Cunard has announced the speakers joining its voyages from August to December 2026 as part of its Insights program.
The 2026 program features more than 800 speakers, who will participate in talks, interviews and Q&A sessions spanning subjects from artificial intelligence and space exploration to literature, sport, history and current affairs.
According to Cunard, the Insights program reflects the belief that travel broadens the mind, bringing guests closer to some of the world’s most respected voices in exploration, science, culture, entertainment and sport.
“One of the things that makes a Cunard voyage so special is the opportunity to discover something. Our Insights program has always been about bringing extraordinary stories to life at sea, and this latest line-up reflects the breadth, quality and curiosity our guests value so highly,” said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard.
“From world-class broadcasters and Olympic champions to acclaimed actors, authors, explorers and scientists, these are voices that inform, inspire and entertain, creating moments onboard that stay with guests long after their voyage has ended.”
Queen Mary 2
Guests sailing on Transatlantic Crossings between Southampton and New York can enjoy a program of guest speakers throughout the season, including actress Celia Imrie on the ship’s 450th Transatlantic Crossing in November.
Additional speakers appearing between August and December include children’s television icon Floella Benjamin, US pilot Jeff Skiles, actress Patricia Hodge, and broadcaster and former England cricketer Ebony Rainford-Brent.
Queen Anne
Sailing from Southampton to destinations including Norway, Hamburg, Rotterdam, the Canary Islands, the Azores, France, Spain, Italy and the Mediterranean’s idyllic Greek Islands, the Queen Anne welcomes a mix of innovators, broadcasters, sporting figures and cultural commentators.
Guests will hear from Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington, AI pioneer Wendy Hall, broadcaster and mathematician Rachel Riley, explorer Adrian Hayes, rugby legend Will Carling, author Adele Parks and Olympic bronze medalist and presenter Katharine Merry.
Queen Victoria
Exploring the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Western Europe, the Queen Victoria will host a diverse line-up including comedian, author and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax, crime author Peter James, journalist and documentary maker Jane Corbin and behavioral scientist and author Paul McKenna.
Queen Elizabeth
Guests exploring Alaska’s glaciers, fjords and wilderness landscapes can hear from broadcaster and author Clare Balding, explorer Alison Teal and Alaskan actress and producer Ariel Tweto.
After she sails the company’s last scheduled summer season in Alaska, the Queen Elizabeth will return to Miami for a series of Caribbean voyages, featuring speakers inspired by exploration, science, entertainment and public life.
Guests sailing to destinations including Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and St Maarten will enjoy appearances from NASA astronaut Susan Kilrain, former White House official Jeffrey Weinberg, entertainment journalist Nelson Aspen, television actor Patrick Duffy and former butler to King Charles III, Grant Harrold.
