Cunard Line says this year's transatlantic crossings on the Queen Mary 2 will feature more entertainment than any previous season, including theatrical, musical and literary experiences.
On a sailing departing May 22, the ship will have a variety of West End-themed experiences, including "The Oliviers in Concert," a production with the Royal Court Theatre orchestra celebrating the theater awards' 50th anniversary. The cruise will have a gala in tandem with the event.
There will also be a performance of Royal Shakespeare Company's production of the comedy "The Constant Wife."
In September, the U.K.'s National Symphony Orchestra will come aboard for two concerts on a sailing from Southampton. The Sept. 5 cruise will also include talks, Q&A sessions and the opportunity to participate in a guest choir.
A Nov. 10 sailing will be the ship's 450th transatlantic crossing and have programming celebrating key moments in Cunard's history. There will be events with a maritime historian and a commemorative gala dinner with performances.
The Nov. 28 crossing will have literary-themed experiences. The events will be curated by the team behind a literary festival in Cheltenham, England, and will include a Q&A session and book signings.
Other crossings with themed experiences include Abbey Road at Sea on Oct. 23 -- featuring musical performances and stories about Abbey Road, the London studio where the Beatles recorded most of their music -- and Dance the Atlantic on July 16, a cruise with the English National Ballet.