Cunard brings West End to the water with ‘Theatre at Sea’ cruise

Passengers will have the opportunity to sail with stars of the stage

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West End stars will perform in the Royal Court Theatre aboard Queen Mary 2 during a special transatlantic sailing (Christopher Ison)

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Cunard guests are being given the chance to tread the boards and meet stars of the West End during a new “London Theatre at Sea”-themed cruise.

The cruise line, which has been named as the headline sponsor of this year’s Oliver Awards, is bringing some of the theatre district’s top talent on board Queen Mary 2 during the ship’s one-week transatlantic crossing to New York in May.

Departing on 22 May 2026, Cunard passengers will get the chance to learn how top West End shows are created. Prices start from £1,099 per person.

There will be an array of talent on board to take part in a series of lectures and question and answer sessions.

Performers include Maria Friedman, a respected musical theatre actress and director who has received multiple Olivier Award nominations. Her Broadway and West End credits include Les Misérables and Company.

Guests can also hear from Liz Robertson, who has held iconic roles such as Madame Giry in Phantom of the Opera, as well as Linzi Hateley, whose roles include the narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Nancy in Oliver!

There will also be performances from the onboard West End choir, design workshops,and a theatre-themed singalong.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Cunard has long celebrated the very best in art, culture and exceptional entertainment experiences, and we are incredibly proud to be the headline partner of the Olivier Awards – the UK’s most prestigious stage honours.

“This partnership reflects our shared passion for outstanding performance, storytelling, and British heritage, both on land and at sea.”

Previous theatrical sailings include an adaptation ofCome From Away on Cunard’s Caribbean sailings aboard Queen Elizabeth.

MSC Cruises guests can watch Dirty Dancing on ships including MSC World America and MSC Virtuosa. And Royal Caribbean’s new Legend of the Seas will have performances of the Charlie and Chocolate Factory musical when it launches this summer.

Read more: The best theatre shows at sea

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Cunard brings West End to the water with ‘Theatre at Sea’ cruise

Passengers will have the opportunity to sail with stars of the stage

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