Cunard invites travelers to win an experience at the historic 450th intersection of Queen Mary 2 | News
As Queen Mary 2 prepares to join Sail4th 250 in July – celebrating America’s 250th anniversary in New York Harbor – Cunard invites travelers to be part of the next historic milestone at sea. The British luxury cruise brand has launched a raffle* to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s historic 450th transatlantic crossing in November – a voyage that continues Cunard’s lasting legacy of connecting the United Kingdom and the United States through ocean travel.
From now until July 31, 2026, guests can join the highly anticipated crossing, sailing from Southampton to New York from November 10 to 17, 2026. The award winner and a guest will not only experience the rebirth of the golden age of ocean travel, but will also receive flights, hotel accommodations in Southampton and transportation to and from the port.
A rich heritage of transatlantic ocean voyages
The announcement comes at another defining moment for Cunard: July 4 marks the anniversary of the cruise line’s very first crossing, when the RMS Britannia sailed from Liverpool to Boston in 1840. This voyage launched the world’s first regularly scheduled transatlantic steamship service and forever transformed global travel, trade and communications. Nearly two centuries later, Cunard remains the only cruise line to offer regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings aboard the world’s only ocean liner, the Queen Mary 2.
“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 join in the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, it feels especially meaningful to also celebrate the upcoming 450th crossing of Queen Mary 2. This milestone is a testament to 186 years of history, connection and unforgettable voyages across the Atlantic Ocean.”
Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary
On July 4, 2026, New York Harbor will come alive for Sail4th 250, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary with the largest international fleet of tall and naval ships ever assembled. Queen Mary 2 and her guests will have a front row seat to the festivities, celebrating Cunard’s rich connection to American history – with an estimated one in five immigrants traveling to the US aboard Cunard steamships between 1840 and 1923. Today, Cunard’s legacy of refined, elegant ocean travel lives on with a fleet of four ships sailing the world, including the newest ships Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.
The sweepstakes is open now through July 31, 2026. To enter and view the official rules, visit www.cunardcrossinggiveaway.com and complete the registration form to receive one entry. After submitting their first entry, participants can also earn one bonus entry by uploading their favorite photo from a previous Cunard trip or by taking a survey sharing what they are most looking forward to on their first Cunard trip.
For more information about Cunard or to book a trip, guests can contact their travel advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
