Cunard’s Queen Anne Sails on her Maiden Voyage

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Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, commenced her seven-night inaugural voyage to Lisbon amidst spectacular fireworks display on Friday, 3 May 2024.

The incredible departure set the scene for what promises to be a memorable maiden voyage, with guests on board taking their moment in history. The Ship, the 249th to sail under the Cunard flag, departed just after 9pm local (UK) time with thousands of spectators lining the shores of Southampton water.

The 3,000 guest, 113,00-ton Queen Anne, will host various festivities during the journey, including a special Maiden Gala Evening and performances by tenor Russel Watson. According to Katie McAlister, President of Cunard: “Queen Anne’s maiden voyage signals the dawning of a new era in luxury ocean travel, and her historic sail away from Southampton was a very special moment for everyone connected with Cunard.”
Cunard’s latest edition to their fleet marks the completion of a perfect quartet, alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. As McAlister stated: “Here in the UK and across the globe, Cunard is famous for our beautiful iconic Queens. With Queen Anne joining our fleet, she marks not just a new icon but the completion of a perfect quartet.”

Cunard took ownership of their stunning 3,000-guest ship during a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice on Friday 19 April 2024. Crowds joined together at the shipyard to wave an emotional goodbye to Queen Anne after five years of skilled construction in Italy. She arrived in her homeport of Southampton on 30 April. During the sail home, Captain Inger Thorhauge and her crew excitedly prepared for the ship’s very first guests to join the newest Queen.

Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries and taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting cities. Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne boasts the widest selection of dining venues, bar, entertainment, and wellness so far seen on a Cunard ship and we are all so proud of the experience and incredible service that our guests will enjoy on board.”
“Whether it’s pickleball, archery, or world class shows and lectures, Cunard is committed to providing guests with a wealth of activities to choose from whatever mood or interest may take them. Our onboard entertainment has always been at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to Queen Anne continuing this trend in the future.”

Connect with the great outdoors like never before.

The luxury cruise line has celebrated deck games for more than a century, and now Cunard can announce an exclusive partnership with PickleballENGLAND, the English governing body of one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and North America*. Pickleball is a mixture of tennis, badminton and table tennis and can be played by singles or in pairs, either indoors or outside, and Queen Anne’s top deck will boast its very own state-of-the-art Pickleball court.
Queen Anne will also be the only ship in the world where travellers can master their archery skills with a real bow and arrow, as Cunard elevates its deck game offering with a new Archery GB partnership. The partnership connects Cunard with world leading athletes and Olympic coaches, with on board instructors accredited by Archery GB. Queen Anne will be an official Archery GB activity centre, where guests will be able to learn the basics with in-person coaching, compete with fellow travellers and enjoy a social introduction to the sport.

Sky Bar and Observation Deck.

Guests will find Queen Anne’s spectacular Sky Bar and Observation Deck a haven for deck game enthusiasts.
Located at the forward of the ship on deck 14, this day-round venue is a wonderfully multi-purpose destination, complete with some of the most uninhibited views of any outside space on board.
Golfers will enjoy the putting green and fully stocked driving range, allowing travellers to practice their game surrounded by sparkling sea views or overlooking stunning port landscapes.
The ever-popular deck quoits and shuffleboard courts will also be based in the Observation Deck and Sky Bar, offering travellers the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy some friendly competition.
Her Accommodation Reflects Pure Elegance
Queen Anne offers six accommodation levels meticulously crafted to cater to every taste and desire: Britannia Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Club Balcony, as well as Princess and the Queens Grill Suites.
Luxury Accommodation

Gastronomic Journeys.

Queen Anne will take you on a Gastronomic Journey Beyond Compare. From elegant multi-course meals to tasty pub fare, with 15 dining venues on Queen Anne, there’s more choice than ever.
Enjoy diverse new dining options, as well as Cunard’s renowned signature restaurants, including the Britannia Restaurant and Grills Restaurants, with their ever-changing menus. There are healthy options at The Pavilion Wellness Café, and an endless range of dishes at the Artisan’s Food Hall. Not forgetting round-the-clock room service, and the pub lunches at the Golden Lion.

Dining onboard Queen Anne.

Savour the flavours of Japan at Aji Wa.
Be inspired by India’s vibrant spices at Aranya.
Relax and enjoy classic British pub fare at the Golden Lion.
Experience Mediterranean magic at Tramonto.
Queen Anne is Not Just a Ship; It’s a Destination.
There is something for everyone; from the moment you step into the grand lobby to bathing in natural light from the Pavilion’s glass dome roof, a world of indulgence awaits. Sip cocktails whilst enjoying the panoramic views of the surrounding ocean. Dive into the refreshing pool, or escape to the top-deck wellness studio for ultimate relaxation. Catch a captivating performance at the Royal Theatre, try your luck at the casino, lose yourself in a novel from the library, or enjoy the sea’s most comprehensive fitness, beauty, and spa facilities.
Queen Anne’s official naming voyage is on 24 May with an historic ceremony in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool. During her first year in service, Queen Anne will make dozens of maiden calls to ports and countries around the world. Join her for a variety of ‘firsts’, such as her first voyage to the Norwegian fjords, her first call in New York, her first Christmas cruises, or her first visit to South Africa!

Queen Anne Grand Lobby & Staircase.

Be Among the First to Experience Queen Anne
Queen Anne will be visiting South Africa for the first time in 2025! Be among the first to embark on her first voyage from Cape Town harbour, her maiden World Cruise, or her maiden voyage to Cape Town.

In response to the current situation in the Red Sea and surrounding regions, and after thorough discussions with international security specialists and government bodies, Cunard has opted to alter Queen Anne’s 2025 Round World Voyage itinerary. This decision brings positive news for South African passengers, as Queen Anne will now include visits to both Durban and Cape Town on her inaugural World Voyage. The ship is scheduled to be in Cape Town on the 10th and 11th of April 2025 before making her return journey to Southampton.
Cruise from Cape Town to Southampton
11 – 27 April 2025 (16 nts): From R29,279 pps
Cruise from Hong Kong to Cape Town
19 March – 11 April 2025 (23 nts): From R59,439 pps
Cruise from Singapore to Cape Town
25 March – 11 April 2025 (17 nts): From R45,350 pps
Maiden World Cruise
09 January – 27 April 2025 (107 nts): From R298,488 pps
Contact Whitestar Cruise and Travel to reserve your cabin to experience the luxurious Queen Anne at Sea!
+27 11 463 3293 | +27 21 100 3300 | Info@whitestar.co.za | www.whitestar.co.za

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