CELEBRATING ‘QUEEN ANNE’, CUNARD’S 249th SHIP, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
The Cunard Line’s former New York Headquarters served as the setting for a stunning preview of the latest of its Queens.
Cunard Line, one of the world’s most renowned cruise lines, has a rich history in New York City. Founded by a Canadian, Sir Samuel Cunard, the company has an unparalleled role in transatlantic travel connecting Europe and North America. Cunard’s Atlantic Ocean service began in 1840 when RMS Britannia sailed from Liverpool to Halifax and later to Boston. Soon after, New York City became a prominent destination. Cunard sent its most advanced steamship, RMS Arcadia to New York in 1850. 70 Years later, Cunard built a spectacular monument to itself at 25 Broadway, now Cipriani 25 Broadway. And it was here that Cunard introduced its newest Queen, named for Anne, the British monarch most renowned for being a royal patron of the arts and innovation. A perfect match for the ship that Cunard says will be the finest ship of its era.
Cunard’s New York Celebration took place in the elaborately decorated Great Hall
Soaring to a height of 65 feet, the 185-foot long Great Hall was a fitting background for the night’s grand introductions. Headlining the event was acclaimed actor/entertainer Alan Cumming. His cabaret-style performance was the perfect introduction to an entirely new entertainment concept debuting on Queen Anne: Bright Lights Society. With all due respect to its past, the name, Bright Lights Society, is a salute to Cunard’s legacy—the pioneering use of electric lights on their first ocean liner. Beyond the bountiful buffet tables and bars serving plenty of bubbly and Queen Anne’s eponymous Gin was a breathtaking contemporary art exhibit. Queen Anne will boast a 4300-piece collection—far larger than any other cruise ship afloat. Featuring works by both emerging artists and established talents, Cunard’s New York Guests were treated to works by photographer Michael James O’Brien, Canadian artist Eric Louie, Brooklyn textile artist Shradhar and London-based artist Tommy Camerno.
Queen Anne will feature 14 decks, 15 dining venues and accommodate up to 3000 guests served by 1,225 crew members.
Yes, Queen Anne will be the largest ship of the fleet of Cunard’s Queens—flagship Queen Mary 2 and the two almost identical Queens, Elizabeth and Victoria. As one of my fellow journalists reminded me, when Queen Mary2 was introduced 20 years ago, we gasped at her size. This writer’s first ship voyage was when I was 6 years old and sailed to England aboard the first Queen Mary. To a very small boy, she appeared gigantic. Yet it’s hard to believe my first Queen was smaller than Queen Anne will be. But then, the first Queen Mary didn’t boast a three-story Grand Lobby. Or an 835 seat Royal Court Theater. And there was nothing compared to Queen Anne’s Spa which will offer the widest selection of fitness, beauty and spa facilities on any Cunard vessel ever before.
Queen Anne will up the number of Britannia Club Balcony staterooms by 200%.
In addition to Britannia Inside, Britannia Oceanview, Britannia Balcony, the extremely popular Britannia Club Balcony staterooms will meet the demand for these privileged accommodations. Guests staying in Brittania Club dine at their own dedicated table in the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant. Right in the heart of the ship and right next to the Grand Lobby, breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed by Brittania Club guests whatever time they choose. Not to be outdone, the ultimate Cunard experience belongs to passengers of the Princess and Queen’s Grill suites serviced by Butlers. These plush accommodations boast their own lounge and restaurants and even a private Grill’s Terrace.
Still 6 months to go before Queen Anne takes to the seas.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, introduced Queen Anne to the assembled press, VIP guests. Ms. McAlister noted another first for Cunard. The Captain of the ship will be a woman. Inger Klein Thorhauge has been guiding the progress of the ship since her appointment in March 2022. Captain Thorhauge celebrates 25 years with Cunard this year. She began her career in 1997 as Second Officer aboard Cunard’s Vistafjord. In May of next year, she will sail Queen Anne on her inaugural season sailing through Europe with itineraries featuring the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords and the Mediterranean. All in preparation for Queen Anne’s 111-day World Cruise departing January 7, 2025.
