Melissa Hoyer
Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Opens Australian Summer Cruise Season as the British Cruise Line Celebrates Centenary of Cruising Down Under
The time has come: Australian sea ports are about to kick off one mighty busy cruise season.
British luxury cruise line Cunard has officially opened the Australian 2024/25 cruise season with the arrival of the majestic Queen Elizabeth into Sydney Harbour, carrying just over 2,000 guests and 900 crew members.
Queen Elizabeth’s arrival is the beginning of her record 125-day homeport season and marks one hundred years of Cunard sailing to Australian waters.
This significant anniversary was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Cunard’s Matt Gleaves, Carnival’s Peter Little and Queen Elizabeth’s Captain Howarth, and a pop-up exhibition featuring historic milestones on board the ship.
Cunard’s Australian Centenary
The celebration highlighted Cunard’s long-standing connection to Australia that commenced with the Albania’s first call in December 1924, followed by the Cunard ships’ support as troop carriers during WW2, and enabling many ‘Ten Pound Poms’ to start a new life in Australia during the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme in the 1950s.
In more recent times, the meetings of Cunard Queens in Australian ports have drawn thousands to the foreshores, and partnerships with beloved local brands and personalities such as R.M. Williams, Akubra, Delta Goodrem and Matt Moran have strengthened Cunard’s bond with the country even further.
Matt Gleaves, Cunard VP Commercial North America and Australasia, said that the summer season is an extra special one as it marks a significant milestone of a centenary of cruising to Australia for Cunard.
“The arrival of Queen Elizabeth heralds one hundred eventful years of delivering unparalleled luxury at sea combined with rich tradition, our renowned White Star Service and unique sailings,” said Mr Gleaves.
Queen Anne’s maiden visit
This season will also include the arrival of one of the most anticipated new ships of this decade to Australia when Cunard’s Queen Anne calls into Sydney on 28 February 2025 as part of her inaugural World Voyage. Her visit will extend the local Cunard season to an unprecedented 145 days.
The iconic Queens promise a remarkable exploration of the region during 65 calls to Australian ports, welcoming aboard more than 35,000 guests.
Queen Anne is reimagining a new golden age of travel with her striking new design, novel experiences coupled with much-loved signature venues that include the new speakeasy-style Bright Lights Society and dining options from two Michelin-starred chef, Michel Roux.
“Cunard’s Australia season will feature the highly anticipated maiden call of our luxury ship, Queen Anne, the newest ship visiting Australia this year. Her arrival will extend our local season to an unprecedented 145 days featuring our much-loved Cunard hallmarks,” added Mr Gleaves.
Cunard highlights 2024/25
Queen Elizabeth will enjoy a summer season of specially curated itineraries with some of Australia’s greatest authors, chefs, performers and high-profile guest speakers set to continue Cunard’s legacy in Australian waters.
Queen Elizabeth will host Cunard’s inaugural Australian Literature Festival at Sea, headlined by international best-selling authors including Alexander McCall Smith, Fiona McIntosh and Dr. Anita Heiss.
The highly regardedGreat Australian Culinary Voyage will return for a third iteration featuring a star-studded lineup of culinary elite including Matt Moran, Nornie Bero, Darren Purchese and Julie Goodwin.
From February 2025, Cunard’s brand-new luxury ship Queen Anne will visit New Zealand and Australia as part of her maiden Round the World Voyage. Some of her calls include Auckland (22-23 February), Sydney (28 February – 1 March), Brisbane (3 March). Carnival Corporation & plc Senior Vice President and Country Manager Peter Little said that this summer is set to be an exciting one for the world’s biggest cruise company, as they take hundreds of thousands of Aussies on unforgettable holidays.
“We have 75,000 overseas guests exploring Australia on our cruise ships, arriving by plane or a world cruise,” said Mr Little.
“We also offer Australians an affordable way to enjoy a holiday with loved ones, and a fun and exciting way to explore their beautiful country.”
For more Cunard cruising information, visit cunard.com/100years or cunard.com. ⚓️
