Queen Mary 2 completes first transit through the Panama Canal

The Cunard ship is sailing a 108-night World Voyage which will see it return to California in February after a 17-year absence 

Queen Mary 2 completes first transit through the Panama Canal

Cunard

Laura Hyde

By Laura Hyde |


Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 has completed its first transit through the Panama Canal as part of the ship’s 2026 World Voyage. 

Queen Mary 2 entered the canal’s new set of locks on 24 January, stayed overnight at Cocoli Mooring Station, then completed its transit on 25 January by passing under the Bridge of Americas. The ship will arrive in Los Angeles on 2 February, marking the ship’s first port call in Southern California in 17 years. 

“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard,” said Katie McAlister, president of 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.” 

Cunard’s Queen Mary passes under the Bridge of Americas after passing through the Panama Canal

Cunard’s Queen Mary passes under the Bridge of Americas after passing through the Panama Canal

More Cunard ships will follow in Queen Mary 2’s wake with their own transits through the Panama Canal in 2026 and 2027. Queen Elizabeth will make the journey on 24 September as part of a 21-night cruise from Seattle to Miami. In 2027, Queen Victoria will transit the Panama Canal on 10 January on its own World Voyage, followed by Queen Anne on 22 January as part of a 56-night ‘South America Discovery’ itinerary.

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