Cunard Themed and Events Cruises In 2023 and 2024
Music, Food and Literature Festivals 2023
Anthony Inglis & the NSO
M328A | 11 Sept 2023 | Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra 2023
Anthony Inglis, has been described in the UK press as “one of Britain’s most popular conductors” (Manchester Evening news), who it is said has appeared more often at The Royal Albert Hall than anyone else. He leads a busy international conducting career, appearing with some of the greatest orchestras in concert halls and recording studios around the world from New Zealand to Scandinavia via Japan and the USA.
The National Symphony Orchestra (UK) is one of the longest-established and most versatile professional freelance orchestras working in Britain today. It has an impressive recorded legacy as well as a busy diary of live concert performances. The NSO is admired for both its versatility, an ability to communicate, connecting with audiences with consistent commitment and passion. Recent projects include recording Debbie Wiseman’s score for the Sky movies film “To Olivia”. NSO featured in two episodes of Netflix’s “The Crown”.
Festival of Food & Wine
We’ll be joined by legendary chefs, culinary experts and wine connoisseurs for this special Transatlantic Crossing. Spend delectable evenings in our on board dining venues to sample special menus and encounter new flavours at tastings and workshops as you sail.
Literature Festival at Sea 2023
Book lovers will have an incredible opportunity to join some of the best-loved authors, historians, poets, and critics, as well as journalists from The Times and The Sunday Times, bringing the spirit of the Festival to your voyage.
The seven-day programme of literary events celebrates the written word in all its variety with workshops, discussions and Q&As taking in literature, art, film, history, and politics, all underpinned by the quality of delivery that is Cheltenham’s hallmark. There will be opportunities to hear literary greats in conversation and meet favourite authors at intimate book signings.
Cunard Showcases
With unexpected theatre like nothing else at sea, audiences can be transported into another world again and again, with Cunard Showcases… When sailing with Cunard, the on board entertainment isn’t only confined to the Royal Court Theatre. We also like to immerse guests in the action, with our ships setting the stage for some of the must unique productions at sea. That’s why, on selected voyages, we offer performances of a more intimate nature, delivered in unexpected places.
Showcases will run on selected voyages from now until 10 March 2024
Q330A – An Evening of Sondheim
Queen Elizabeth Q330A – B 18 – 27 September 2023 Mediterranean
Join rising star Ellie Nunn for an evening of songs and stories celebrating the work of a genius (Sondheim, not Ellie) and fall in love with this haplessly romantic Brit who has too much time on her hands, a tendency to speak in the third person, and a lot of love to give where Stephen is concerned. There won’t be trumpets, there might be sock puppets…
Performed with our in-house pianist, in the intimacy of a Cunard lounge. Ellie Nunn will also be offering an evening of musical theatre in the Queens Room with our in house big band.
Q330B – Opera Cocktail
Queen Elizabeth Q330B – Q331A 27 September – 4 October 2023 Mediterranean
Olivier award winning OperaUpClose presents Opera Cocktail, exclusively on board Queen Elizabeth.
We make opera with and for everyone, bringing great musical storytelling to audiences everywhere.
Join us for a heady contemporary cocktail of music and words. Wellloved classics shaken with wit, stirred with drama, and served with a twist of menage a trois.
Sparkling English versions of music by Puccini, Mozart, Verdi, Gilbert & Sullivan & more performed, in new arrangements, by the UK’s brightest opera stars alongside piano and cello.
OperaUpClose is proud to be the only resident opera company in the South West, based at the dynamic cultural hub MAST, Southampton.
Q331A – Classic! Q331B – Classic!
Queen Elizabeth Q331A – B, 4 – 11 October 2023 Mediterranean
Hold onto your hats! A cast of 6 romp through all those classic novels you never had time to read. In 60 minutes and multiple costume changes the company race you from Wuthering Heights to Moby Dick, told at lightning speed… Expect the unexpected!
No previous literary experience required. A thrilling script by Coronation St writers Lindsay Williams & Peter Kerry and direction by Joyce Branagh (seen in the film Belfast, directed by brother Kenneth) this brilliantly funny show is for everyone.
Produced by award-winning Hope Mill Theatre, in Manchester, UK.
Q332A – Company Chameleon
Queen Elizabeth Q331B – Q332A 11 – 19 October 2023 Mediterranean
Company Chameleon double-bill, performed in the Royal Court Theatre.
Company Chameleon presents a double bill of two performances, which showcase Chameleon’s powerful and original dance style, influenced by rich mix of movement techniques. Created by Kevin Edward Turner & Anthony Missen, Push is an engaging male duet, which explores the complex nature of our psychology and the different stances we take to understand and relate to one another. How sometimes we push to exert dominance and control, and at other times we step back and submit.
Of Man And Beast provides a powerful and sensitive look at male dynamics and behaviour, uncovering the many faces of masculinity. Tightly packed and purposefully fast, the performance is different throughout. With Anthony Missen’s gritty and graceful choreography brought to life through the stunning athletic ability of five male dancers.
Featuring a third performance as a surprise and delight promenade across the ship…
Umbra, a powerful and nuanced trio, delicate and explosive in equal measure. The piece explores what we hide and what we reveal, and how behaviour changes depending on who we are with. Fast paced and dynamic, yet delicate and sensitive, Umbra is an invitation to pause and understand ourselves better.
Q332B – Black Is The Color of My Voice & Soul Sessions
Queen Elizabeth Q332A – B 19 – 26 October 2023 Mediterranean
James Seabright presents Black Is The Color Of My Voice Written and performed by Apphia Campbell.
Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, and featuring many of her most iconic songs performed live.
Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed play follows a successful singer and civil rights activist as she seeks redemption after the untimely death of her father. She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.