For more information on Cunard and Queen Anne, go to:
Cunard Line Cruises Queen Anne Queen Elizabeth Queen Mary 2 Queen Victoria
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Excellent article! The ship sounds like it will be great!
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Explore the History of Cunard
Cunard Line’s heritage dates back to 1839 when Sir Samuel Cunard attained the first British Government contract to supply a regular mail service across the North Atlantic Ocean. Since that date, Cunard has operated hundreds of ocean liners and cruise ships.
Cunard’s heritage is built on safety, speed and luxury. During the early days of the 20th Century the line’s ocean-greyhounds, Lusitania and Mauretania , were the fastest ocean liners in the world. Their modern turbine engines allowed them to achieve over 24 knots, an impressive feat of engineering.
Cunard’s Golden Age occurred after World War II, when their Ocean Liners, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were the epitome of luxury ocean travel. With speeds of over 30 knots, these two Cunard Queens were the largest ocean liners in the world. In fact, Queen Elizabeth, at 83,673 gross registered tons, held this record until eclipsed in 1996 by the Carnival Destiny.
In the late 1950s, Cunard faced its most fierce competitor yet: the jet aircraft. With the introduction of the Boeing 707 on the transatlantic route, Cunard’s fleet quickly became obsolete. This saw the great decline of ocean liners, with ships such as Caronia , Media , Britannic as well as the famous Queens disappearing from the North Atlantic.
But in the midst of this transport revolution, Cunard gambled their future on a new ship. This liner, built at the same yard as her predecessors (John Brown & Co., Clydebank), was named Queen Elizabeth 2 . She maintained Cunard’s presence on the transatlantic service before retiring in 2008, passing the baton to Queen Mary 2.
In these pages you can explore the history of select Cunard and Cunard White-Star ships. These ships are a collection of vessels that have made a significant contribution to the Cunard story. Cunard has operated 249 ships, so this fleet list is always growing, so please come back regularly to find new additions.
Image courtesy: Henderson & Cremer Collection.
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Cunard to name new cruise ship Queen Anne; debut set for 2024
Cunard Line's 249th ship -- its first in more than a decade -- will be named Queen Anne, the line revealed during a brief broadcast on YouTube Tuesday.
"The name 'Queen Anne' celebrates Cunard 's rich heritage, royal history and refined status -- joining a luxury contemporary fleet now honoring the names of each Queen Regnant over the last millennium," the line said in a statement.
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"It is so exciting that the fourth ship of the fleet will be named after Queen Anne ," said Kate Williams, a British historian, author and television presenter who assisted the line with the decision. "[Queen Anne] has a fascinating tale to tell -- one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts. She was an inspiring woman, wildly popular with her people. She should be celebrated."
The 113,000-ton vessel, which is currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, is the line's first new ship since Cunard introduced Queen Elizabeth in 2010. Set to carry 3,000 passengers, Queen Anne will not only be the newest in the fleet; it will also become the largest when it debuts.
Although it offered no specifics, the line said the new ship will be a mix of "tradition and contemporary luxury," including reimagined signature spaces, as well as some new dining, entertainment and cultural options -- all presented with Cunard's White Star Service. The ship will feature an updated livery, as well.
"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Queen Anne, the fourth ship to Cunard's fleet," said Sture Myrmell, president of Carnival U.K., which operates Cunard Line. "This marks a very special moment in Cunard's 182-year history and showcases Cunard's exciting global plans for the future."
The vessel, which was originally slated to launch this year, will instead debut in early 2024, following COVID-19-related shipyard delays. Voyages will go on sale in May 2022; itinerary details have not been released.
Cunard has also not yet named a godmother, but in keeping with the tradition, it will likely be a member of The Royal Family. Of the line's three other current vessels, two -- Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth -- were christened by HRM Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Victoria's godmother is HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
HRM Queen Mary (wife of HRM King George V) and Queen Elizabeth II, respectively, served as godmothers to iconic ships Queen Mary, which is docked as a floating hotel in Long Beach (and recently received $5 million from the port for critical repairs to save the structure), and Queen Elizabeth 2, now a floating hotel and nightclub in Dubai .
