Literature Festival at Sea
The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival and Cunard are proud to present the Literature Festival at Sea on board Queen Mary 2.
Curated by the programming team of The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, this unique voyage celebrates the written word in its many forms.
Enjoy a daily dose of news from Times journalists, lose yourself in thought-provoking conversation at Q&As, or meet your favourite writers at intimate book signings.
You could fill every day on board with literature-themed activities and events, on top of the range of enriching experiences you can already look forward to during a voyage with Cunard.
Spend your week at sea embracing a world of literature and indulgence. Discover a new favourite book in the largest library at sea, relax in the on board spa or enjoy Cunard's signature afternoon tea. The choice is yours.
With two sailings to choose from in either 2026 or 2027, find yourself in literary heaven, surrounded by authors, poets, journalists and historians.
The Literature Festival at Sea is a must for book lovers and free thinkers everywhere.
Literature Festival at Sea 2026
28 November - 5 December 2026
New York to Southampton
Queen Mary 2
In 2026, we look forward to BBC News presenter Sophie Raworth joining us on board alongside, international bestselling crime and thriller author, Linwood Barclay and professor of global history Peter Frankopan, amongst others.
Literature Festival at Sea 2027
2 - 9 December 2027
New York to Southampton
Queen Mary 2
Special guest announcements coming soon.
*Please note, the line up is subject to change
Image gallery
About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world, celebrating an incredible 185 years of operation in 2025.
The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable.
A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.
Cunard has been in partnership with The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival since 2018, developing the Literature Festival at Sea on board Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossing. On land, Cunard is a proud partner of Cheltenham Literature Festival.
