Simon Armitage
English poet, playwright, musician and novelist. He was appointed Poet Laureate on 10 May 2019. He is professor of poetry at the University of Leeds.
December 8 - 15, 2025, Queen Mary 2
Enjoy a daily dose of news from Times journalists. Lose yourself in thought-provoking conversations at Q&A sessions. Meet your favorite writers at intimate book signings. Listen as literary greats dissect everything from art and film to history and politics. You could fill every day on board with all kinds of literature-based activities and experiences.
And that’s on top of exploring the range of signature Cunard experiences you can already look forward to when you vacation with us. Spend your week at sea embracing a world of intellect and indulgence, thanks to round-the-clock room service, relaxing spa treatments, and a cocktail menu that begs to be explored.
And that’s on top of exploring the range of signature Cunard experiences you can already look forward to when you vacation with us. Spend your week at sea embracing a world of intellect and indulgence, thanks to round-the-clock room service, relaxing spa treatments, and a cocktail menu that begs to be explored.
Voyage highlights
Author book signings
Feeling inspired by one of our speakers? Take their words home with you. Browse for their books at the shops on board and get them signed by the authors throughout the week.
The Times and Sunday Times
You'll find yourself mingling with and listening to some incredible Times journalists. Why not join some of them, along with authors, to delve into the day's headlines and the news stories behind them?
Feeling inspired by one of our speakers? Take their words home with you. Browse for their books at the shops on board and get them signed by the authors throughout the week.
The Times and Sunday Times
You'll find yourself mingling with and listening to some incredible 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 time before writing, find out what brought them to this path, their road to getting published, and what they're working on now.
Workshops and more
Fanatical wordsmiths and aspiring writers will be delighted to find multiple workshops*, designed to get you up close and personal with authors and help you hone your craft.
*The workshops are bookable on board with a small additional charge.
Chaired by one of our speakers, these sessions take a deep dive into an author's life and career. Learn all about their time before writing, find out what brought them to this path, their road to getting published, and what they're working on now.
Workshops and more
Fanatical wordsmiths and aspiring writers will be delighted to find multiple workshops*, designed to get you up close and personal with authors and help you hone your craft.
*The workshops are bookable on board with a small additional charge.
In partnership with Cheltenham Literature Festival
Cunard has been in partnership with The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival since 2018, developing the Literature Festival at Sea on board Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic Crossing.
On land, we are delighted to support a series of special Author events at the world’s oldest literary festival that takes place in October every year, alongside the VIP Lounge in partnership with Cunard.
On land, we are delighted to support a series of special Author events at the world’s oldest literary festival that takes place in October every year, alongside the VIP Lounge in partnership with Cunard.
Special guests on board
Richard Coles
Writer, broadcaster and an Anglican priest, who co-presented Saturday Live on BBC Radio 4 for 11 years and appears, from time to time, on QI, Have I Got News For You, and Would I Lie To You? He writes regularly for the Sunday Times, and is the author of half a dozen books.
Andrew O'Hagan
Editor-at-large of the London Review of Books and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Andrew has been nominated for the Booker Prize three times, was voted one of Granta’s Best of Young British Novelists in 2003 and won the E. M. Forster Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Rebecca Jones
Rebecca Jones is a journalist who worked for the BBC for nearly 30 years, as the Arts Correspondent and News Presenter. She regularly hosts events at literary festivals and organisations including the Royal Opera House and Old Vic. She has judged arts awards, served on the board of the Birmingham Royal Ballet and is a former trustee of the Henry Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
Jasper Fforde
Jasper Fforde, bestselling author since The Eyre Affair (2001), blends comedy, sci-fi, and satire in his eclectic novels. His 18th, Dark Reading Matter, releases in 2025. Known for unique takes on genres, his works explore reading, society, and race. Fforde, born in England, now considers himself Welsh.
More special guests on board
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Event Voyages
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