Cunard has teamed up with Abbey Road Studios to bring a new and exclusive music experience, Listening Lounge, to music lovers on board the Queen Elizabeth.
The luxury cruise line has collaborated with the iconic recording studio to create a series of carefully curated playlists filled with legendary recordings, each specially selected by the Abbey Road team. The 60-minute experience, debuting this autumn on the Queen Elizabeth, will take place in the Commodore Club, where listeners will enjoy a themed journey through Bowers & Wilkins Hi-Res/ANC headphones.
Some of the most celebrated artists from Abbey Road's rich musical heritage will appear on the charts, including Ed Sheeran (who recorded part of '÷' on the Queen Mary 2), Fela Kuti, Gregory Porter, Ezra Collective, Little Simz and The Beatles, who hail from Cunard's spiritual hometown of Liverpool.
The connection with The Beatles also represents a symmetry of two very special journeys, since the iconic album Abbey Road, whose cover has been recreated by four Cunard baggage handlers in the image above, was released in 1969, the same year as the QE2's maiden transatlantic voyage to the USA.
The playlists will also feature some of the world's most famous film scores, showcasing Abbey Road's recently renovated Studio One, which has been home to film music for over 45 years. Guests can enjoy spine-tingling recordings from films such as Raiders of the Lost Ark , Return of the Jedi , The Last Emperor , The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies , Harry Potter , Skyfall , The Shape of Water , and Gravity . More recently, the soundtracks include Black Panther , 1917 , Tar , Spider-Man: Crossing the Multiverse , Wonka , Barbie , Deadpool & Wolverine , Gladiator II , and Wicked .
Guests will have the opportunity to experience the Listening Lounges on select sailing days, beginning during the Queen Elizabeth's inaugural Caribbean season from Miami in October. A carefully curated menu of Cunard cocktails will be offered to complement the music and scenery.
Abbey Road at Sea
Music lovers can enjoy the ultimate experience on this themed voyage in collaboration with Abbey Road. The journey will depart from Southampton for New York on October 23, 2026, following the route of many musical icons throughout the years and celebrating the incredible heritage of Abbey Road.
The week-long transatlantic crossing will feature live performances, a photography exhibition, and intimate Q&A sessions with award-winning recording and mastering engineers from Abbey Road, who will share stories about ongoing innovation, creativity, and the studios' role as an inspiring home for creators from around the world.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, commented: “Abbey Road Studios is synonymous with iconic musical performances, and this collaboration allows us to bring that heritage to the sea. Whether our guests are relaxing with a cocktail, gazing at the waves, or simply taking a moment for themselves, our exclusive Listening Lounge experience will create the perfect atmosphere. When it comes to luxury cruising, all you need is love… and the perfect playlist.”
Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager of Abbey Road, added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Cunard on this special partnership, which will offer guests a unique way to experience music, wherever their journey takes them. Abbey Road has been a home for music for over 90 years and has helped shape the landscape of popular music, film scores, and video games. We are excited to bring this incredible musical legacy to the Queen Elizabeth this year.”
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