World’s Only Ocean Liner Passes Through Panama Canal for the First Time

Queen Mary 2, the only ocean liner in the world, passed through the new locks of the Panama Canal for the first time this weekend.

Queen Mary 2 is currently its 2026 World Voyage, a 108-night cruise around the world.

Guests traveling aboard the 108-night cruise were treated to a rare moment as the ship began her historic passage through the canal’s new set of locks on Saturday, January 24.

Following an overnight stay at the Cocoli Mooring Station, Queen Mary 2 continued her transit and passed under the remarkable Bridge of Americas on Sunday, January 25.

After an overnight stay in Manzanillo, Mexico, the ship will head Los Angeles where it will arrive on February 2. It will be the first time in 17 years that Queen Mary 2 has visited Southern California.

The ship will also celebrate a reunion with her legendary namesake, The Queen Mary, for the first time in 20 years. The Queen Mary now serves as a hotel in Long Beach, California.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, gave the following statement:

“As the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2’s maiden transit through the Panama Canal marks another extraordinary milestone for Cunard.

“Our world-famous voyages truly deliver enriching, meaningful and unique experiences for our guests, and the transit through the Panama Canal forms an iconic element of this magnificent Queen’s 108-night World Voyage, where guests will also visit memorable destinations like Los Angeles, Sydney, Cape Town, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Southampton.”