Cunard Line to debut 9/11 musical Come from Away aboard Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line has announced that the award-winning musical Come from Away will be performed at sea for the first time in an exclusive collaboration with Music Theatre International. 

The production will premiere aboard Queen Elizabeth during her maiden Caribbean voyage on October 16th, 2025, coinciding with the show’s 10th anniversary.

Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come from Away tells the true story of 6,579 air passengers diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks. 

The hospitality shown to stranded travellers by residents became a symbol of compassion during a moment of global crisis. The musical has since been staged to critical acclaim on Broadway, in London’s West End, and internationally, earning both Tony and Olivier Awards.

The decision to adapt the production for sea represents a continuation of Cunard’s strategy of aligning its onboard entertainment with leading theatrical works. 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said the show was a natural fit for the company’s programming. 

“It’s a show that resonates deeply with audiences, celebrating compassion and connection – values that we share at Cunard,” she said. 

McAlister added that Cunard’s forthcoming 2026 Entertainment Residencies will expand on this approach, offering further access to established live performances at sea.

John Brant, producer of Come from Away, emphasised the enduring relevance of the story. “Even after ten years, it’s still incredible to see the impact this show has on people,” he said. “This partnership with Cunard is a meaningful opportunity to bring our story to new corners of the world, and we can’t wait for passengers to experience it.”

The adaptation has been tailored for Queen Elizabeth’s Royal Court Theatre, with performances scheduled twice per voyage in matinee and evening slots. 

The 100-minute production will feature an ensemble of 12 cast members and aims to retain the core elements of the original stage version while meeting the requirements of a theatre at sea.

The introduction of Come from Away highlights the growing emphasis on exclusive cultural programming as cruise operators seek to expand their entertainment portfolios, and reflects the increasing role of partnerships with Broadway and West End producers in shaping onboard experiences.