As Cunard celebrates America’s 250^th anniversary, travelers can enter for a chance to sail aboard the world’s only ocean liner for an incredible milestone crossing

As Queen Mary 2 prepares to join Sail4th 250 this July – celebrating America’s 250^th anniversary in New York Harbor – Cunard is inviting travelers to become part of its next historic milestone at sea. The British luxury cruise brand has launched a sweepstakes* to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s historic 450^th Transatlantic Crossing this November – a voyage that continues Cunard’s enduring legacy of connecting the United Kingdom and the United States through ocean travel.

Now through July 31, 2026, guests can enter for the chance to join the highly anticipated crossing, sailing from Southampton to New York from November 10-17, 2026. The prize winner and a guest will not only experience the rebirth of the golden age of ocean travel, but also receive flights, hotel accommodations in Southampton, and transportation to and from the port.

A Rich Heritage of Transatlantic Ocean Travel

The announcement comes during another defining moment for Cunard with July 4 marking the anniversary of the cruise line’s very first crossing, when RMS Britannia departed Liverpool for Boston in 1840. This voyage launched the world’s first regularly scheduled transatlantic steamship service and forever transformed global travel, trade and communication. Nearly two centuries later, Cunard remains the only cruise line offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic Crossings aboard the world’s only ocean liner, Queen Mary 2.

“Transatlantic travel is the foundation of Cunard’s rich heritage and remains one of the most iconic experiences in luxury travel today,” said Liz Fettes, Senior Vice President, Commercial, North America and Australasia at Cunard. “As we prepare to participate in America’s 250^th anniversary celebration, it feels especially meaningful to also celebrate Queen Mary 2’s upcoming 450^th crossing. This milestone is a testament to the 186 years of history, connection and unforgettable voyages across the Atlantic.”

Celebrating America’s 250^th Anniversary

On July 4, 2026, New York Harbor will come alive for Sail4th 250, celebrating America’s 250^th anniversary with the largest international flotilla of tall ships and naval vessels ever assembled. Queen Mary 2 and her guests will enjoy a front-row seat to the festivities, honoring Cunard’s rich connection to U.S. history – with an estimated one in five immigrants traveling to the U.S. aboard Cunard steamships between 1840 and 1923. Today, Cunard’s legacy of refined, elegant ocean travel lives on with a fleet of four ships sailing around the world, including its newest ship Queen Anne, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.