Historic cruise line to give away transatlantic voyage for America250
If you've ever wanted to experience what it's like to cross the ocean in classic maritime elegance, now's your chance.
Luxury British cruise line Cunard is giving away a spot on a special transatlantic cruise aboard the only active ocean liner still sailing in the world: Queen Mary 2. One lucky winner and a guest will join the ship's 450th transatlantic crossing this November.
The milestone voyage will set sail just a few months after Cunard offers passengers a grand, front-row seat aboard Queen Mary 2 for Sail4th 250 this Fourth of July in New York Harbor. To celebrate America's 250th anniversary, the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels will sail into New York Harbor, pass in presidential review, and salute the Statue of Liberty.
July 4 also marks the anniversary of Cunard's very first transatlantic crossing, when RMS Britannia departed Liverpool for Boston in 1840. That crossing launched the world's first regularly scheduled transatlantic steamship service - a service that brought an estimated one in five immigrants to the U.S. aboard Cunard steamships between 1840 and 1923.
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Cunard launches Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossing giveaway
In addition to joining the Sail4th 250 festivities, Cunard is honoring its deep connection to U.S. history as the U.S. celebrates America's 250th anniversary by offering travelers a chance to win a trip aboard Queen Mary 2's upcoming milestone crossing.
"Transatlantic travel is the foundation of Cunard's rich heritage and remains one of the most iconic experiences in luxury travel today," said Liz Fettes, Senior Vice President, Commercial, North America and Australasia at Cunard. "As we prepare to participate in America's 250th anniversary celebration, it feels especially meaningful to also celebrate Queen Mary 2's upcoming 450th crossing. This milestone is a testament to the 186 years of history, connection and unforgettable voyages across the Atlantic."
Through July 31, 2026, U.S. travelers can enter Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing Sweepstakes for the chance to win a trip for two in a balcony stateroom aboard Queen Mary 2 for her 450th crossing. The transatlantic cruise will sail from Southampton, England to New York from Nov. 10 – 17, 2026.
Related: Carnival, Holland America go big on America250 cruise celebrations
One lucky prize winner and a guest will get the chance to cap off America's 250th anniversary year in glamorous style on an elegant ship that celebrates the golden age of ocean travel. The prize also includes flights, hotel accommodations in Southampton prior to the voyage, and transportation to and from the port.
On board Queen Mary 2, passengers will enjoy fine dining, sophisticated accommodations, and refined White Star service, plus immersive entertainment exclusive to the milestone voyage.
Cunard sails to destinations around the world on fleet of four ships
In addition to continuing its tradition of transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary 2, Cunard offers luxury cruise voyages around the world on its three other Queens: Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.
In summer 2026, Queen Anne is sailing voyages around Northern Europe, Queen Elizabeth is exploring Alaska, and Queen Victoria is cruising the Mediterranean. From late 2026 through early 2027, the Queens will sail voyages across the globe from the Caribbean and South America to Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.
Related: Cunard expands spa offerings into multi-day wellness journeys
In May 2028, cruise travelers can join Cunard for another historic celebration as the cruise line brings all four Queens together for the first time. The fleet will gather on the River Mersey in Liverpool, England - the city where Cunard was founded in 1840. The cruise line is offering a series of specially designed Four Queens Celebration voyages for the fleet meetup, including Queen Mary 2's first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool.
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This story was originally published June 12, 2026 at 5:41 AM.