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A Retro Look At Cruises Through The Decades
Posted: November 29, 2023 | Last updated: November 29, 2023
Sailing through time
1830s: the very beginnings
1840s: the first pleasure cruises
1840s: a landmark in cruise-line history
1850–60s: early developments
Passenger cruising continued to develop through the mid-19th century, with luxuries like on-board lounges and simple entertainment emerging. Shown here, in 1856, is Cunard's RMS Persia, one of the largest ships of her time and an early Blue Riband winner (an award given for high-speed Atlantic crossings).
1870s: the New World
1880s: lighting up the ocean
1890s: “floating palaces”
1900s: entering cruising’s golden age
At the turn of the century, there was still a frisson around cruising and large, buzzy crowds would often gather to see off the ships. This nostalgic photograph was snapped between 1900 and 1915, and shows large steam boats leaving from the White Star Line dock in Detroit, Michigan. Well-dressed passengers fill the ships' upper and lower decks too.
1900s: the first purpose-built cruise ship
1910s: onboard entertainment
1910s: the Titanic disaster
One of the most famous and devastating events in cruise history occurred in this decade. Dubbed "unsinkable" by the White Star Line's vice-president, the Titanic set out from Southampton on her maiden voyage on 10 April 1912 to much applause. But just four days later, she collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic: the compartments in her hull filled with water and she tragically sank. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 1,500 people.
1910s: First World War
1920s: cruising’s golden age continued
1920s: setting the bar high
1920s: a festive feast
1920s: the first round-the-world cruise
Another major milestone came in the 1920s: the very first round-the-world cruise. The Cunard Line's RMS Laconia (pictured here leaving Liverpool circa 1920) sailed around the globe in 1922, calling at 22 ports along the way, and taking 450 lucky passengers with her.
1930s: all games on deck
1930s: making a splash
1940s: post-war cruising
1950s: the post-war decades
Come the 1950s, cruise ships had another phenomenon to compete with: jet planes. Commercial air travel boomed in this decade, with comfier aircraft and improved routes enticing travelers into the skies. Many cruise liners underwent swish post-war refits in an attempt to stay afloat: this 1950s photo shows the opulent dining room of French liner SS Île de France after a dramatic post-war makeover.
1950s: going Down Under
1950s: the Blue Riband record breaker
Though formalized in the 1930s, the Blue Riband – the award for the passenger cruise liner with the fastest Atlantic-crossing time – has its roots right back in the 19th century. The record is still held by SS United States of United States Lines, which first sped across the Atlantic in 1952. She's pictured here on 9 July 1952, docking in Southampton.
1960s: the Jet Age
1970s: The Love Boat
As flying became more commonplace, the popularity of cruising looked set to dwindle. However, one particular TV series is often credited with keeping travelers' passion for cruising alive. The Love Boat – aired from the 1970s – was a comedy series that followed the crew and passengers of luxury liner SS Pacific Princess. Such was its popularity, some say it brought cruising back into the mainstream once more. This shot shows Cunard Line's Queen Elizabeth 2 in 1975.
1970s: cruising opens up to the masses
1980s: the cruise to nowhere
The 1980s is thought to be the decade that pioneered the "cruise to nowhere," where the ship really was the destination. The SS Norway (pictured) – a lavish mega ship with room for thousands of passengers and amenities like a casino – embarked on a no-docking cruise in this decade.
1990s: Disney takes to the water
2000s: making waves in the modern world
The 2000s saw larger-than-life, no-expense-spared, mega cruise ships sail onto the scene. This sunset snap shows Cunard Line's Queen Mary II as she completes her first trans-Atlantic voyage in January 2004. At this time, she was the largest and most expensive cruise ship ever constructed with room for 2,200-plus passengers, a theater and even a planetarium, setting the bar for the ships of posterity.
