Queen Mary 2 Faces Propulsion Issue During Voyage

Cunard Line has confirmed that one of the four Mermaid pod propulsion units aboard the Queen Mary 2 has developed a technical fault during its current 12-day “Norway and Northern Lights” cruise. The voyage, which departed from Southampton on November 7, 2025, and is set to conclude there on November 19, has been slightly modified while engineers work to address the issue.

According to passenger reports, one of the vessel’s propeller nacelles is malfunctioning. Although the exact effect on the ship’s speed and maneuverability is not fully known, Cunard has assured travelers that the voyage remains safe, with adjustments made to accommodate the technical situation.

To maintain smooth operations, the itinerary has been revised. The ship’s initial arrival in Southampton was delayed, causing minor embarkation disruptions. Despite the issue, the Queen Mary 2 continues to follow its northern route and is currently en route to Trondheim, Norway, after two days sailing across the North Sea.

The ocean liner is expected to proceed to Tromsø and Ålesund as originally planned. However, the scheduled stop in Hamburg on November 17 - where a partial passenger exchange was set to take place - has been cancelled due to timing challenges linked to the propulsion problem. Instead, the vessel will dock in Bremerhaven, with Cunard arranging shuttle transport for guests traveling to and from Hamburg that day.

An updated shore excursion program for guests transiting through Bremerhaven is also being prepared. The cruise line has stated that passengers joining or departing the voyage mid-cruise are being contacted directly with revised travel arrangements.