Photo: Credit Cunard
During a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Cunard, the luxury cruise line has officially taken ownership of the Queen Anne, a magnificent 3,000-guest ship. The event, graced by Italian dignitaries and key figures from the maritime industry, marked a significant milestone in Cunard’s storied history.
The Queen Anne, the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and the third constructed by Fincantieri, is now en route to Southampton. She is poised to embark on her seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3, promising unparalleled experiences to her guests.
The 114,000-ton vessel spans 14 decks and has a design ethos rooted in heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation. It is set to offer more entertainment, dining, and bar options than any other ship in the Cunard fleet. Among the announced partnerships for Queen Anne are Le Gavroche at Sea residencies with two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, wellness packages curated by Harper’s Bazaar UK’s beauty experts, and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion.
The ship also boasts the most extensive selection of fitness, beauty, thermal, and spa facilities seen on a Cunard ship to date, with the Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition signalling a new era of well-being at Sea.
“We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard. “This marks the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.”
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, expressed pride in delivering Queen Anne to Cunard. This highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two companies and their shared commitment to excellence and tradition in the maritime industry.
The Queen Anne’s arrival heralds a new chapter for Cunard. The cruise line continues to set new standards in luxury sea travel, blending tradition with innovation and reaffirming its position as a leader in the cruise shipbuilding sector. With her maiden voyage and a historic British Isles Festival Voyage on the horizon, including a Naming Ceremony in Liverpool, Queen Anne is set to captivate travellers with her elegance and modern luxuries.
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