QUEEN MARY 2 & CHERBOURG: 22 YEARS OF A UNIQUE MARITIME PARTNERSHIP

The calls of Queen Mary 2 to Cherbourg represent far more than a regular port of call. Since her inaugural visit on 14 April 2004, the flagship of Cunard has maintained a special relationship with the destination, reflecting Cherbourg's historic role in transatlantic travel and its continuing importance within the cruise industry.
Each visit of Queen Mary 2 recalls the era when great ocean liners called at Cherbourg en route to and from New York. The city's former Transatlantic Maritime Station, now serving as the cruise terminal, remains a powerful symbol of this heritage and continues to welcome international guests arriving by sea.

To celebrate more than two decades of this connection, Cherbourg Cruise, together with Cherbourg Port, La Cité de la Mer and the Communauté d'Agglomération du Cotentin, organised an Art Deco-inspired evening reflecting the elegance of the transatlantic era. The event highlighted both the destination's maritime heritage and its ongoing commitment to cruise tourism.

The initiative was designed primarily for the local community, providing an opportunity for residents to engage with the cruise industry and gain a greater understanding of the economic, cultural and tourism benefits it brings to the region. Representatives from across Cherbourg's cruise ecosystem participated, including port authorities, maritime services, tourism partners, agents, tour operators and heritage attractions, alongside elected representatives from the City of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and the Cotentin Agglomeration.

The event also provided an opportunity to highlight Cherbourg's continuing development as a cruise destination. The port is expected to welcome approximately 75 cruise calls in 2026, including 11 inaugural visits, while maintaining its one-ship-per-day policy that prioritises operational excellence and guest experience. Looking ahead, the destination is preparing for the introduction of shore power facilities, currently planned for 2028, further supporting its long-term sustainability ambitions.
Beyond celebrating a shared maritime history, the evening demonstrated how heritage, tourism and cruise operations continue to work together to support the future development of the destination. It also reinforced the close relationship between Cherbourg, Cunard and the many stakeholders who contribute to the success of each call.

Cherbourg Cruise extends its sincere thanks to Cunard and Carnival UK for their continued partnership and support, including their cooperation in facilitating a dedicated visit aboard Queen Mary 2 for representatives of the Cotentin Urban Community and their contribution to the production of a film designed to bring the ship's story closer to local residents.

As Queen Mary 2 departed Cherbourg once again, watched by residents and guests gathered along the waterfront, the occasion served as a reminder of a relationship that continues to connect the destination's maritime past with its future.

Photo credits: Valentin Leflamand - Nicolas Duhayon