Cunard's Queen Anne will join the P&O Cruises in 2029, following the completion of its 2028/29 World Voyage. In a related move, Arcadia will complete a special farewell season with P&O Cruises, ending on August 21, 2029, before joining Holland America Line.
The Queen Anne will continue to operate for Cunard until it completes its 2028/29 World Voyage. Afterwards, it will undergo an extensive refurbishment and be renamed before commencing operations with its sister brand in May 2029.
Paul Ludlow, Chairman of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard, said: “These decisions reflect a long-term and carefully considered view of our portfolio, as well as how the features and strengths of each ship can best respond to passenger demand and the future evolution of our two cruise companies.
“Queen Anne was conceived as a contemporary and bold proposal from Cunard, combining the service and sense of occasion characteristic of the brand with modern design, a wide range of food and entertainment options and very versatile public spaces.
“These qualities allow it to fit seamlessly into P&O Cruises’ contemporary vacation experience. Following its refurbishment, it will add a new class of ship to the P&O Cruises fleet and expand the options available to passengers thanks to a different scale, a unique onboard experience, and a diverse itinerary program. This offering will complement the existing fleet and make the ship a standout addition in the next phase for P&O Cruises.”.
“Queen Anne has earned a special place within the Cunard fleet and has a very prominent program ahead, including a central role in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and her final World Voyage as a Cunard ship in January 2029. We will ensure that the coming seasons are a fitting tribute to her time as Cunard’s Queen.
“At the same time, this change will allow Cunard to have a more cohesive fleet, comprised of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. Each of these ships has a strong identity and embodies the timeless style, heritage, and sense of occasion that passengers around the world most closely associate with Cunard.”.
“This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future. We will continue to invest in its ships, service, itineraries, and passenger experiences—the elements that make Cunard unique—while continuing to build on the strong loyalty that each of its three Queens has generated.”.
“Next year we will also complete a major refurbishment of Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2. As the world’s only ocean liner to offer regular service between both sides of the Atlantic, she is a unique asset, and our investment is designed to ensure she continues to deliver exceptional passenger experiences for many decades to come.
“Arcadia has been a much-loved part of P&O Cruises for more than two decades and has created countless special memories for our guests. We are immensely proud of her place in the company’s history and pleased that, after a farewell season, she will continue her journey within the Carnival Corporation family.”.
Queen Anne will play a prominent role in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028, before making her final World Voyage for Cunard during the winter of 2028/29.
Details of the celebrations marking her final season with Cunard will be announced soon, and details of Arcadia's farewell season and the date booking opens will be announced shortly. Information regarding Queen Anne's refurbishment, her new name, the onboard experience, and her first cruise program with P&O Cruises will be released at a later date.
All cruises currently published with dates prior to the respective transfer dates of both ships will operate as scheduled.
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