Queen Anne joins Cunard’s luxury fleet with celebratory handover in Italy

Cunard, the esteemed British cruise line, has officially welcomed Queen Anne into its iconic fleet during a ceremonial handover in Venice, Italy. The luxury liner was received by Cunard from the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard, where the ship was constructed by master shipbuilders. This marks a significant addition to Cunard’s lineup, enhancing its prestigious collection of cruise ships.

The event, held on April 19, was attended by notable figures including the Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, and Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, Luca Ciriani. Key representatives from Cunard and Fincantieri, such as Katie McAlister, President of Cunard; Paul Ludlow, President of Carnival UK; and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, also graced the occasion, signifying the importance of this new vessel to the luxury cruise market.

Queen Anne, being the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and the third constructed by Fincantieri for Cunard, is now en route to Southampton. She is scheduled to embark on her maiden seven-night voyage to Lisbon on May 3. This addition will see Cunard operating four ships simultaneously for the first time since 1999, an event highlighted by Katie McAlister as a significant milestone for the company.

The design of Queen Anne emphasizes heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation. Spanning 14 decks and weighing 114,000 tons, the ship offers an array of entertainment, dining, and bar options, more than any of its predecessors. Noteworthy partnerships have been announced, including culinary residencies with two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux at Le Gavroche at Sea, wellness packages curated by Harper’s Bazaar UK’s beauty experts, and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion.

The ship boasts an extensive range of fitness, beauty, thermal, and spa facilities, featuring the newly reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty, heralding a new era of well-being at sea. These features aim to enhance the onboard experience for passengers, providing an unparalleled level of luxury and relaxation.

Following her maiden voyage, Queen Anne will undertake a historic British Isles Festival Voyage, which will include a significant Naming Ceremony in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home, on June 3. This event will not only celebrate the new ship but also honor Cunard’s long-standing tradition of maritime excellence.

Pierroberto Folgiero of Fincantieri expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with Cunard, emphasizing the blend of tradition and innovation that Fincantieri brings to its shipbuilding, reinforcing its position as a leader in the cruise ship sector.

This launch not only enhances Cunard’s capacity to offer luxurious voyages but also reaffirms its commitment to setting high standards in the cruising world, promising exciting and innovative journeys for its passengers.