By
Laura Hyde |
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has officially delivered Queen Anne to Cunard in a traditional ceremony held at its Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.
The event was attended by Katie McAlister, president of Cunard; Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri; Marco Lunardi, Fincantieri shipyard director; Luigi Matarazzo, general manager of the Fincantieri merchant ships division; and Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, which operates Cunard and P&O Cruises UK. Adolfo Urso, Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and Luca Ciriani, Italian Minister for Relations with Parliament, also attended.
From left, Marco Lunardi, Katie McAlister, Luigi Matarazzo and Paul Ludlow
“This beautiful and iconic ship testifies the long-standing partnership between our two companies, underscoring our shared commitment to excellence and tradition in the maritime industry,” said Folgiero. “Queen Anne proudly bear Fincantieri's signature, embodying our enduring expertise, reliability, and craftsmanship in shipbuilding. Constructing a liner for such a distinguished shipowner not only reconnects us to our origins but also propels us towards the future with a determination to blend tradition and innovation.”
The 3,000-guest ship is the third Cunard ship built by Fincantieri and will offer passengers “more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before”, according to Cunard. The 114,000gt ship, which spans 14 decks, features the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities on any Cunard ship. The brand has also formed a number of partnerships to offer exclusive onboard experiences, including Le Gavroche at Sea residencies hosted by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux.
Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag
“Queen Anne completes a remarkable quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – marking the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service,” said McAlister. “We are now fully focused on readying her to welcome guests for her maiden voyage on 3 May before she embarks on a historic British Isles Festival Voyage, including a momentous Naming Ceremony in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool on 3 June.”
Queen Anne will spend its maiden season in Europe, the Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords
Queen Anne is scheduled to set sail for its inaugural voyage, a seven-night sailing to Lisbon, Portugal, on 3 May 2024. The ship will spend its maiden season sailing itineraries to Europe, the Mediterranean and the Norwegian Fjords.