The Cunard cruise company, a benchmark of luxury at sea, and the Fincantieri company celebrated today, October 11, the start of construction of what will become the shipping company's 249th ship, undoubtedly one of the great milestones in its 179-year history.
The new ship, as yet unnamed, will be built in accordance with the growing global demand for luxury cruises and is set to reinvent the onboard experience through a set of unique and exciting services and facilities.
The first part of the vessel is currently under construction at the Castellammare di Stabia shipyard owned by Fincantieri in Italy, the same company responsible for creating two of Cunard's 'Queens' : the world-renowned Queen Victoria in 2007 and the Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The steel-cutting ceremony marks one of the key moments in the creation of the iconic shipping company's new ship, which will be completed in Monfalcone in 2022.
According to Simon Palethorpe, Chairman of Cunard: “After years of planning and design, we are delighted to finally see construction work begin on our new ship. The 249th Cunarder will become our fourth luxury cruise ship of the 21st century. A vessel inspired by the success of our past, it will integrate the Cunard spirit with new concepts and ideas that will provide our passengers with a luxurious and unique travel experience.”
The Director of the Castellammare shipyard, Gilberto Tobaldi, added: “We are very proud to embark on this new chapter in Cunard’s history, which marks the beginning of the construction of their new ship, and we look forward to working with the Cunard and Carnival UK teams over the coming months.”
Furthermore, Cunard has taken the opportunity to announce the commission of a unique sculpture, which will be masterfully handcrafted from the first piece of steel whose cutting marks the beginning of the life . The renowned sculptor Sam Shendi will complete the work, which will be displayed on board the cruise ship for the enjoyment of its passengers. British of Egyptian origin, Shendi is an artist who uses contemporary industrial materials—standard and stainless steel, aluminum, and fiberglass—in creating his figurative work.
According to Shendi: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Cunard team on the challenge of creating a sculpture from the first piece of steel cut for the construction of their new ship—a truly unique opportunity. I’m sure any artist would find it exciting to be part of such a long-standing story and know that their work will travel the world aboard the ship, connecting with passengers from all corners of the globe.”
Once construction begins, the interior designers for this new vessel will work alongside Fincantieri to ensure a unique onboard experience. Led by the internationally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany, the award-winning team comprises Simon Rawlings (David Collins Studio), Terry McGillicuddy (Richmond International), and Sybille de Margerie (Sybille de Margerie Paris). Each of these professionals brings experience from some of the world’s most exclusive hotels and resorts, which will elevate Cunard’s luxury to a new level.
