In a grand celebration of craftsmanship and tradition, the Queen Anne, Cunard’s latest masterpiece, embarked on its inaugural journey to Southampton, marking a new chapter in luxury cruising. After a poignant send-off at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, the majestic liner is set to redefine opulent travel with its maiden voyage to Lisbon.

The Queen Anne, a spectacular vessel capable of hosting 3,000 guests, joined Cunard’s illustrious fleet after a traditional handover ceremony attended by enthusiastic crowds. This momentous occasion was not just a transfer of ownership but a celebration of five years of meticulous Italian craftsmanship and engineering excellence. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, encapsulated the sentiment at the event, stating, “We are immensely proud of Queen Anne. She reflects our distinctive style and our rich heritage with her elegantly reimagined spaces.”

As the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard banner, Queen Anne is a testament to the enduring allure of luxury cruising. Her journey to Southampton was not merely a passage through waters but a showcase of preparation and anticipation for the adventures. Captain Inger Thorhauge and her crew prepared the vessel, ensuring every detail was perfect for the first guests.

Before its historic maiden voyage, Queen Anne opened its decks to guests for an exclusive preview. This VIP experience offered a glimpse into the luxurious offerings and innovative concepts that await travellers. Among the highlights was a series of expert panels featuring essential dining, design, and wellness partners who shared insights into bringing the ship’s headline concepts to life.

Michel Roux, the two-Michelin-starred chef, held an intimate Q&A in the Queens Room. Roux has curated a special gala menu for the Queens Grill restaurant and revamped the menu for the ship’s pub, the Golden Lion. His involvement doesn’t end here; he also announced his upcoming residencies at Sir Samuels aboard the Queen Anne, promising an unparalleled culinary journey for guests.

The design narrative of Queen Anne was further unveiled through ‘meet the designers’ sessions. Creative leads from globally renowned studios such as David Collins Studio and Richmond International discussed their roles in sculpting the ship’s aesthetic elements, setting new standards in nautical luxury.

Katy Young, UK beauty director of Harper’s Bazaar, led an enriching session on Queen Anne’s “Wellness at Sea” initiative. This program features a trio of spa packages designed to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, aligning perfectly with the modern traveller’s pursuit of wellness and luxury.

The evening before setting sail, a reception in The Pavilion saw Captain Thorhauge and Katie McAlister welcoming guests aboard with celebratory toasts. McAlister shared her excitement: “It was a privilege to showcase our new concepts to our VIP guests. Queen Anne boasts the widest selection of dining, bars, entertainment, and wellness options ever seen on a Cunard ship. We are all so proud of the incredible service and experience our guests will enjoy.”

Queen Anne’s maiden season promises an enchanting itinerary. From the Mediterranean’s azure waters to the mystical landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords, the ship will visit over 60 unique destinations across 16 countries, making stops at some of Europe’s most ancient and picturesque cities.

Her arrival in Southampton was not just a mere docking but a significant event eagerly anticipated by the global cruising community. This journey from the shipyard to the maiden voyage encapsulates a narrative of luxury, innovation, and tradition that propels Cunard as a leader in luxury sea travel.

As Queen Anne sails the seas, her voyages are more than journeys; they celebrate luxury, heritage, and innovation. With every port visited, Queen Anne is not just carving out routes on maps but also creating deep impressions in the hearts of those who choose to embark on this magnificent vessel. As she continues to sail under the prestigious Cunard flag, Queen Anne is poised to become a legend in her own right, synonymous with the pinnacle of cruising excellence.

In this new era of travel, Queen Anne invites you to explore the world in unparalleled style and comfort, proving once again that luxury is found in the destination and the journey itself.

Written by: Michelle Warner

==================================