, distinguished by her ability to handle the open seas with unparalleled grace and resilience. While Queen Mary 2 has crossed oceans and circumnavigated the globe before, this Panama Canal transit is a notable first in her storied history and a rare opportunity for passengers to witness one of the planet’s most ingenious engineering marvels up close.

Setting off from Southampton on 11 January 2026, the Queen Mary 2 embarked on a quest across vast bodies of water, charting a route that would take her across the Atlantic, through the Caribbean, and ultimately to the narrow passageway that joins the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans—the Panama Canal.

The transit itself was a spectacle. Guests aboard the liner were treated to the impressive process of navigating the canal’s locks, which lift and lower ships between ocean levels—a living tribute to human engineering and maritime history. It’s an experience that few ocean liners ever undertake, and one that added an extra layer of exclusivity to this world cruise.

After passing through the canal, the Queen Mary 2 continued her voyage across the Pacific, heading toward a series of breathtaking destinations. Stops along the way include ports along the west coast of the Americas and scenic locales throughout the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.

The highlight for many travellers, however, will undoubtedly be the ship’s visit to Sydney Harbour on 4 March 2026—her first stop in the Harbour City since 2023. Sydney is a city synonymous with iconic skyline views, world-class dining, and vibrant cultural attractions. Visitors will be able to step ashore and explore the beauty of this Australian metropolis, potentially staying in Sydney furnished apartments for those planning longer stays to soak up the city’s charm. Whether guests choose to explore the bustling Circular Quay, stroll along Bondi Beach, or relax in stylish Sydney furnished apartments, the city presents plenty of opportunities for adventure and comfort.

Sydney continues to be one of the most desirable destinations on the cruise itinerary—not just for its harbour, but for the lifestyle it offers. Many visitors arriving by sea choose to extend their time in Australia by booking fully furnished serviced apartments in Sydney, which provide a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore everything from the Harbour Bridge to the Royal Botanic Garden. These apartments often offer short-term leasing with all the comforts of home, making them ideal for visitors transitioning from life at sea to land-based adventures. This blend of travel styles highlights how modern explorers can enjoy both the romance of ocean cruising and the practicality of furnished city living.

Cunard has been meticulous in crafting a voyage that embodies the spirit of adventure while offering luxurious comfort. On board Queen Mary 2, guests enjoy Cunard’s famed White Star service, a hallmark of the cruise line that underscores exceptional hospitality and attention to detail. From elegant dining venues to enriching activities and entertainment, every aspect of life aboard has been thoughtfully designed.

The Queen Mary 2’s world cruise itinerary encompasses over 30 ports across multiple continents, giving passengers an extraordinary range of cultural and scenic experiences. In addition to Australia and New Zealand, ports of call include stops in the Caribbean, North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe before the voyage concludes back in Southampton on 30 April 2026.

For those who may not join the full 108-night itinerary, Cunard offers the flexibility to partake in shorter segments of the World Voyage. These options allow travellers to experience key highlights of the trip—such as the Panama Canal transit or the Sydney Harbour stop—without committing to the entire journey.

This historic transit through the Panama Canal, followed by a much-anticipated visit to Sydney, encapsulates the essence of grand ocean travel in the 21st century. It’s an adventure that blends the romance of the sea with the cultural allure of ports across the globe. And for those anchored ashore in Australia, the option to enjoy Sydney furnished apartments adds a layer of comfort to the travel narrative, inviting guests to explore deeper into their destinations.

As the Queen Mary 2 continues her journey toward new horizons, this milestone Panama Canal crossing will be remembered as a defining chapter in her long legacy—one that celebrates innovation, exploration, and the timeless thrill of discovery.