The Queen Mary 2, the world’s only active ocean liner, is set to visit South African shores again this April. As part of her 110-night World Voyage, the flagship vessel will arrive in Durban on 9 April before docking in Cape Town on 12 April for an overnight stay.
Unlike standard cruise ships, the Queen Mary 2 was specifically engineered for the North Atlantic.
With a reinforced hull and superior stability, the ocean liner is said to offer a smooth experience even in challenging seas. This design remains unique among the hundreds of luxury vessels currently in operation.
A year of historic milestones
And 2026 is a landmark year for the ship and its crew. In January, the ship completed its first-ever transit of the Panama Canal, passing through the new locks under the Bridge of the Americas. Looking ahead to November, the ocean liner will celebrate her 450th trans-Atlantic crossing.
The experience onboard
The ship is designed for space and elegance rather than maximum capacity in order to comfortably accommodate its 2 695 guests. Highlights of the onboard experience include:
- Unique amenities: The only planetarium at sea and dedicated kennels for pets.
- Entertainment: West End-style shows, ballroom dancing and Cunard Insights lectures from maritime historians.
- Wellness and sport: A full-service spa, multiple swimming pools, and a wraparound promenade deck
Opportunities for local travelers
For those looking to experience the Golden Age of travel, limited cabins may be available for the 17-day sector departing Cape Town on 13 April. This journey heads to Southampton, transitioning from the warm African currents to the cooler North Atlantic.
“Queen Mary 2 is more than just a cruise ship; she’s a living piece of maritime history,” said Shaun McCarthy, MD of Whitestar Cruise & Travel in a statement.
Cunard’s presence in South Africa continues into the future as the Queen Victoria is scheduled to visit local waters in mid-April 2027 during another global odyssey.
