Cunard & Abbey Road Studios Launch Exclusive Listening Lounge at Sea

Luxury meets legendary sound in the new Queen Elizabeth onboard experience

Cunard has announced an exciting new partnership with the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios, bringing an exclusive music experience to sea. The new "Listening Lounge" will debut onboard Queen Elizabeth this autumn, offering guests a chance to enjoy curated playlists in high-fidelity sound while sailing some of the world’s most scenic routes.

This luxurious onboard feature adds a unique dimension to Cunard’s award-winning cruise entertainment, promising a one-of-a-kind experience for music fans.

"We’re thrilled to collaborate with Cunard for this unique partnership. It brings our 90-year musical heritage to sea, offering guests a new way to connect with legendary music—wherever their journey takes them."

- Abbey Road’s General Manager, Jeremy Huffelmann

A Curated Cruise Music Experience With Iconic Artists

The new lounge experience will celebrate Abbey Road’s extraordinary legacy, featuring artists who have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Guests can expect to hear the likes of Ed Sheeran (who famously recorded part of his ‘÷’ album onboard Cunard’s Queen Mary 2), alongside Gregory Porter, Ezra Collective, Little Simz, and of course, The Beatles.

The Beatles connection runs deep for Cunard. Not only are they Liverpool natives, like Cunard itself, but their legendary Abbey Road album was released in 1969, the same year in which Queen Elizabeth 2 made her maiden Transatlantic cruise.

Blockbuster Film Scores on The High Seas

In addition to chart-topping tracks, guests will enjoy an epic collection of film soundtracks recorded at Abbey Road’s Studio One. These include scores from Harry Potter, Skyfall, The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Gladiator II, Wicked, and Black Panther, to name a few.

This blend of music genres ensures that the new cruise music experience appeals to a broad audience of film lovers, audiophiles, and casual listeners alike.

Caribbean Cruise From Miami to Feature Listening Lounge Debut

The innovative music experience will launch onboard Queen Elizabeth during her upcoming Caribbean cruise from Miami in October 2025. Available on select sea days, the Listening Lounge will also feature a bespoke cocktail menu designed to enhance the musical atmosphere.

Guests can sip specially crafted Cunard cocktails while enjoying the sights and sounds of the ocean; a perfect pairing of luxury and leisure!

Abbey Road at Sea: A Signature 2026 Transatlantic Cruise

For travellers seeking a deeper connection with music history, Cunard has announced a special transatlantic cruise onboard Queen Mary 2 in 2026. The “Abbey Road at Sea” Event Voyage sets sail from Southampton to New York on 23 October 2026.

This unique crossing will include live musical performances, an Abbey Road photography exhibition, and behind-the-scenes stories shared by the studio’s award-winning recording and mastering engineers.

"We're always exploring new ways to make life onboard even more special, and incredible voyages deserve incredible soundtracks. Whether guests are unwinding with a cocktail or watching the waves roll by, our exclusive Listening Lounge experience will set the mood beautifully."

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard