We couldn’t help but get a little excited when Cunard Queen Anne was announced. The fourth ship in the fleet has been a long time coming, but we’re fairly sure she will be well worth the wait.
Ahead of her official launch, we thought we’d recap some of the things we know about Cunard Queen Anne so far. Read on to find out more.
Her name, and the reasons behind it
OK, this one sounds obvious, but there was no shortage of speculation about what Cunard would call their latest ship. We were fairly sure she would follow in the footsteps of her fleet mates, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2, but as we all know, nothing can be certain in the world of cruising!
Queen Anne might not have come as a surprise to many, and Cunard have since explained why this was the natural choice. They engaged British Historian, Author and TV Presenter Kate Williams during the research phase, who explained that Queen Anne herself had a “fascinating tale to tell, one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts”. A right royal choice, indeed.
Inger Klein Thorhauge will be the Captain
Next up came the announcement of who would be at the helm of Cunard Queen Anne: Inger Klein Thorhauge. The first female captain to join the Cunard fleet is celebrating 25 years with the cruise line this year, so what a fitting celebration to be named Captain of Queen Anne. We exclusively spoke to Captain Inger for Into the Blue – you can read the interview here.
Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge will be sharing her duties with David Hudson, whose Cunard career began back in 2006.
Key dates in the Cunard Queen Anne launch
Cunard’s Queen Anne will start sailing in 2024, with her maiden voyage departing from Southampton on 3 May. The seven-night voyage will visit La Coruna in Spain on 5 May, followed by Lisbon two days later.
Queen Anne’s maiden season will then get underway, offering itineraries that visit the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canary Islands, and Norwegian Fjords. Details of these sailings will be announced soon.
The on board dining
We don’t know much about the finer details of Queen Anne just yet, but rest assured there will be plenty of announcements as the countdown to her launch gets underway! One thing we do know for sure is there will be 15 – yes, FIFTEEN – dining options on board.
Among them will be some eateries that have never been seen before on a Cunard ship, including a Mediterranean and Indian restaurant, as well as some fleet favourites. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to indulge in the cruise line’s signature afternoon tea and the likes of The Queens Grill and Britannia Club will be making a reappearance.
Accommodation options
As you’d expect from a brand new ship, there will also be no shortage of exquisite cabins to choose from on Queen Anne. Cunard has already revealed that each stateroom category will have its own distinct design inspiration and direction.
The Britannia cabins will make up the majority of the accommodation on Queen Anne. Expect to see the deep blue hues of the ocean throughout the decor, with the odd splash of gold to represent the sunshine.
The Princess Grill suites include the red and gold tones Cunard has become synonymous with, while the Grand and Master Suites have subtle shades of green, purple, taupe and grey.
Details of her outdoor spaces
We’ve also recently been given a glimpse at what Queen Anne’s outdoor spaces will look like – and it’s fair to say we’re impressed! There’s a real sense of bringing the outdoors in, especially in The Pavilion, which looks set to become a centre point for the brand-new Cunard ship. Complete with a retractable glass dome, we can already see ourselves enjoying a film under the stars, or sitting back with a cocktail on those at-sea days.
Meanwhile, at the aft of Queen Anne you’ll find the Panorama Pool Club, and it sure does live up to its name! Complete with picture-perfect views of the surrounding scenery, you’ll be able to enjoy a leisurely swim and indulge in a drink or two.
The Bright Lights Society
In a Cunard first, Queen Anne will feature The Bright Lights Society, an entertainment venue with more than just a little extra pizzazz. The name and design of the area is inspired by Cunard’s heritage as the first to bring electric lights to the launch of a new ocean liner.
No two nights in the venue will be the same, as performers take to the stage to deliver exclusive shows in truly intimate surroundings. Expect signature cocktails and popping Champagne bottles, before ending your evening with the feeling you have experienced something truly exceptional.
Keep up to date with the latest announcements about Queen Anne on our ship page by clicking here.
17 thoughts on “Cunard Queen Anne: Everything We Know So Far”
We are cruising beginners and “know nowt” as they say around here. How does Cunard in general and Queen Anne in particular compare with our only cruise ship Brittania? Is it Dollars onboard? Do they still levy gratuities separately? Are the drinks and speciality dining more expensive?
Hi William, Queen Anne will be slightly smaller than Britannia, holding 3,000 passengers compared to Britannia 3,600. We only know snippets about Queen Anne at this stage, but she’s going to be stunning. All the information we know can be found here https://bcc.bolsovercruiseclub.com/cruise-lines/cunard/queen-anne/ Cunard do operate in dollars onboard with a tax being added to onboard purchases. Gratuities are not included in the fare and you are required to pay these onboard. Thank you.
Please keep me posted as soon as the dates for maiden voyage on Queen Anne etc
Hi Robert, we certainly will. Thank you.
Would like to be informed when her maiden voyage goes on sale please
Hi Mr & Mrs Brentall, if you are signed up to our mailing list you will receive full details. Thank you.
Good day,
Please when do your 2024 itinerary released?
I will be looking for a cruise leaving Cape Town for Southampton.
Keep Well and Safe,
Kind Regards,
Norman Russell
Hi Norman, all details will be released soon. We will send details of Queen Anne sailings by post and email. Thank you.
Please email me when the maiden voyage and the itinerary for the Queen Ann is released. Thank you
Hi Jean, if you are on our mailing list, you will receive all information when available. Thank you.
I’m sorry to say , but it just looks like ‘same old same old’ on the outside ,( I’m sure it’ll be very smart on the inside ) but couldn’t they make it look a little special on the outside ! Iona , Arvia ,Queen Mary , all look like floating hotels ,looking at your rendering so will Queen Anne. Disappointing to me .
You state that the Queen Anne Maiden Voyage starts 3 May 2024 – Are you sure about thet date ? I thought the Maiden Voyage was on 4 January 2024.
Hi Philip, the maiden has planned for January 2024 but has now been pushed back until May. Thank you.
Can you at this time give details of the time to be spent at each port of call.
Lat year the stops we had on the Queen Mary med cruise were too short
Hi Tony, the arrival and departure times will vary depending on the itinerary. If there is a specific cruise you are interested in then let us know and we will do our best to assist.
Reference your comment above “…the first to bring electric lights to the launch of a new ocean liner.” Surely she is a cruise ship not an ocean liner?
Hi Margaret, thanks for your comment. Queen Anne is indeed a cruise ship – Cunard was the first to bring electric lights to its ocean liners, hence the name of Bright Lights Society. It’s meant as a celebration of their heritage.