Queen Mary 2 Alters Itinerary Due to Propulsion Issue – 11 November 2025

On 7 November 2025, Cunard Line's flagship RMS Queen Mary 2 departed Southampton on a scheduled 12-day Norway and Northern Lights voyage with one of its four Mermaid propulsion pods not functioning as intended. The vessel continues to operate safely under reduced speed and maneuverability parameters, with the itinerary modified to maintain schedule integrity and passenger experience.

Cunard confirmed that the ship remains fully capable of safe navigation and all onboard systems are performing normally outside of the propulsion limitation. Engineering teams are conducting ongoing maintenance and assessments, with further inspections planned upon the vessel's return to Southampton on November 19.

One of the ship's four Rolls-Royce Mermaid propulsion nacelles is not functioning as intended. These nacelles house the electric motor and propeller assembly; the affected pod is one of four units designed to provide thrust and steering for the 151,400-GT ocean liner. The malfunction was discovered shortly before departure and prompted a brief inspection delay at Southampton. Engineering teams remain onboard conducting maintenance while the vessel operates under modified conditions to preserve schedule integrity.

Itinerary changes

• Hamburg call on November 17 replaced with Bremerhaven to facilitate passenger exchanges
• Shuttle transport arranged between Hamburg and Bremerhaven for disembarking and embarking guests
• Northern leg of itinerary (Trondheim, Tromsø, Ålesund) remains intact
• Alternative excursion program organized for Bremerhaven

Safety status

• Vessel fully capable of safe navigation under reduced speed and maneuverability parameters
• All shipboard systems performing normally outside of propulsion limitation
• Redundant system design contains the propulsion issue

Passengers

• Onboard for 12-day Norway and Northern Lights voyage; informed of itinerary changes and receiving updated documentation and excursion options.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• Not applicable; vessel remains fully operational and safe.

The RMS Queen Mary 2 continues its voyage under modified operational conditions. Engineering assessments and maintenance actions are ongoing throughout the voyage. Further inspections will be conducted upon the vessel's return to Southampton on 19 November 2025. Cunard has emphasized that passenger safety and comfort remain top priorities, and itinerary continuity and onboard experiences remain unaffected by the propulsion limitation.