Loyal Cunarders book Europe as new boss confirms Queen Elizabeth won’t be returning

• Australians are big fans of the popular 50-night itinerary from Sydney to Southampton.
• Cunard celebrates its 185th anniversary this year.
• But sadly, Queen Elizabeth will not return to Australia anytime soon.

Australians are booking ahead to cruise with Cunard in the Mediterranean and Europe in 2026, says new ANZ Sales and Marketing Director, Amy Williams.

They are also booking to cruise the popular 50-night Sydney to Southampton itinerary when Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne visit Sydney on their world cruise in March 2026.

The switch from local sailings to fly cruise doesn’t seem to have dented Australians’ enthusiasm for the luxury line most associated with refined English sailings.

Queen Elizabeth, a favourite ship among Aussie cruisers will not be returning to Australia anytime soon.

“Queen Elizabeth is not scheduled to return to Australia for the time being,” Ms Williams said in an interview with Cruise Passenger.

Queen Elizabeth which was homeported in Melbourne and Sydney, has been redeployed to North America and the Caribbean.

“However, Queen Elizabeth will spend 22 weeks in the Mediterranean in 2027 and we expect many Australian cruisers will be heading her way.”

Queen Elizabeth will have 65 new voyages ranging from seven to 28 nights in the Mediterranean in 2027. She will offer sailings departing Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) Trieste and Istanbul and make maiden calls to the elegant Italian city of Trieste and the picturesque town of Calvi on the Corsican coast of France.

The ship has recently undergone a makeover adding a new Pavillion Wellness Café which serves plant-based menus in addition to sustainable meat and fish dishes.

Ms Williams also said that many Australians love to tick off different Cunard ships when they travel to sought-after destinations. With a fleet of four – QM2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Anne – Australians like to experience different ships when they book with the line.

“We are looking at the luxury market where people love to travel and enjoy an immersive and slower-paced journeys to escape daily life and connect with the world in a more meaningful way.

“In particular, our guests love our iconic brand, enrichment program and immersive excursions where they can connect with the local culture and cuisine. With 185 years of heritage, we are very proud of our brand but we also like to innovate to broaden our appeal.”

This year Cunard celebrates 185 years of heritage. As part of the celebrations, there is a Sea of Glamour exhibition of 185 images curated by photographer, Mary McCartney, daughter of music legend Paul McCartney. 

The exhibition featuring Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, Bing Crosby and Queen Elizabeth II tells the story of Cunard’s remarkable legacy. It will sail around the world on board the Cunard fleet.

The line has also launched a new advertising campaign, “Why cruise, when you can Cunard”, a black-and white video focusing on the spirit of elegant travel that defines Cunard.

A film features a compelling voiceover from actor Richard E. Grant, whose theatrical flair and distinctive tone epitomise British sophistication. He delivers poetic words by Canadian writer Bianca Sparacino, taken from her work The Strength in Our Scars, setting a reflective and aspirational tone from the outset.

Katie McAlister, President at Cunard, said: “Cunard is more than a cruise – it’s a rare opportunity to pause, reflect, celebrate and view the world from a different perspective.

“As we celebrate our 185th anniversary this year, our luxury heritage and the spirit of what makes a Cunard voyage so special is brought to life with bold storytelling and cinematic beauty in this campaign. We’re incredibly proud of the result and are looking forward to seeing how audiences across the world connect with it.” 

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