Launching a new ship into an existing fleet is always a massive undertaking, not only from the physical logistics but also into the high expectations of the line’s purist clients. When it comes to Cunard and their loyal customers, the historic and traditional aspects of the company’s impressive pedigree have to be balanced with delivering a ship that meets today’s expected technological and custom comfort levels. The Cunard Queen Anne officially launched into the fleet on May 3rd, with its first maiden voyage set for a seven-day trip to Lisbon.
Having sailed on the legendary transatlantic route on the Queen Mary 2, and a recent trip to the Norwegian Fjords on the Queen Victoria, I was excited to see what new things the Queen Anne would bring to the Cunard line up.
On May 1st media and travel trade were invited aboard to experience an overnight in-dock journey around the ship. Guests were able to listen to experts from an esteemed design team, get an explanation of the new Wellness At Sea proposition as well as hear directly from the two Michelin starred chef Michael Roux about menu redevelopment for the Queen Anne.
“It was a privilege to showcase so many exciting and elevated new concepts to our VIP guests. 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.” President of Cunard, Katie McAlister said during the champagne filled launch evening event, surrounded by guests dressed in their sparkling finest, in keeping with Cunard’s iconic gala nights.
There are quite a few firsts with the Queen Anne, not the least of which that for the first time in Cunard history, a ship will be helmed by a female captain, Inger Thorhauge.
The Queen Anne is the largest in the Cunard fleet, and holds 3,000 passengers (with 1,225 crew) who can enjoy some unique offerings.
- A Pickleball court. This extremely popular sport has hit the high seas as Cunard signed an exclusive deal with Pickleball England. I mean, why not?
- Archery. The only ship to offer archery at sea through their new partnership with Archery GB.
- Bright Lights Society. A throwback to the cabaret/speak easy, this is a fun alternative to the larger show productions.
While there is a plethora of activities and events to entertain guests, the ship has also included its signature quieter areas. The Games Room is fully stocked with board games for all ages, while the Library offers hundreds of titles, and a calmer space for catching up on work or the local news. (I may have told the Librarian on the ship that she has my dream job.) The Drawing Room features a scale model of the Queen Anne, and well appointed chairs, coffee tables, reading lamps and of course coffee table books.
The theatre offers 835 seats, while the Queen’s Room is the space for dancing of any kind (ballroom, disco, silent) as well as the signature Afternoon Tea.
There is a pool and three hot tubs in The Pavillion which has a retractable roof for cooler weather, and also features a large screen where movies will be shown, including short films curated in partnership with the British Film Institute.
At Sea days can be filled with shopping or exploring the art gallery onboard, as well as stopping in to see the Cabinet of Curiosities. I’m just going to leave you curious about that one.
“Luxury ocean travel is all about escapism and being immersed in a world full of unique and enriching experiences. It’s a philosophy we are passionate about bringing to life with our new ship Queen Anne, which is why we are all so excited about her elevated retail offering. Nowhere else will travellers be able to find such a beautifully curated collection of luxury brands at sea, or learn about heritage brands in such an engaging way as with Queen Anne’s Cabinet of Curiosities.” McAllister says.
Foodwise the ship delivers with an impressive buffet offering including a special gluten free section, which apparently they are quite rigid about allowing access to. There are 15 different dining venues, which include the Mediterranean Tramonto, Eastern delights at Aji Wa, Indian fare at Aranya, as well as the standard Britannia, the Princess and Queen Grills, and the steakhouse. Personally I can never pass up the fish and chips and mushy peas in the traditional English pub (sorry Chef Roux).
The Queen Anne is the 249th ship to be launched under the Cunard banner, and is the first new one in 14 years. Cunard is operated under Carnival UK and owned by Carnival Corporation, PLC after the acquisition of the line in 1998.
Kathy Buckworth was an invited media guest on the Queen Anne.
