Cunard

Cunard’s 2025 Event Voyages Revealed

Iglu Cruise

Sep 25, 2024 • 10 min read

Extraordinary 2025 Cunard Cruises from Southampton, New York, and More

Sailing with Cunard cruise line is always something special, with each voyage on a Cunard cruise liner offering elegance and luxury in abundance. However, as exciting as these standard Cunard cruise packages can be (particularly those sensational transatlantic cruises from Southampton), Cunard event voyages elevate that experience to another level – which is why it’s so exciting that Cunard is finally detailing what you can expect when it comes to these Special Event Cruises in 2025.

From a commemorative 185th anniversary voyage – whisking you away from Southampton to New York – celebrating everything Cunard (Queen Mary 2 the Cunard cruise liner with the honour of this voyage) to an indulgent wine-focused Voyage du Vin aboard Cunard Queen Victoria, the selection of Cunard event cruises coming in 2025 promise to dazzle and delight.

Each already-exciting itinerary will be complete with an array of fascinating talks and presentations, sensational live shows and musical performances, and overarching themes that will make each sailing truly unforgettable.

*Looking out at the New York City skyline*

If you’re thinking about treating yourself to a North America cruise holiday with Cunard – or perhaps a short Australasia sailing to soak up that South Pacific sunshine – and the thought of an event cruise sounds exciting, then you’ll be pleased to know that you can find out more about Cunard’s 2025 line-up right here. Keep reading for date details, itinerary information, and more.

Cunard’s 2024 Event Voyages Schedule

Offering seven unique itineraries throughout the calendar year, Cunard’s impressive 2025 Special Event Cruise programme promises to provide you with exciting experiences and memory-making merriment. And, with a carefully curated selection of both new and returning event voyages on the most iconic Cunard cruise liners, there will be something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year – whether you’re a Cunard veteran, a first-timer, or otherwise. Sailing with Cunard from Southampton is always enjoyable, but you’ll find the following itineraries also embark from Sydney, New York, and Barcelona!

Great Australian Culinary Voyage - 5th February 2025

Sailing for the third time in February 2025, this odyssey of culinary exploration is whisking you away to Tasmania with an itinerary absolutely perfect for foodies – and anyone who wants to witness the breath-taking Great Oyster Bay with a day in the sensational Hobart.

Aboard Queen Elizabeth, the Great Australian Culinary Voyage promises to tantalise your tastebuds with exclusive menus inspired by Australian cuisine from renowned chefs Matt Moran and Nornie Bero, unique Shore Experiences highlighting local foods and flavours (with some wine tasting thrown in for good measure, aided by Gourmet Traveller editor Katie Spain), and hands-on culinary workshops from creative chef Darren Purchese and inaugural MasterChef Australia winner Julie Goodwin.

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There's still time to check out some of the 2024 Cunard Special Event Cruises, so be sure to find out more about them right here!

If you’re a fan of food and you want to explore the sensational seafood and fantastic flavours of this unique South Pacific region, this voyage really is perfect. But, don’t let that put you off if you’re not quite as culinarily-inclined; offering a round trip from Sydney to Hobart across five nights, you’ll still have more than enough time for sun-soaking and relaxation during this short break – not to mention the fact that it’s going to be a fantastic way to beat the last of those winter blues!

The Great Australian Culinary Voyage! Tasmania from Sydney, 5 February 2025 (7 nights)

Film Festival at Sea - 8th March 2025

In March 2025, the iconic Queen Mary 2 is embarking on an exciting week-long voyage filled with film-themed events and activities you won’t want to miss. Offering you a unique peek under the silver screen and behind the scenes of the film industry and the BFI London Film Festival, guests on this getaway from Southampton to New York can expect a sensational schedule packed with interesting (and interactive) experiences onboard. With engaging talks from industry experts and icons, cinematic showings of classics, and all the finer things that come standard on a Cunard cruise, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more relaxing way to enjoy a film festival.

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If you prefer sensational stage shows to cinematic masterpieces, check out everything we know about the Cunard Royal Shakespeare Company 2024 Voyages here.

As a unique iteration of an incredible Cunard transatlantic cruise itinerary, you will be spending almost all of your time on this event voyage at sea – and most of that time very-much in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. So, if you’re hoping to tick more than just New York City off your destination bucket list, you may want to check out one of the other voyages on this list. However, as much as this is an unmissable experience for film fans, you’re still in for a treat aboard Queen Mary 2 otherwise – Cunard’s fantastic food, luxurious lounges, and unrivalled White Star service will make sure of that.

185th Cunard Anniversary Sailing - 24th June 2025

Cunard is 185 years young in 2025 and, to celebrate this impressive achievement and important milestone, it’s embarking on an incredible seven-night transatlantic voyage – sailing Cunard’s iconic route from Southampton to New York. The equally-iconic Queen Mary 2 has been given the honour of this voyage and you’re invited to join the celebrations, share the experience, and be a part of Cunard’s rich history.

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Want to find out more about Cunard as a cruise line? Well, our ultimate Cunard 2024 guide is the perfect place to look!

A voyage offering all the signature Cunard events and experiences you can count on, from dazzling Gala Evenings to affluent Afternoon Tea, you’ll find relaxation and recreation in equal abundance aboard Queen Mary 2. However, among the opulence and luxury, an interesting programme of interactive talks from maritime historians enhances this experience. On this special sailing, you’ll be able to learn all about Cunard’s incredible history – with some talks taking you all the way back to 1840 and its first voyage – all while relishing in a classic Cunard cruise experience where your every need is catered for with White Star service.

