CUNARD Line has formally taken delivery of its newest ship, with Queen Anne being officially delivered by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri late last week.
In a handover ceremony on Fri at the company’s Marghara shipyard in Venice, keys to Cunard’s fourth Queen were handed over to Cunard President, Katie McAlister and Carnival UK President, Paul Ludlow.
Speaking at the event, McAlister said Queen Anne’s admission into the Cunard fleet marks the first time since 1999 the British line has comprised four ships.
“We are now fully focused on readying her to welcome guests for her maiden voyage on 03 May before she embarks on an historic British Isles Festival Voyage, including a momentous Naming Ceremony in Cunard’s spiritual home of Liverpool on 03 Jun.”
Queen Anne becomes the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and the third built by Fincantieri.
She will soon journey to her new home in Southampton ahead of her maiden voyage to Lisbon early next month.
Passengers on the 14-deck, 3,000-passenger vessel will enjoy a variety of partnerships Cunard has signed to operate onboard, including Le Gavroche at Sea helmed by Michelin-starred chef, Michel Roux, plus exclusive screenings of classics from the British Film Institute.
“We are very pleased and eager to deliver Queen Anne to Cunard, a pioneering figure in luxury sea travel, renowned for setting new standards in oceanic voyages for over 180 years,” Fincantieri Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director Pierroberto Folgiero.
Pictured are Fincantieri Shipyard Director Marco Lunardi, McAlister, Ludlow, and Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division General Manager Luigi Matarazzo.