When the ‘Queen Anne’ sailed up the River Mersey to Cunard’s “spiritual home” in Liverpool, UK – where Samuel Cunard launched the first transatlantic passenger cargo service in 1840 with steamship Britannia – thousands of people lined the waterfront, cheering on the majestic vessel in anticipation of the christening and naming ceremony of the illustrious Cunard brand’s first new ship in 14 years.
Navigated by the line’s first female Captain, Inger Klein Thorhaugue, from Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice to Southampton, where guests embarked for her current maiden voyage – a “lap of honour” around the British Isles – Queen Anne berthed at Liverpool Pier Head.
The festive ceremonies – which included Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra among others – culminated Monday with an industry first: naming the City of Liverpool itself as Godparent of Queen Anne, a choice made in recognition of Cunard’s long-lasting bond with its spiritual home.
After the traditional smashing of Champagne against the ship’s hull, and a splash of fireworks, Queen Anne continued on her maiden voyage.
That the beautiful Queen Anne herself is designed to host regal celebrations and launches was splendidly showcased when the vessel berthed at Southampton just prior to her maiden voyage, allowing a global clutch of elite travel advisors and cruise media to experience a preview stay.
At a gala cocktail reception, the two-deck-high Pavilion proved its worth as a glorious venue capable of hosting events in any weather as guests gathered in the vast area surrounding the pool for official welcomes, comfortably dry under the soaring, retractable glass Magrodome as rain poured above.
Addressing the crowd below from a stage-like alcove on one side of the upper level, Cunard President Katie McAlister welcomed guests, describing Queen Anne as “a ship inspired by our past and built for our future.” She added that Cunard’s ambition is to preserve the luxury of the quintessentially British heritage beloved by loyal Cunard guests while encouraging new and first-time cruisers by introducing enticing new concepts, such as enhanced wellness experiences, a pickleball court, and dynamic entertainment options.
Mingling with flutes of Champagne or cocktails in hand, the impressed audience gradually gravitated to various dining venues. Walking towards the Princess Grill, I thought of how creative travel advisors who handle corporate meeting and incentive groups would use The Pavilion – which has a huge cinematic LED screen at one end – to recognize company award-winners or launch new products to a global marketplace.
Queen Anne’s pillars of architectural design
Every detail of Queen Anne’s design articulates homage to the 185-year heritage of Cunard Line, founded by Canadian-British Samuel Cunard (1787-1865) whose maritime legacy began in Halifax, NS. Crowning Queen Anne is Cunard’s distinctive red and black funnel, designed over 150 years ago by Robert Napier, who built some of Cunard’s earliest ships.
As its 249th ship, Queen Anne expands Cunard’s global passenger capacity and completes the impressive quartet with 2,2691-passenger flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2, plus 2,061-passenger Queen Victoria, and 2,081-passenger Queen Elizabeth.
A conference with Queen Anne’s architects and designers revealed that the concepts of design for the $600-million, 113,000-ton, 2,996-guest ship spanning 14 decks were founded on five pillars: Cunard’s heritage, impeccable craftsmanship, storytelling of the iconic company, the evolution of her traditional Art Deco style enhanced with contemporary elements, and innovation of technology as well as new space concepts.
As for Queen Anne’s colour palette, after researching Cunard’s archives of historic hues, they shied away from a pastiche that represents the past for shades that look to the future. The ultimate result for guests boarding the ship, as they are cheerfully welcomed by porters clad in historic red caps and uniforms, is the first impression of Queen Anne as a radiant, yet elegantly inviting atmosphere.
The retractable Magrodome, designed by David Collins Studio with architect Martin Francis (who was involved in engineering the Louvre Pyramid in Paris), creates the effect of a glass roof that covers the Deck-10 Pavilion pool area itself while extending over Deck 11 to include the Wellness Studio. This new, light-filled concept for Cunard has ocean view windows, creating an airy ambience for yoga, Pilates, dance classes, and the myriad wellness therapy programs designed by Harper’s Bazaar.
Practically laid out and easy to navigate, Queen Anne houses the largest collection of artworks at sea, with over 4000 pieces. Exploring Queen Anne, guests will see artistic influences and curvy Art Deco inspirations everywhere, from the Grand Lobby’s black-and-white marble floor to the gold captain epaulet braiding on Commodore Club chairs to the scalloped edge of The Pavilion’s upper level.
Heart of the ship on Deck 1, the three-deck high Grand Lobby provides a stunning setting for memorable photographs, its staircase backed by a sculptural LED lenticular mural that changes throughout the day. Ringing the Grand Lobby upper decks are series of boutiques, including the unique Cabinet of Curiosities, brimming with items from Cunard’s archives and iconic treasures from the likes of Garrard and Chanel.
Forward from the Grand Lobby on Deck 1 is the Mareel Fitness Centre, with its top line equipment and spin class studio, and Mareel Wellness & Beauty Spa. Its therapeutic pool complex includes cold and steam rooms, traditional and Himalayan salt saunas, reflexology foot baths, specialty showers and a relaxation room. Mareel facilities complement programs offered in the Wellness Studio. Cunard expects to add these concept spaces to its other ships during refurbishments.
Cunard hallmark spaces destined to become favourites include the Deck 12 Commodore Club, its forward-facing 270-degree span of windows giving vast views to distant horizons and approaching ports, while attendants at the bar concoct signature cocktails. The beautifully decorated Library provides a sumptuous haven for reading or watching the world go by through its floor-to-ceiling windows. Tucked off another hallway nearby, The Zone is dedicated to children’s activities. Guests looking for the big casino will find it listed as Room 1840. New on Queen Anne, a dedicated space called ‘Ceremonies at Sea’ is available for special events, including weddings. Its adjoining Board room can host up to 30 people and leads to an outdoor terrace.
Entertaining spaces
Cunard has broadened entertainment options on Queen Anne. Classic entertainment venues, including the two-deck-high, 835-seat Royal Court Theatre – equipped with state-of-the-art technical assets – and the two-deck-high Queen’s Room, which is not to be missed for signature English Afternoon Tea or gala dance events, are expanded with the addition of the Bright Lights Society. Best described as a showroom bar or burlesque cabaret with a huge LED screen and suspended globe lights, this lively venue promises to dazzle guests with interactive productions, murder mysteries, aerial performances, and serving as a late-night dance club.
As Cunard has partnered with David Pugh, theatre producer of renowned West End and Broadway shows, guests will be privileged to see excellent productions. On my visit, Pugh’s adaptation of Noel Coward’s ‘Brief Encounter’ impressed the audience.
Thanks to Cunard’s new three-year partnership with the British Film Institute, entertainment in The Pavilion now includes a curated collection of short films and blockbuster movies that are also available in staterooms. During the preview visit, Katie McAlister noted legendary silver screen stars who sailed on Cunard, including Charlie Chaplin, Clark Gable, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Increased dining options
Queen Anne features 15 different eateries, more than twice that on other Cunard ships. As on Cunard’s other vessels, main restaurant seating aboard Queen Anne is determined by class of suite or stateroom booked. Briefly noted: guests in the Queens and Princess level suites dine in the exclusive Queens Grill or Princess Grill. Other guests dine in Britannia Restaurant or the upgraded Britannia Club. As Queen Anne expanded Britannia Club accommodations by 200%, it accordingly expanded Britannia Club dining access within the classically elegant, two-deck-high space. Britannia guests may be booked on early, late, or open dining seating. Each category of dining through the ship features Cunard’s legendary White Star Service.
Favourite spots for regulars have new offerings. The Golden Lion Pub has enhanced its traditional pub fare menu with exciting dishes by Michelin-starred Chef Michel Roux. The Artisans Food Hall – a total evolution from Cunard’s traditional buffets – now includes stations where chefs prepare to order foods from around the world, as well as a bar to pair your libation to your meal. Dining is also available in The Pavilion Grill, and decadent treats in the Gelateria. Health-conscious types can head to the Wellness Café for plant-based as well as sustainably sourced meats, dairy and fish options. The Carinthia Lounge is a lovely spot for a light bite or Viennese pastry during the day, or cocktails in the evening.
Four new specialty dining experiences are each designed with distinctive flair that echoes Cunard’s Art Deco heritage. A riot of sunny yellows with black accents, Tramonto serves Mediterranean dishes peppered with African and Arabian influences. Guests dining in Aji Wa taste contemporary Japanese dishes served at a table or the Sushi and Saki Bar. Aranya (meaning forest in Sanskrit) offers a multi-sensory journey through spicey interpretations of India’s cuisine. And Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse & Grill delivers prime meats, fish, and seafood, all responsibly sourced for gourmet meals.
Enhanced Accommodations
Travel advisors will do well to consider the value differences of Queen Anne’s accommodations as each level offers different privileges. Accommodations range from economical inside cabins to lovely Britannia and Britannia Club staterooms, to Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites. Britannia Club guests have elevated accommodations plus a dedicated seating area in Britannia Restaurant.
All guests have access to all pools, public areas, and lounges indoors and out except for those reserved for Grill guests. Guests in Queens Grill and Princess Grill Suites have exclusive access to the Grills Lounge and personal concierge service, as well as the secluded Grills Terrace, with its two infinity pools overlooking the sea. As well, Grill suite passengers may order room service from their Grill menu and have priority embarkation and debarkation.
Spacious Queens Grill suites start at 47 sq. m. Spacious Princess Grill suites, at 28 sq. m., include a balcony with a table and two chairs, comfortable seating area, king-size Cunarder bed that converts to two twins, two TVs, plus ample outlets for North American, UK and European plugs and USB ports. The bathroom features a large walk-in shower, one sink and luxe Phenhaligon toiletries. Other amenities include a wall unit housing a mini-fridge, kettle and coffee maker, and closet with cozy robes and slippers.
Pools and Sports Facilities
Queen Anne is designed for outdoor pleasures with plenty of outdoor spaces. The Pavilion, with its retractable Magrodome soaring over the main pool and three whirlpools, is accessible in any weather. Sun worshippers can gravitate to the Deck 10 Sun Deck and Cabana, or Deck 9 Panorama Pool Club and Bar for brilliant views over the ship’s wake.
New to Cunard, the archery range is located on Deck 10, while top Deck 14 houses the forward-facing outdoor observation lounge, putting green and a court that doubles for pickleball and paddle tennis. Facing aft, the outdoor Sky Bar offers gorgeous sunset views over the ship’s wake.
Final word from a cruise industry pro
As I was totally enamoured by Queen Anne’s beauty, style, and my exceedingly comfortable stay, I sought to confirm my opinion by interviewing Kelly Sousa, Sr. VP of Cruise sales & Operations at Tully Luxury Travel. As Sousa, her daughter, and I had shared the drive to London from Heathrow Airport, I wondered if their experience aboard ship lived up to their Cunard expectations.
Sousa said, “Queen Anne is stunning, though first timers who expect the dazzle of a ship like Celebrity Ascent may find it a bit understated, but we loved it.” Sousa said her Britannia Club balcony room was “spacious and more ample than any entry level balcony room, with lots of leisurely space, a very high comfort level, and phenomenal bathroom with big shower beyond the typical cruise ship shower.” Describing Britannia Club dining, she said her “industry legend” friend said the grilled fish was delicious and pistachio souffle mouthwatering. Sousa’s university-age daughter “loved the pickle ball, archery, and gym facilities, and said the ship was cool.”
As for selling Queen Anne, Sousa anticipates her ideal clients will be age 50 and up, impressed by wellness programs and lectures. She anticipates selling world cruises to people in their late 40s and up. “We at Tully are truly excited by Queen Anne. We expect this impressive ship to live up to expectations. So, we look forward to supporting the Cunard brand and Queen Anne.”
Worth noting
Queen Anne’s upcoming itineraries from Southampton will cover Mediterranean and Baltic seas, the British Isles and Norwegian Fiords. In 2025, she will cruise down under to Australia and New Zealand as part of her maiden world voyage.
For all sailings embarking in Southampton, Cunard has partnered with The Londoner for pre-cruise stays in London. This elegant boutique hotel – well located in Leicester Square – offers exceptional accommodations, excellent dining, and features a lavish spa with indoor pool.