There’s something magical about live shows that transcends any venue – whether it’s a Broadway stage or, as Cunard is proving this October, the intimate confines of a luxury cruise ship. The British cruise line is making maritime history by bringing Come from Away, the globally acclaimed musical about post-9/11 compassion and community, to sea for the very first time.
A decade of moving hearts and minds
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. As Come from Away celebrates its 10th anniversary, this Tony Award and Oliver Award-winning production finds new meaning aboard Queen Elizabeth during her maiden Caribbean season starting October 16, 2025. The musical, crafted by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, tells the remarkable true story of 6,579 air passengers who were grounded in Gander, Newfoundland, following the September 11 attacks – and the extraordinary hospitality of the townspeople who opened their hearts to these stranded strangers.
Tailored for the high seas
This isn’t simply a Broadway show transplanted to a ship. Cunard has collaborated with Music Theatre International to create an exclusive production specifically designed for the maritime stage. The 12-member ensemble will deliver one hour and 40 minutes of powerful storytelling in Queen Elizabeth’s majestic Royal Court Theatre, with both matinee and evening performances scheduled for each voyage.
The production promises to maintain the emotional authenticity that has captivated sold-out audiences from Broadway to London’s West End, while adapting to the unique intimacy of shipboard entertainment.
Where luxury meets meaningful storytelling
Katie McAlister, Cunard’s President, tells these pages that the production aligns with the cruise line’s values of compassion and connection. The partnership represents more than entertainment – it’s a continuation of Cunard’s long-standing commitment to bringing world-class performances to sea, building on their established relationships with London’s West End and Broadway.
For discerning cruisers who appreciate both luxury accommodations and substantive cultural experiences, this represents a unique opportunity. Where else can you experience a Tony Award-winning musical while sailing through the Caribbean, surrounded by the refined service and elegant atmosphere that has defined Cunard for 185 years?
A story that resonates now more than ever
Producer John Brant notes that even after a decade, Come from Away continues to impact audiences profoundly. In our increasingly fragmented world, the musical’s themes of finding common ground and extending kindness to strangers feel particularly relevant. The shipboard setting may actually enhance these themes – after all, cruise passengers themselves are temporary communities formed among strangers, united by shared experiences and destinations.
The perfect marriage of sea and stage
This exclusive production marks another milestone for Queen Elizabeth, which continues to set herself apart in Cunard’s fleet through innovative programming. The ship’s Royal Court Theatre provides an intimate setting that may actually enhance the musical’s emotional impact, creating a more personal connection between performers and audience than larger land-based venues allow.
For passengers seeking more than typical cruise entertainment, this represents something genuinely special – a chance to experience a celebrated musical while enjoying the unparalleled luxury and service that has made Cunard a byword for sophisticated ocean travel for nearly two centuries.
Come from Away will be performed twice during each Caribbean voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth. For more information visit cunard.com.
About the Author: Staff Writer
