Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic Panama Canal Transit

Cunard's iconic ocean liner completes first passage through the canal's new locks as part of 2026 World Voyage

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:39am

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Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has completed her historic first transit through the Panama Canal, marking a major milestone in the ship's 108-night 2026 World Voyage. The iconic ocean liner passed through the canal's new locks on January 24-25, treating guests to a rare experience as she continued her journey around the globe with stops in destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore before returning to Southampton.

Why it matters

As the world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2's maiden transit through the Panama Canal is an extraordinary milestone for Cunard, showcasing the company's commitment to delivering unique and enriching experiences for its guests. The passage also highlights the continued importance of the Panama Canal as a critical global trade route, with Cunard's Queens scheduled to make additional transits in 2026 and 2027.

The details

Queen Mary 2 completed her transit through the new locks of the Panama Canal for the first time this past weekend. Guests aboard the ship's 108-night World Voyage were treated to the rare experience as the vessel began its historic passage on Saturday, January 24, staying overnight at the Cocoli Mooring Station before continuing through the canal and passing under the Bridge of Americas on Sunday, January 25.

  • Queen Mary 2 completed her historic Panama Canal transit on January 24-25, 2026.
  • Queen Elizabeth is scheduled to transit the Panama Canal on September 24, 2026 as part of a 21-night voyage from Seattle to Miami.
  • Queen Anne will transit the Panama Canal on January 22, 2027 as part of her 56-night South America Discovery itinerary.
  • Queen Victoria's World Voyage, departing Southampton on January 10, 2027, will include a Panama Canal transit after visits to New York and Aruba.

The players

Queen Mary 2

Cunard's iconic ocean liner and the only passenger ship currently operating that can be considered an ocean liner.

Cunard

A luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840.

Katie McAlister

President of Cunard.

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What they’re saying

“As the world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2's maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard. Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen's 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”

— Katie McAlister, President (Cunard)

What’s next

Queen Mary 2 will visit Fuerte Amador, Panama for an overnight stay and Manzanillo, Mexico, before arriving to Los Angeles on February 2. The ship will also celebrate a reunion with her legendary namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years.

The takeaway

Cunard's historic Panama Canal transit with the Queen Mary 2 showcases the company's commitment to delivering unique and enriching experiences for its guests, while also highlighting the continued importance of the canal as a critical global trade route. The passage marks another milestone in the ship's 108-night World Voyage, which will take her to destinations around the world before returning to Southampton.