2010s: bigger, better and healthier
2020s: off to a rocky start
The 2020s got off to an eventful start. The COVID-19 pandemic halted almost all cruises, with some passengers and crew marooned onboard while testing and entry protocols were debated. In 2021 rife cancellations, last-minute border changes and variant outbreaks persisted. However, the years since have indicated a return to pre-pandemic popularity, with 300 cruise ships departing in April 2022 – pretty impressive compared to just 22 departing in April 2021. Cruise lines have incorporated more health and safety protocols, such as advising passengers to control their TV, light and temperature via an app instead of touchpoints.
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- Cunard unveils inaugural voyage for MS Queen Anne ship (British...
Cunard unveils inaugural voyage for MS Queen Anne ship (British Isles Festival/Great Britain circumnavigation)
Cunard has disclosed details of the inaugural event voyage on Queen Anne , featuring a distinctive British Isles Festival aligned with her maiden journey around the British Isles.
This unique sailing offers travelers an opportunity to be part of history as the newest chapter for Cunard embarks. Queen Anne is scheduled to depart from Southampton UK on May 24, 2024, for a maiden 14-night circumnavigation of Great Britain and Ireland, marking a truly historic and unprecedented British Isles voyage.
The roundtrip itinerary will showcase the finest coastal regions of Britain, including Cunard's spiritual home of Liverpool , the vibrant city of Belfast , the grandeur of Highland cliffs, and the stunning Scottish coast.
Onboard, guests can engage with preeminent performers through an exclusive program featuring dazzling British and Irish entertainment. Additionally, they can participate in 'In conversation with' Insights talks featuring expert guest speakers, celebrating the rich heritage and natural wonders of the British Isles.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, stated:
"Christmas has come early for travelers looking to celebrate the arrival of Queen Anne as we announce her British Isles Festival voyage, which will be a real celebration of our newest ship and showcase the very best of Great Britain and Ireland. Queen Anne's maiden voyage around these shores will be a truly historic sailing, and I know many of our loyal Cunarders will be eagerly awaiting what will be an iconic journey."
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Sir Samuel Cunard, 1st Bt. Cunard Line (/ ˈ k j uː n ɑː r d /) is a British shipping and cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Since 2011, Cunard and its three ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda.. In 1839, Samuel Cunard was awarded the first British transatlantic steamship mail contract ...
About Cunard. For over 180 years we have set the bar, and then raised it. Our rich history and unrivaled seafaring knowledge means that Cunard has grown into a truly iconic brand. A brand that constantly refines the definitive experience of ocean travel. From 2024 we sail as a fleet of four Queens: Queen Mary 2 , Queen Victoria , Queen ...
Cunard Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, was founded in 1840.Cunard is arguably one of the most venerable cruise line brands in the world, and the second oldest cruise line after P&O ...
Cunard Line is a British shipping and cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England, operated by Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation & plc. Since 2011, Cunard and its three ships have been registered in Hamilton, Bermuda.
Cunard Line is a shipping company that was founded in 1840 and runs cruise ships all over the world. Sir Samuel Cunard, founder of ... the company decided to build a new ocean liner that would make both cruises and Atlantic crossings like Queen Elizabeth 2, but would be bigger. This ship entered service in 2004 and is named RMS Queen Mary ...
From welcoming legends of the silver screen to transporting troops during WWII, Cunard's 180-year legacy is an incredible story of mechanical feats, heroic acts and historic world-firsts at sea. ... and a new fly-cruise package dubbed 'the ultimate package' with Concorde was launched. In 1982, Queen Elizabeth 2 travelled to the Falklands ...
It's been 13 years since Cunard Line last unveiled a new ship — an eternity in the cruise world. But after a sneak peek Thursday at the three-ship brand's soon-to-debut fourth vessel, Queen Anne, I can confidently say it was worth the wait. As a top executive at Cunard walked me through the still-very-much-under-construction, 3,000-passenger ...
In Sir Samuel Cunard, 1st Baronet …Company, generally known as the Cunard Line. Its first ship, the Unicorn, set out for America on May 15, 1840.The first mail steamer was the Britannia, which left Liverpool on July 4, 1840.Later Cunard ships included the famed Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Elizabeth II.He was…
Queen Anne. Explore Queen Anne. Queen Anne's breathtaking interiors take inspiration from our past to define a striking new design direction for our future. Come on board to discover a ship that is modern, yet timeless. A ship that offers both exciting, novel experiences, as well as our much-loved signature venues. Find voyages.
