Cunard celebrates a momentous milestone with the launch of the Queen Anne at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyards in Venice, Italy.
The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, the Queen Anne, has officially touched the water for the first time exactly 365 days before it sets sail on its maiden voyage to Lisbon on May 3, 2024.
The launch is marked by a special ceremony in which a "Godmother" is appointed to offer blessings and best wishes for the vessel, celebrating the flow of water into the ship's dry dock.
Carnival UK President Sture Myrmell said: “We are delighted to celebrate this important milestone in the construction of the Queen Anne. The launching ceremony marks the ship’s transition from its construction dock to where it truly belongs: the water. Today is a significant moment for the Queen Anne as we recognize the dedication of Fincantieri’s master shipbuilders in constructing a ship that reinforces our position as a world-renowned luxury brand.”.
With the launching complete, the first comprehensive phase of construction of the Queen Anne is finished, which now focuses on building the ship's interiors.
The Queen Anne:
Cunard's newest ship's design concepts have been based on heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, spanning 14 decks, will offer travelers several breathtaking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.
The Queen Anne, due to enter service in May 2024, will form an extraordinary quartet for Cunard alongside the Queen Mary 2, the Queen Victoria, and the Queen Elizabeth. It will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard has had four ships in service simultaneously.
