Queen Mary 2 Makes Historic First Transit Through the Panama Canal
Rhea-AI Summary
Cunard (NYSE:CCL) announced that Queen Mary 2 completed its first-ever transit through the Panama Canal's new locks on January 24–25, 2026 during the ship's 108-night World Voyage.
Guests experienced an overnight stay at Cocoli Mooring Station and passage under the Bridge of the Americas. The ship will call at Fuerte Amador and Manzanillo before arriving in Los Angeles on February 2, 2026, marking Queen Mary 2's return to Southern California after 17 years. Cunard also confirmed additional Panama Canal transits on Queen Elizabeth (Sept 24, 2026), Queen Anne (Jan 22, 2027) and Queen Victoria (Jan 10, 2027).
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Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
CCL’s move of +0.21% comes with mixed peers: CUK +0.69%, RCL +0.76%, TCOM +1.21%, while VIK -2.13% and EXPE -1.92% declined. With no peers in the momentum scanner, trading appears more company-specific than part of a broad sector rotation.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 15 | New cultural tours | Positive | -2.5% | Launch of 150+ cultural shore tours and promotional booking offers. |
| Jan 08 | Europe bookings update | Positive | -1.3% | Strong rise in 2026 Europe bookings and promotional offers disclosed. |
| Jan 06 | Itinerary expansion | Positive | +2.6% | Expanded 2027 Northern Europe program with 48 voyages and sales campaign. |
| Dec 23 | Brand promotion event | Positive | -1.3% | Tournament of Roses float christening for Star Princess marketing exposure. |
| Dec 22 | Ship refurbishment | Positive | +3.5% | Crown Princess returns from drydock with guest-focused enhancements. |
Recent promotional and itinerary news often saw mixed or negative next-day reactions, with more divergences than alignments between upbeat headlines and price moves.
Over the past months, CCL has issued multiple brand-focused updates. On Dec 22, 2025, Crown Princess enhancements and drydock completion coincided with a +3.47% move. A marketing-driven float christening on Dec 23, 2025 saw shares down 1.3%. Early January 2026 brought new Northern Europe itineraries and strong 2026 Europe bookings, with mixed reactions of +2.57% and -1.31%. More cultural shore tours on Jan 15, 2026 were followed by a -2.45% move. Today’s Panama Canal milestone continues this stream of operational and itinerary achievements.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement underscores Cunard’s focus on marquee experiences, with Queen Mary 2 completing a first Panama Canal transit and additional Canal sailings planned into 2026–2027. It adds to a recent stream of itinerary and product updates across CCL brands. When evaluating such news, investors may track booking trends, pricing power on longer voyages, and any implications from the ongoing corporate structure simplification detailed in recent Form 425 filings.
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
Cunard's iconic ocean liner continues World Voyage with milestone passage through the canal's new locks
For additional photos and video of Queen Mary 2's Panama Canal Transit, please visit here.
Guests traveling aboard the 108-night journey around the world were treated to a rare moment as Queen Mary 2 began her historic passage through the canal's new set of locks on Saturday, January 24. Following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station, the ship continued her transit and passed under the remarkable Bridge of
"As the world's only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2's maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard," says 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
Following the transit, Queen Mary 2 will visit Fuerte Amador,
Future Panama Canal Transits in 2026 & 2027
Cunard's Queens will continue once-in-a-lifetime transits through the Panama Canal as part of several upcoming voyages in 2026 and 2027, allowing guests even more opportunity to experience this engineering and technological marvel. Highlights include:
Queen Elizabeth, September 24, 2026 (Q627): After a second summer season in
Alaska , Queen Elizabeth begin a 21-night voyage fromSeattle toMiami , featuring a Panama Canal transit as part of the journey.Queen Anne, January 22, 2027 (H704B): Queen Anne will transit the Panama Canal as part of her 56-night South America Discovery itinerary, visiting over 20 points of call across South and
Central America .Queen
Victoria , January 10, 2027 (V703C): Queen Victoria's World Voyage departs fromSouthampton , visiting over 30 ports of call, including a transit through the Panama Canal after visits toNew York andAruba .
For more information about Cunard, Panama Canal voyages, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.
About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840.
The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include
There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024. Cunard is based at Carnival House in
Photography
Photos are available in our image library, Asset Bank:
https://cunard.assetbank-server.com/
Please note, once directed to the page you will need to "Register for an account." Your request may take up to 24 hours for approval to access the library of assets. You will be notified via email to complete your registration.
Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline
For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Cunard: cunardpublicrelations@cunard.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869362/QM2_Panama.jpg
Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2869361/Cunard_logo.jpg
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/queen-mary-2-makes-historic-first-transit-through-the-panama-canal-302670095.html
SOURCE Cunard
FAQ
What happened when Queen Mary 2 transited the Panama Canal on January 24–25, 2026?
How does Queen Mary 2's Panama Canal transit affect Cunard (CCL) itineraries in 2026–2027?
When will Queen Mary 2 arrive in Los Angeles after the Panama Canal transit?
What is the length and scope of Queen Mary 2's World Voyage that included the Panama Canal transit?
How can travelers book Cunard Panama Canal voyages including Queen Mary 2?
