The build starts today at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia Shipyard on Cunard’s 249th ship

The first piece of steel cut will be used to create a stunning sculpture that will be displayed on the new ship for guests to enjoy.

Cunard’s yet unnamed ship will be the second-largest ship to fly the Cunard flag.

The steel cutting ceremony is a keystone-event in the life of Cunard’s new ship, marking the commencement of building works that will culminate in its delivery in Monfalcone, Gorizia, Italy, in 2022.

Of the occasion, Simon Palethorpe, President, Cunard said:

After years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21st century. The new ship is taking inspiration from the successes of our past, integrating the Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests.

Cunard used the occasion to announce the commissioning of a unique sculpture, crafted from the first piece of metal cut for the new ship. Acclaimed sculptor Sam Shendi will complete the work, which will be displayed on board the ship for Cunard’s guests to enjoy. 

Shendi said:

I’m really looking forward to working with the Cunard team and to be given the challenge of creating a sculpture from the first piece of steel cut for their new ship is such a unique opportunity. It would be exciting for any artist to be part of such a long history and know that their artwork will travel the world on the ship connecting guests from all corners of the globe.

The new ship’s interior designers will be led by globally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany and will work alongside Fincanteri in bringing the new ship to life. The award-winning design team includes Simon Rawlings (David Collins Studio), Terry McGillicuddy (Richmond International) and Sybille de Margerie (Sybille de Margerie Paris). Each brings experience from various world-class international hotels and resorts with the aim of delivering a new standard of Cunard luxury.

Cunard’s new ship is set to enter service in 2022 with bookings commencing next year.

View Cunard’s 2021-2022 Cruise Collection 

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