The 2024-built MS Queen Anne cruise ship is Cunard's newest liner joining the fleet in 2024-Q1. The boat is currently under construction in Italy, at Fincantieri's shipyard in Marghera/Venice.The liner was launched in 2023 May and scheduled for inauguration in 2024 May (postponed from January due to supply chain issues).
RMS Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is a British transatlantic ocean liner.She has served as the flagship of Cunard Line since succeeding Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2004. The ship was officially named Queen Mary 2 by Queen Elizabeth II in 2004 after the first RMS Queen Mary of 1936. With the retirement of Queen Elizabeth 2 in 2008, Queen Mary 2 is the only ocean liner in service in the world.
MARGHERA, Italy -- The Queen Anne, Cunard Line's newest ship and its first since the Queen Elizabeth in 2010, is finally taking shape. On Thursday, executives proudly led media and a handful of ...
The Cunard Line's former New York Headquarters served as the setting for a stunning preview of the latest of its Queens. Cunard Line, one of the world's most renowned cruise lines, has a rich history in New York City. Founded by a Canadian, Sir Samuel Cunard, the company has an unparalleled role in transatlantic travel connecting Europe and North America. Cunard's Atlantic Ocean service ...
Explore the History of Cunard. Cunard Line's heritage dates back to 1839 when Sir Samuel Cunard attained the first British Government contract to supply a regular mail service across the North Atlantic Ocean. Since that date, Cunard has operated hundreds of ocean liners and cruise ships. Cunard's heritage is built on safety, speed and luxury.
Cunard Line (cunard.co.uk) is a British-American cruise shipping company and travel brand operated by Carnival UK and since 2005 owned by Carnival Corporation (shipowner). Cunard is headquartered in Southampton (England UK) and is among the world's oldest passenger shipping companies.In 2020 was celebrated company's 180th anniversary.
Cunard Line's 249th ship -- its first in more than a decade -- will be named Queen Anne, the line revealed during a brief broadcast on YouTube Tuesday. "The name 'Queen Anne' celebrates Cunard 's rich heritage, royal history and refined status -- joining a luxury contemporary fleet now honoring the names of each Queen Regnant over the last ...
Review: Cunard Queen Elizabeth, a classic ship from bow to stern. From afternoon tea to croquet and West End-style theatre, this is a ship where British traditions are alive and well. 'Have you cruised with Cunard before?' is a question I've been asked on several occasions over the last few days.
In a ceremonial affair held today (April 19), the Queen Anne officially joined Cunard's esteemed fleet, continuing the lineage of distinguished vessels that have graced the luxury cruise line's service.. The handover event took place at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy, where skilled craftsmen have meticulously crafted this splendid 3,000-guest ship.
On Friday April 19, 2024, we officially took delivery of our newest ship, Queen Anne, from master shipbuilders Fincantieri. The traditional handover ceremony took place in the Marghera shipyard near Venice, where Cunard President, Katie McAlister was joined by CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero; and General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, Luigi ...
The Cunard Line was founded in 1840, boasting an impressive fleet of steam-powered ships and whisking the likes of Charles Dickens to destinations such as Boston. Pictured here, in 1848, is Europa ...
Cunard has been sailing around the world for over 100 years. Join the pioneers of the world cruise in 2025 and 2026, with a choice of Grand and World Voyages that visit Asia, Australasia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and overnight calls in cities that truly come to life after dark. Queen Anne embarks on her maiden World Voyage in 2025 ...
Cunard has disclosed details of the inaugural event voyage on Queen Anne, featuring a distinctive British Isles Festival aligned with her maiden journey around the British Isles.. This unique sailing offers travelers an opportunity to be part of history as the newest chapter for Cunard embarks. Queen Anne is scheduled to depart from Southampton UK on May 24, 2024, for a maiden 14-night ...