‘Moving portrayal of determination and survival.’
★★★★ Times
Q406 – Circa Q411 – Circa
Queen Elizabeth Q406 – Q411 1 February – 10 March 2024 Australia/New Zealand
A PR showcase performance took place on board Queen Elizabeth in Sydney on 28th January 2023, to announce the 6-week residency with contemporary circus company Circa, during QE’s 2024 Australia and New Zealand season, 1 February – 10 March 2024.
Circa will perform a trilogy of their work throughout their residency, in the Royal Court Theatre.
Circa has performed to over 1.5 million people across more than 40 countries and six continents with shows greeted with standing ovations, rave reviews and sold-out houses. Circa is at the forefront of the new wave of contemporary Australian circus,
pioneering how extreme physicality can create powerful and moving performances. It continues to push the boundaries of the art form, blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus.
Cunard’s 2024 Event Voyages
Q402 – Great Australian Culinary Voyage 2024
Setting sail in January 2024, Cunard’s Great Australian Culinary Voyage offers you a wonderful opportunity to indulge in your love of food and wine while enjoying a summer cruise on Queen Elizabeth. The 7 night sailing from Melbourne, visiting Hobart and Adelaide, highlights all aspects of Australia’s unique culinary offerings.
Highlights:
- A wonderful opportunity to indulge in your love of food and wine while enjoying a summer voyage
- Hear from some of Australia’s most coveted chefs, producers and food critic
- Be immersed in unique local food and learn about local produce, with cooking demonstrations, exceptional food tastings and sample beautiful Australian wine.
- The Steakhouse at The Verandah takeover with award winning chef Karen Martini
Q407 – Sporting Greats and Wellness Voyage
Cunard’s inaugural Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage offers you a wonderful opportunity to celebrate some of Australia’s most popular sporting greats and stay active on board with our fitness and dance classes, while enjoying a summer voyage on Queen Elizabeth.
This seven night sailing from Sydney, visiting Tasmania and Melbourne, will feature interactive Q&A and panel sessions and tailored on board entertainment and activities.
Highlights:
- A celebration of some of the country’s most celebrated current and former sports stars.
- Candid talks from a variety of Sporting legends
- An opportunity to meet outstanding athletes and take away fresh and inspiring views from the living legends.
- Hear from special Guest Brett Lee, former Australian international cricketer and fast bowler, about his career as one of the country’s most skilled cricketers.
Q416 – Big Band Ball 2024
Step on board Queen Elizabeth for a voyage to remember. Inspired by the iconic Big Bands of the Swing era , Cunard’s Big Band Ball is a spectacular event for dance and music lovers everywhere.
Highlights:
- The Queens Room will play host to an unforgettable Big Band Ball inspired by the iconic big bands of the Swing era.
- A magnificent 18 piece Big Band, featuring some of the biggest names from the British Big Band scene, will delight guests with music from Glenn Miller, Count Basie. Duke Ellington. Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.
- Dance classes and live music throughout the day.
M417 – London Theatre at Sea 2024 + Olivier Awards
This unique Transatlantic Crossing will showcase Olivier Award winning talent both on and off the stage. London Theatre at Sea will feature spectacular performances and an illustrious line up of guests in conversation about their careers, as well as talks on productions, how they are put together, and the theatres themselves.
- In partnership with Society of London Theatre and the Olivier Awards
- Performances, insight talks and workshops with award winning stars and creatives
- A fascinating look behind the scenes at what it takes to put a West End show together
With immersive acting and vocal workshops from the creatives who make it happen, and dance classes led by West End choreographers, theatre fans are well and truly in their element on this one of a kind voyage. Settle in and watch, as we unveil the curtains on the very best the London Theatre has to offer.
M426 – Queen Mary 2’s 400th Transatlantic Crossing
Experience an historic anniversary on Queen Mary 2 as she sails her 400th Transatlantic Crossing, having sailed her first 20 years ago in 2004 on her maiden voyage.
To mark this extra special crossing, you’ll be joined by some fascinating maritime historians. Attend talks and listen as they share tales and anecdotes about this historic journey, that Cunard ships have been making since 1840.
Enjoy themed celebrations, on top of the signature Cunard experiences that you can always count on. Sparkling Gala Evenings. Afternoon Tea served by white gloved waiters. Cocktails inspired by seven of our celebrated Commodores. Then there’s the
White Star service that leaves you thinking; I can’t believe they thought of that.
Whether you want to be part of maritime history, or just travel the Atlantic like Hollywood’s finest, don’t miss your chance to experience this unique voyage.
M432A – Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra 2024
Immerse yourself in the exquisite world of classical music on the 15th
anniversary of this spectacular voyage, brought to you by eminent maestro Anthony Inglis, conducting the UK’s National Symphony Orchestra. Delight in an opportunity to watch two superb performances that celebrate classical music from both sides of the pond, whilst gaining a fascinating insight into the world of this celebrated and charismatic conductor, as Inglis shares stories about his distinguished career.
Highlights:
- Anthony Inglis will conduct on this special crossing as well as offering a Q&A
- Enjoy classical concerts in the Royal Court Theatre
- Rehearse with the choir and join the group performance during the evening’s show
M436 – Literature Festival at Sea 2024
Find yourself absorbed in a true literary haven, surrounded by fellow book lovers on board the Literature Festival at Sea. This event, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, sees authors,
poets, journalists, critics, and historians unite, bringing the spirit of the Festival to your voyage.
Highlights:
- In partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival, the world’s oldest literary festival
- A seven day programme of inspiring literary events
- Join best loved authors, thinkers and journalists for a range of unique workshops and
experiences - Hear literary greats in conversation about their life and work and get the chance to meet them at intimate author signings
