The Cunard Line flagship Queen Mary 2 made its inaugural transit of the Panama Canal on January 24 and 25, 2026. This historic passage marked the first time an operational ocean liner has traversed the waterway using the larger Neopanamax locks.
Officials from the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) confirmed the transit occurred as part of the vessel’s 2026 World Voyage. The operation began on the Pacific side, with the ship spending a night in the Cocoli area before proceeding under the Bridge of the Americas.
A Milestone for Maritime and Cruise Industries
This event represents a significant moment for global shipping and tourism. The Queen Mary 2 is recognized as the only true ocean liner currently in service, a vessel specifically designed for long-distance transoceanic travel rather than typical cruise itineraries. Its transit highlights the canal’s operational capacity to handle prestigious and uniquely designed ships.
The ACP stated the operation adhered to the highest standards of safety and precision. Canal Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez Morales emphasized the achievement’s broader meaning.
The transit of the Queen Mary 2 underscores the Panama Canal’s appeal as an iconic travel experience. It reaffirms our position as critical infrastructure for global commerce and tourism, supported by a solid culture of operational safety, specialized talent, and continuous service improvement. [Translated from Spanish]
Following its Panama crossing, the ship continued its journey along the United States West Coast. A symbolic meeting is planned in Long Beach, California, with its historic namesake, the retired ocean liner Queen Mary. Cunard officials describe this encounter as an event of profound symbolic value for the company and the global maritime community.
Cunard Commits to Future Canal Transits
The successful passage has paved the way for more Cunard traffic. The cruise line announced plans for additional transits in 2026 and 2027, solidifying the canal’s role in long-distance voyage planning.
According to the schedule, the Queen Elizabeth will transit in September 2026. The Queen Anne and Queen Victoria are then scheduled for passages in January 2027. This planned activity signals strong confidence in the route and its capabilities from a major industry player.
For Panama, these high-profile transits provide more than just operational revenue. They offer immense promotional value, showcasing the canal’s engineering and service on a world stage. Each transit by a vessel of this stature reinforces the waterway’s brand as a premier and reliable maritime shortcut.
The event also hints at a growing trend for the Queen Mary and other large cruise vessels to include the canal as a central feature in global itineraries. The canal’s ability to accommodate these ships directly influences cruise line routing decisions and passenger demand.
With this transit complete, the Panama Canal has again demonstrated its adaptability and enduring relevance. It connects oceans and, in this case, maritime history with modern travel, proving its infrastructure can meet the needs of both colossal container ships and the world’s most famous passenger vessels.