185th Anniversary Voyage! Westbound Transatlantic Crossing from Southampton, 24 June 2025 (8 nights)

Dance the Atlantic - 8th August 2025

Get ready to celebrate the delightful world of dance with Cunard – aboard the iconic Queen Mary 2 – on the exquisite Dance the Atlantic event voyage in August 2025. Leveraging the immense talent of English National Ballet, this sailing promises to be something special. With an invitation to watch morning ballet classes and rehearsals during your voyage, this sailing will give guests the chance to experience a more personal insight into the sensational shows this company creates and the world that goes into making each and every performance perfect.

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Did you know Cunard has its own membership programme? Read our quick guide to Cunard's World Club to find out how it could benefit you ahead of your next cruise!

Beyond this, as you sail from New York to Southampton enjoying seven nights of luxury at sea, you’ll also have the opportunity to attend ballet workshops led by English National Ballet artists – perfect for any aspiring dancers looking for expert advice. All of these unique experiences will also be accompanied by a series of fascinating talks, offering further insight into the life of a dancer and what it’s like working within a professional dance company.

While the stunning ballet shows themselves are the star of this sailing, with English National Ballet performing excerpts from both classic and contemporary works, anyone remotely interested in ballet and dance will be dazzled and delighted during this voyage; and, of course, you’ll still be able to enjoy all the opulent amenities, luxurious lounges, and fantastic food that make every Cunard cruise unforgettable.

Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra - 1st September 2025

Renowned conductor Anthony Inglis and the impressive National Symphony Orchestra are joining Cunard on another incredible transatlantic sailing in 2025; if you’re a classical music lover, you definitely won’t want to miss the latest iteration of this iconic Special Event Cruise aboard Queen Mary 2. Not only will you be treated to some sensational performances from Inglis and the talented orchestra musicians, but the conductor himself is also going to converse candidly about his career in relaxed Q&A sessions scheduled throughout your voyage.

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Want to book onto this cruise, but not sure which suite to go for? Find out more about the top Cunard suites right here.

If you want to get involved, you’ll also have the chance to rehearse with the choir and take part in a group performance on the Royal Court Theatre stage one evening – although, you don’t need to worry about this if it doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Not only can you enjoy a variety of impressive immersive performances, workshops, and more, but you’ll also be able to indulge in some of the finest foods on the seven seas. So, even if you’re a little tone deaf – or suffer from stage fright – this Special Event Cruise will be one well-worth sailing on.

Voyage du Vin - 13th October 2025

This unique 11-night voyage aboard Queen Victoria is the perfect way to throw yourself into the wonderful world of wine, featuring a curated itinerary packed with Mediterranean ports and a whole host of events and activities designed to delight – even if you’re not a wine enthusiast. Organised in partnership with Corney & Barrow, the UK’s oldest independent wine merchant, those of you who like wine will be treated to some of the finest blends from some of the world’s leading wine-producing regions onboard.

But, of course, this Special Event Cruise isn’t just about pouring yourself a nice glass of Rioja on the sun deck – although, that is very-much an option.

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If this itinerary sounds appealing, but you don't like wine, you'll be pleased to know that there are several Cunard drinks packages available on every voyage!

While you’re onboard, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of interesting talks, insightful tastings, and unique classes hosted by Cunard’s resident wine experts; numerous notable personalities from the wine world will also be onboard to answer any questions you might have, offer their advice with suggestions, and share the wealth of wine knowledge they possess.

Unlike Cunard’s other Special Event Cruises for 2025, this sailing starts in Barcelona and stops off at the stunning Palma de Mallorca, Cartagena, Cadiz (which is a stone’s throw from Seville), Vigo, and La Coruna – before a final sea day sailing back to Southampton. So, even if you’re not that into your wine, this cruise offers up a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best bits of Spain’s coast – all while enjoying the luscious luxury Cunard cruising is famous for.

Literature Festival at Sea - 8th December 2025

*Reading in the library aboard Queen Mary 2*

Cunard’s incredible Literature Festival at Sea is back again in 2025, and once-again hosted aboard the ever-iconic Queen Mary 2. Curated by the talented team behind the Cheltenham Literature Festival – and organised in partnership with The Times and Sunday Times – this transatlantic cruise from New York to Southampton is a seven-night sailing with a schedule positively packed with literature-based events and activities. Book lovers won’t want to miss this one.

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If you're off on a Cunard cruise soon and you want to book onto one of these for 2025, find out more about booking onboard with Cunard in our guide to the best cruise lines to book on board with here.

From engaging talks and Q&A sessions offering an interesting insight into an author’s life and career to intimate book signings and writing workshops, you’ll find thought-provoking conversations and poignant presentations throughout your time onboard. And, of course, on top of all of that, you’ll be able to enjoy everything that makes Cunard cruising and Queen Mary 2 special. With journalist and renowned BBC News presenter Sophie Raworth and broadcaster Richard Coles just two of the special guests on this sailing, this week at sea promises to be as rewarding as it will be relaxing.

Book an Exciting Cunard Voyage with Iglu Cruise Today

If you're itching for an incredible adventure and one of the above Cunard event cruises has tickled your fancy, you can find out more by clicking through the links above. For everything else, though, check out the latest cruise deals right here. With all-inclusive options, cruise and stay packages, and even more luxury cruises to indulge in, you're certain to find something to suit your tastes and budget.

To find out a little more about cruising and the cruise industry while you make your decision and browse all the best deals, be sure to read through some of the latest blogs from the Iglu Cruise team below: