Retiring Cunard Captain Christopher Wells has been awarded the rank of Commodore – the highest rank afforded any seafarer – in recognition of outstanding service throughout a stellar 20-year career with Cunard, the last 13 of which was spent leading the team on board the Queen Mary 2.

Wells was originally part of the commissioning of the ship in 2004 and spent 30 years working across Carnival Corp. cruise lines.

“Commodore Wells has been a wonderful ambassador for Cunard, proudly upholding the finest traditions and highest standards of the world’s most famous shipping line,” said Cunard president Simon Palethorpe. “He’ll be sorely missed by colleagues and guests alike, evidenced by the vast numbers of cards that have been received wishing him all the very best and noting his much-loved sense of humour as well as the respect he commanded. We thank him for the enormous contribution he has made to Cunard, in a highlight packed career, and wish him an equally successful retirement.”

Bournemouth, UK-born Wells began his career at sea on board tankers and bulk carriers in South East Asia before transitioning to cruise shipping in 1992, first with Cunard then Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia before returning to Cunard.

During his three decades on cruise ships, the Commodore met Queen Elizabeth II at the naming event for Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 and once again as Master at the naming of Queen Elizabeth. Another career highlight was in 2017 when he climbed the tallest sail of the Sydney Opera House to mark the 10-year anniversary of Queen Mary 2’s first visit to the Australian city.

Commodore Wells combined his seafaring career with a 25-year commission in the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) and remains an Honorary Captain in the RNR.