Cunard is setting the tempo for music collaborations in 2025, with globally renowned jazz artists Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum headlining exclusive performances on board Queen Victoria next year.
As the countdown to the New Year begins, the luxury cruise line can reveal that acclaimed musician and Hootenanny host Jools Holland OBE will feature on Queen Victoria’s eight-night Spain and Italy voyage from Southampton on the 4th of May to Civitavecchia on the 12th of May.
Jools Holland, celebrated host of Later with Jools Holland and former Squeeze pianist, will perform two shows in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre. Guests can expect an extraordinary repertoire from his acclaimed career, including many iconic hits.
The May sailing will be a great adventure for foodies as well as music lovers, with port calls to Cadiz (including tours to Seville), Malaga (including tours to Granada), and the enchanting island of Majorca, where Rioja and tasty tapas await.
Britain’s best-selling jazz artist and BBC Radio 2 presenter, Jamie Cullum, will join the 2,000-guest Queen as part of her 13-night roundtrip Atlantic Islands voyage, which departs Southampton on the 21st of April. The MOBO award-winner will captivate audiences with his best-known hits - including songs from his breakthrough album, Twentysomething.
The April-May sailing features port calls to Madeira, Tenerife, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and the charming coastal city of Cadiz (including tours to Seville).
Cunard has an incredible track record of collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, with legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli headlining Queen Anne’s naming ceremony in Liverpool in June.
Cunard President Katie McAlister said: “At Cunard, we take pride in curating unique and unforgettable experiences for our guests, and we can’t wait to welcome the extraordinary Jools Holland OBE and Jamie Cullum aboard Queen Victoria in 2025. Their incredible talent, showcased in the elegant surroundings of the Royal Court Theatre, will make these sailings truly unforgettable.”
Jools Holland OBE commented: “I am incredibly excited about performing on Queen Victoria next year, especially as we’ll be sailing around such a beautiful part of the world. Playing on a luxury cruise ship is a new experience for me and one that I’m sure will be a lot of fun. I want my shows to be uplifting events, and I hope guests onboard leave the theatre with a renewed love of jazz music.”
Jamie Cullum added: “I’m very much looking forward to performing for guests onboard Queen Victoria in the spring. It’s been many years since I performed on a cruise ship - it’s a time that holds many great memories. There’s something unique about the whole experience, playing music whilst at sea. My band and I promise everyone a fantastic night.”
