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
2027 sees BBC Radio and TV Presenter Paddy O'Connell; award-winning crime writer Mark Billingham; Executive Editor at The Times and Times Radio Jeremy Griffin and Deputy Literary Editor at The Times and Sunday Times Laura Hackett and more heading on board.
*Please note, the line up is subject to change
Image gallery
What can you expect?
Panel talks
See which discussion topics pique your interest and hear our guest authors’ takes on a broad range of subjects. We’ve previously been entertained with their views on the greatest TV detectives, worst literary lovers, and the future of British politics. What will this voyage bring?
Author book signings
Inspired by the authors you’ve heard from on board? You’ll find their books in the shop available for purchase, which you could take along to book signings – giving you an extra special souvenir.
The Times and Sunday Times
Through the week you'll find yourself mingling with and listening to some esteemed Times journalists. Why not join some of them, along with authors, to delve into the day's headlines and the news stories behind them?
In conversation with...
Chaired by one of our speakers, these sessions take a deep dive into an author's life and career. Learn all about their experiences before writing, what took them on this path, the road to getting published, and what they're working on now.
Workshops and more
Wordsmiths and aspiring writers can take the opportunity to join the workshops* designed to help you hone your craft with a little advice and guidance straight from the source - our esteemed guest authors. Be sure to join The Times crossword sessions to learn tips and tricks for tackling those cryptic clues.
*The workshops are bookable on board with a small additional charge.
About Cunard
Why cruise when you can Cunard.
The true pioneers of luxury travel, 185 years spent refining the art of ocean voyages are embodied in Cunard’s uniquely famous fleet of Queens. Four beautifully crafted ships offer the perfect spaces in which to fully relax and relish the world in iconic style. Cunard has never compromised on creating glamourous, comfortable, cultured journeys. After all, the world is too good to just cruise through.
