Cruising and music go hand in hand, but Cunard has taken things one step further with their upcoming Abbey Road at Sea voyage. In partnership with the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London, this transatlantic crossing promises a week of live performances, immersive listening sessions, and a celebration of musical history — with The Beatles at the heart of it all.

What Is Abbey Road at Sea?

Abbey Road at Sea is a special event voyage taking place on Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s flagship ocean liner, from 23 to 30 October 2026. Sailing from Southampton to New York, it’s a classic seven-night crossing of the Atlantic with an extra twist: the ship will host a programme of entertainment inspired by the world-famous Abbey Road Studios.

Guests can expect:

• Live performances onboard, bringing iconic songs to life.
• A photography exhibition linked to Abbey Road’s history.
• Q&A sessions and talks with Abbey Road engineers and industry experts.
• Curated audio sessions where guests can use high-quality Bowers & Wilkins headphones to experience specially designed playlists.

Unlike many themed cruises, this isn’t about tribute acts in wigs or costume parties — it’s more of a sophisticated, music-focused experience that honours the legacy of Abbey Road while staying true to Cunard’s refined style.

The Ship – Queen Mary 2

The setting for Abbey Road at Sea couldn’t be more fitting. Queen Mary 2 is the only true ocean liner still sailing today, purpose-built for regular transatlantic crossings. She’s known for her elegance, Art Deco-inspired interiors, and sense of occasion. Onboard, you’ll find:

• The Royal Court Theatre – where the live performances will likely take centre stage.
• The Commodore Club – an atmospheric lounge at the bow, which will host the immersive Listening Lounge experiences.
• A choice of dining venues, from classic Britannia Restaurant dining to speciality options like the Steakhouse at The Verandah.
• Unmatched space at sea – Queen Mary 2 carries fewer guests for her size compared to modern mega-ships, meaning more room to relax and enjoy the journey.

And here’s a fun fact: Ed Sheeran recorded parts of his hit album Divide (÷) onboard Queen Mary 2. During a transatlantic crossing, he and producer Benny Blanco set up a temporary studio at sea, laying down tracks that would go on to feature on one of the best-selling albums of the decade.

About Cunard

Cunard is one of the most storied cruise lines in the world, dating back to 1840. Known for their emphasis on tradition, sophistication, and white-gloved service, they specialise in ocean crossings, longer world voyages, and itineraries with a strong sense of heritage. Passengers often describe a Cunard voyage as more like stepping into a grand hotel at sea than a standard cruise ship.

Why Book Abbey Road at Sea?

• For Beatles Fans: An opportunity to experience their music in a new way, curated by Abbey Road Studios themselves.
• For Cruise Lovers: A chance to sail on the world’s most iconic liner, Queen Mary 2, during her signature transatlantic crossing.
• For Culture Seekers: Beyond entertainment, the voyage includes talks, exhibitions, and listening sessions designed for those who want to go deeper.

Abbey Road at Sea isn’t just another themed cruise. It’s a celebration of music history staged on one of the most famous ships afloat, combining the glamour of Cunard with the genius of Abbey Road. If you’ve ever wanted to cross the Atlantic in style while immersing yourself in one of the greatest musical legacies of all time, this voyage might just be the perfect ticket.

The sailing is still on sale if you want to book! Visit Cunard.com for more information.

Interested in themed cruises? There’s also the Taylor Swift themed cruise if you’re interested!

Owen

Hi, I’m Owen - a traveling designer and content creator redefining what it means to work from home. You can usually find me on a cruise ship, somewhere in Europe, or sneaking a beach day. I share beautiful photos, travel tips, and the occasional ‘why did I book this?’ moment. Interests: cruising, city breaks, content creation, travelling

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