“Come from Away” to Make First-Ever At-Sea Debut on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth
Cunard will stage the award-winning musical Come from Away at sea for the first time, premiering on Queen Elizabeth during her maiden Caribbean season. The production will open October 16, 2025, with two performances scheduled on each sailing in the ship’s Royal Court Theatre.
Specially adapted for the stage at sea, the show will feature a 12-person cast and a one-hour, 40-minute run time.
The Musical
Come from Away, written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, is a Tony and Olivier Award-winning production that tells the true story of 6,579 airline passengers diverted to Gander, Newfoundland, when U.S. airspace was closed on September 11, 2001. With flights grounded for several days, Gander’s residents offered shelter, meals, and comfort, transforming a moment of fear into an extraordinary act of community.
The show uses an ensemble of actors to portray both townspeople and travelers, shifting quickly between roles to show the bonds formed during those five days. Since its Broadway debut in 2017, Come from Away has played to sold-out audiences worldwide and earned critical acclaim for its themes of kindness and resilience.
Gander’s Legacy
The story reflects one of the most remarkable civilian responses to 9/11. Gander, a town of about 10,000 residents, suddenly welcomed passengers and crew from 38 planes. Schools, halls, and private homes became makeshift shelters, while local businesses donated supplies. Their generosity received international recognition and continues to draw visitors to Newfoundland today.
Impact on Cruising
The September 11 attacks also reshaped the cruise industry. Bookings plunged in the months that followed, as many travelers avoided flying and leisure travel. Major operators saw stock prices drop, itineraries disrupted, and revenue decline. To recover, cruise lines lowered fares and promoted cruising as a safe, self-contained way to vacation.
In the years that followed, security rules were tightened across the maritime sector, including enhanced passenger screening and stricter port access. These changes permanently altered operations at sea while helping to restore traveler confidence and rebuild demand.
