Cunard & Abbey Road Launch Music Lounge at Sea

Abbey Road street sign in London
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Cunard has teamed up with the legendary Abbey Road Studios to introduce an exclusive new musical experience aboard the Queen Elizabeth. The result is a unique “Listening Lounge” concept that blends iconic soundscapes with the serenity of ocean travel.

Curated Playlists and Immersive Sound

Together, Cunard and Abbey Road have crafted a collection of handpicked playlists, specially selected by the Abbey Road team to enhance the onboard atmosphere.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, shared: “We’re always exploring new ways to make life on board even more special, and incredible voyages deserve incredible soundtracks.

“Abbey Road Studios is synonymous with iconic musical performances, and this partnership allows us to bring this heritage to sea. Whether guests are unwinding with a cocktail, watching the waves roll by, or just taking a moment for themselves, our exclusive Listening Lounge experience will set the mood beautifully,” added McAlister.

Jeremy Huffelmann, general manager of Abbey Road Studios, echoed the excitement: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Cunard for this special partnership, which will offer guests a unique way to experience music wherever their journey takes them.”

“Abbey Road has been the home of music-making for over 90 years, and has helped shape the landscape of popular music, film and games scores. We are excited to bring this incredible musical heritage to the Queen Elizabeth this year,” Huffelmann added.

Debuting This Autumn with Iconic Artists

Launching aboard Queen Elizabeth this autumn, the 60-minute Listening Lounge will take place in the Commodore Club. Using high-resolution audio and Bowers & Wilkins noise-canceling headphones, the experience will guide guests through themed musical journeys.

Playlists will showcase artists connected to Abbey Road’s iconic history, including The Beatles, Ed Sheeran, Fela Kuti, Gregory Porter, Little Simz, and Ezra Collective. Guests can also expect to hear well-known cinematic scores, creating a rich and atmospheric backdrop.

The Listening Lounge will be offered on select sea days, beginning during Queen Elizabeth’s inaugural Caribbean season departing from Miami in October. A specially designed cocktail menu will complement the music and scenery for a truly immersive escape.

Special Voyage Set for 2026

Looking ahead, Cunard and Abbey Road will also host a themed voyage titled Abbey Road at Sea. Departing Southampton for New York on October 23, 2026, this transatlantic journey will feature live performances, a photography showcase, and interactive Q&A sessions with Abbey Road’s award-winning engineers. Guests will hear firsthand stories of the studio’s lasting legacy in music, film, and beyond.