Ahoy there, music lovers and sea farers! Imagine this scene; you’re gently rocking on the open ocean, the salty air kissing your cheeks, and the rhythmic lapping of waves against the hull is your personal soundtrack. Now, what if you can take this idyllic scene and pair it with some of the most iconic tunes ever recorded? Sounds like a dream – an oceanic, musical dream. This spectacle, however, isn’t just a dream, it is about to become a splendid reality.
What happens when an esteemed cruise line partners up with an equally esteemed recording studio? The answer, may very well be, pure magic. For those of you who find your soul stirred by both the vast expanse of the sea and the intricate melodies of music, this partnership might just be the symphony you’ve been waiting for. And even if you’re just a curious wanderer, intrigued by anything fun and exciting, this partnership is also for you.
The luxury cruise line, Cunard, has joined forces with none other than the legendary Abbey Road Studios. Yes, that Abbey Road – the very hallowed halls where musical history has been etched into countless records. Together, they’ve meticulously crafted a series of curated playlists, brimming with iconic recordings, each one specially handpicked by the discerning ears of the Abbey Road team.
This harmonious collaboration is set to debut in Autumn on the Queen Elizabeth cruise ship, promising to transform anyone’s sea days into an auditory adventure. It will be hosted inside the elegant Commodore Club; a 60-minute “Listening Lounge” experience. Here, through the immersive qualities of Hi-Res / ANC Bowers & Wilkins headphones, listeners will be whisked away on a themed journey, a sonic tapestry woven with threads of musical genius.
The playlists themselves showcase the world’s most celebrated artists from Abbey Road’s rich recording heritage. This includes Ed Sheeran (who, fun fact, recorded part of his ‘÷’ album on Queen Mary 2!), Fela Kuti, Gregory Porter, Ezra Collective, and Little Simz. And of course, no Abbey Road compilation would be complete without The Beatles. It’s a rather delightful symmetry, actually: the band’s iconic Abbey Road album, whose cover has been tastefully recreated by four Cunard bellhops, was released in 1969 – the very same year as QE2’s maiden Transatlantic Crossing to the USA. It’s almost as if the universe conspired to bring these two legends together.
But the musical feast doesn’t end there. The playlists will also offer some of the world’s most famous film scores, showcasing Abbey Road’s recently refurbished Studio One, a sanctuary of cinematic sound for more than 45 years. Listen to recordings from the likes of Raiders of The Lost Ark, The Return of The Jedi, The Last Emperor, The Lord of The Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Harry Potter, Skyfall, The Shape of Water, and Gravity. And more recently, you can expect to be transported by the epic sounds of the Black Panther films, 1917, Tár, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Wonka, Barbie, Deadpool & Wolverine, Gladiator II, and Wicked. Imagine hearing these cinematic masterpieces as the ocean stretches endlessly before you, a dramatic backdrop to an already breathtaking soundscape.
Guests will have the chance to experience these bespoke Listening Lounges on select sea days, kicking off during Queen Elizabeth’s maiden Caribbean season from Miami in October. And because no perfect pairing is complete without a little something extra, a curated menu of paired Cunard cocktails will be on offer, designed to complement both the music and the stunning scenery. So, whether you’re swaying to a timeless classic or being swept away by a thrilling film score, a perfectly crafted drink will be there to enhance the moment. Get ready to embark on a journey where the gentle sway of the ship, the endless horizon, and the timeless beauty of music converge into an unforgettable experience.
For more information on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth voyages, click here.
