By
Alice Chambers |
Cunard has celebrated a build milestone with new ship Queen Anne floating out of dry dock at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.
The 113,000gt ship touched water for the first time exactly 365 days before it will set sail on its maiden voyage to Lisbon, Portugal, on 3 May 2024.
Representatives from Cunard’s parent company Carnival Corporation and Fincantieri attended the ceremony, which involved a ‘madrina’ blessing the ship.
“We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of Queen Anne,” said Sture Myrmell, president of Carnival UK. “The float out ceremony marks the ship’s transition from her building dock to where she truly belongs – in the water. Today marks a significant moment for Queen Anne as we recognise the dedication by the master shipbuilders at Fincantieri to build a ship that reinforces our position as a world-famous luxury brand.”
Queen Anne will accommodate 3,000 guests across 14 decks. The Cunard team will now focus on building the ship’s luxurious interiors, which will include the largest curated art collection at sea, a host of unique dining experiences and venues for live entertainment.
“Queen Anne is the third ship we have the pleasure to build for Cunard, a pillar in the history of British seafaring, with whom we share a real commitment to excellence,” said Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the merchant ships division at Fincantieri. “Building a liner for this shipowner takes us back to our roots yet, at the same time, spurs us forward to the future in a spirit of determination to bring together tradition and innovation and further strengthen our longstanding relationship.”
The vessel’s debut in May 2024 will mark the first time that Cunard has operated four ships in simultaneous service since 1999. The newbuild will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
To assist with this expansion, Cunard has appointed Katie McAlister as president. She will join the line in August following a 20-year-long career with TUI, where she is currently employed as chief marketing officer for UK and Ireland.
“We are delighted to have someone of Katie’s calibre join Cunard at this vital time of expansion,” said Myrmell. “Her commercial and operational experience, as well as her digital transformation expertise and strategic oversight, will build on the current team’s exceptional work to ensure that Cunard’s brand and growth opportunities are maximised as we look forward to the introduction of Queen Anne next year.”
McAlister said: “This was an unrivalled opportunity to join an iconic travel company at a key point in its history. I am so looking forward to joining the team as it widens its appeal and expands its guest base while retaining its renowned luxury, signature touches.”