Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Panama Canal Transit

Queen Mary 2 has successfully completed her first-ever passage through the Panama Canal, reaching a key milestone in Cunard’s 2026 World Voyage, the cruise line confirmed in a press release.

Guests sailing on the 108-night journey witnessed a rare event as the ship entered the canal’s newer lock system on Saturday, January 24. After an overnight stop at the Cocoli Mooring Station, Queen Mary 2 resumed her transit on Sunday, January 25, sailing beneath the Bridge of the Americas.

“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard,” said President Katie McAlister. “Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen’s 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”

Following the canal crossing, Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to call at Fuerte Amador, Panama, for an overnight stay, before continuing to Manzanillo, Mexico, and then onward to Los Angeles, where she is due to arrive on February 2.

The ship’s arrival in Southern California will mark her first visit to the region in 17 years, a long-awaited return during this phase of the world voyage. While in Los Angeles, Queen Mary 2 will also reunite with her famous namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in two decades. The liner is set to complete her global journey and return to Southampton on April 30.