Cunard flagship makes Panama Canal debut 

Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 made its first transit through the Panama Canal as part of a 2026 world cruise.

The ship passed through a new set of locks in the canal on Saturday as part of the 108-night sailing.

QM2 continued its transit and passed under the Bridge of Americas on Sunday following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station. 

The ship is due to arrive in Los Angeles on February 2 for the first time in 17 years. 

QM2 will also mark a reunion in Long Beach with legendary namesake, the Queen Mary, for the first time in two decades. 

The vessel is due to return to Southampton on April 30. 

Other ships in the fleet are set to make transits of the Panama Canal, with Queen Elizabeth on September 24; Queen Victoria on January 10, 2027 and Queen Anne on January 22, 2027. 

Cunard president Katie McAlister said: “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.”