Cunard has packed its current Australian homeport season with its most spectacular offerings yet.

From artworks painted specifically for the line to securing a local contemporary circus performance group for a 6-week season, Cunard is intent on offering something for everyone before it stops homeporting Queen Elizabeth in Australia from 2026 onwards.

Beyond that, the ship will only visit the southern hemisphere on world cruise segments. Meanwhile, her current Queensland itinerary has recently been interrupted by Cyclone Kirrily.

Queen Anne will host the Australian Literature Festival at Sea.
Queen Anne will host the Australian Literature Festival at Sea.

Flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria will also visit Australia in March during their iconic Round the World Voyages. That means all three Queens will be in local waters at the same time – although they will not cross paths. In total the three Queens will call into 59 ports across Australia and New Zealand, injecting up to $80m into local economies.

Also featured this season and next will be a host of curated events, including the continuation of Cunard’s Great Australian Culinary Voyage, with chef Matt Moran returning for the third edition in February 2025. 

Queen Elizabeth highlights

Other highlights from current Cunard tour itineraries include: 

  • Award-winning Brisbane-based performance group Circa with a 6-week residency on board Queen Elizabeth in February and March.
  • Painter David Bromley’s artworks displayed in the Queen Elizabeth Grand Lobby that will later be auctioned for charity.
  • Australian sport icons including cricketer Brett Lee and AFL legend Adam Goodes on board for the inaugural Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage in mid-February.
  • A collaboration with Dymocks bookstores on the inaugural Australian Literature Festival at Sea this December on the new Queen Anne, featuring acclaimed authors such as Alexander McCall Smith and Fiona McIntosh.
Cunard unveils new David Bromley artwork

And in May, Cunard’s latest vessel, Queen Anne, will be the first new ship in 13 years to be welcomed to the Cunard fleet of Queens. The 3000-passenger ship will feature unique elements by award-winning designers and unique offerings. 

Queen Anne will feature 15 new restaurants, including the Golden Lion Pub with a menu by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.

Queen Anne will visit New Zealand and Australia in February 2025.

Queen Anne dons her iconic red and black funnel as construction progresses

Click here for more details.