Cunard’s 2027/28 Programme Elevates South Africa with Extended Calls and Two World Voyages

The global cruise landscape is set for a significant transformation as Cunard Line unveils its ambitious 2027/28 itinerary, spotlighting South Africa as a key destination. With 110 new cruises across its four-ship fleet, Cunard’s latest schedule not only expands its global reach but also deepens its commitment to the African continent, offering extended stays and maiden calls in South African ports that promise to reshape the region’s cruise appeal.

Central to this new programme are the full World Voyages undertaken by both Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth. These iconic ships will each embark on epic journeys, with Durban and Cape Town featured as major ports of call—a testament to South Africa’s rising stature on the world cruise map. Between October 2027 and May 2028, the Cunard fleet will traverse 97 destinations in 47 countries, weaving together a tapestry of experiences that include 52 UNESCO World Heritage sites, 22 overnight port calls, and 23 late-evening departures, ensuring guests have ample time to immerse themselves in each locale.

The highlight of the new release is undoubtedly the two World Voyages. Queen Anne, the fleet’s newest addition, will set sail on a 111-night Western Circumnavigation, departing in January 2028. This voyage will feature overnight calls in global hotspots such as Los Angeles, Sydney, Hong Kong, and notably, Cape Town. Extended stays are also planned for Honolulu, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, giving guests the chance to explore South Africa’s vibrant cities and natural wonders in depth. The itinerary includes six maiden calls, with Lautoka in Fiji and Halong Bay in Vietnam among the standout destinations—marking Cunard’s return to Halong Bay after a 14-year hiatus.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth will embark on a 113-night eastbound journey, also departing in January 2028. This voyage will include overnight stays in Cape Town, Yokohama (for Tokyo), Sydney, and Honolulu. For the first time, the ship will visit St George’s in Grenada, Kingstown in St Vincent, and Durban in South Africa, further cementing the country’s importance in Cunard’s global strategy,

Beyond these grand adventures, the programme offers a variety of shorter cruises, including island-hopping itineraries across the Caribbean with convenient turnarounds in Barbados and Miami. This diversity ensures that the Cunard experience remains accessible to a wide range of travelers, from those seeking the romance of a world voyage to guests preferring shorter, sun-soaked escapes.

For the African cruise sector, Cunard’s renewed focus on South Africa is a game-changer. The inclusion of overnight and extended calls in Durban, Cape Town, and Port Elizabeth opens up new avenues for local tourism operators, hoteliers, and cultural attractions to engage with a discerning international clientele. These longer port stays allow for more immersive shore excursions, culinary experiences, and cultural exchanges, providing a platform for South African destinations to showcase their unique heritage and hospitality.

In addition to the headline World Voyages, Queen Mary 2—Cunard’s flagship and the world’s only true ocean liner—will continue its legendary Transatlantic crossings. The ship’s schedule will also feature Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Northern Lights itineraries, broadening the spectrum of experiences available to Cunard guests. Queen Victoria will operate from Southampton, offering voyages to the Norwegian Fjords, Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, as well as a 28-night Atlantic Islands Discovery cruise that includes stops in Cape Verde, Tenerife, and Lisbon.

To encourage early bookings, Cunard is offering a 10% Early Booking Saving on selected voyages for reservations made before December 17th, 2025. This incentive is expected to drive strong demand, particularly for the highly anticipated World Voyages and the new African port calls.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, expressed her enthusiasm for the new programme, highlighting the blend of tradition and innovation that defines the brand. “From two remarkable world voyages to journeys that encompass both new destinations and much-loved favourites, each itinerary captures the spirit of luxury adventure that defines our brand,” she noted. McAlister emphasized that each of Cunard’s iconic Queens will deliver the signature experiences and sense of occasion that have become synonymous with the line.

The expanded 2027/28 schedule not only reinforces Cunard’s commitment to offering a traditional ocean-going experience but also signals a modern approach to itinerary planning—one that values longer stays, deeper exploration, and a truly global perspective. For Africa’s travel industry, this represents a unique opportunity to forge new partnerships, develop bespoke shore experiences, and position South Africa as a must-visit destination for the world’s most discerning cruise travelers.

As the cruise sector continues to evolve, the integration of South African ports into high-profile global itineraries is poised to deliver lasting benefits. The increased visibility, coupled with the economic impact of extended port calls, will help drive investment in local infrastructure and services, ensuring that the region remains at the forefront of the international cruise market for years to come.