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Silver Screen on the High Seas: Cunard Announces Three-year Partnership with British Film Institute for Queen Anne

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 21, 2023 -- Cunard has teamed up with the British Film Institute (BFI) for an exclusive new partnership that will make waves with film lovers ahead of the launch of the line's newest ship, Queen Anne.

The luxury cruise line has announced a three-year partnership with the UK's lead organization for film, TV, and the moving image. The collaboration will see a curated program of short films and beloved blockbusters shown exclusively on the outdoor screen in The Pavilion aboard Queen Anne.

The Pavilion is an idyllic open-air oasis on the top deck of Cunard's newest ship, and the BFI will be showing 10 films every month on the cinematic LED screen in this romantic outdoor space. These specially selected films will also be shown in guests' staterooms.

As a multi-purpose space, The Pavilion boasts a specially designed glass dome roof that retracts in warmer climates. Inspired by beautiful glasshouses, it is the ideal spot for getting lost in a book or enjoying a dip in the pool by day and for meeting new friends over a glass of wine in the evening.

The space has been designed by David Collins Studio, with its sophisticated aesthetic likened to a ship sailing through serene waters as guests breeze from one moment to the next. The gentle arc of the glass dome encompasses all the experiences within the space, and opens to let the outside in.

Acclaimed architect Martin Francis – who supported with engineering the iconic Louvre Pyramid in Paris – led a redesigning of the glass dome, which will now feature a refined arched steel frame to maximize height and light in the space as it stretches up and aft to create the new Wellness Studio.

Queen Anne's wider design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer guests several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.

BFI Partnership

In addition to the collaboration with The Pavilion on Queen Anne, Cunard will be a main sponsor of the 67th BFI London Film Festival, in partnership with American Express, which runs at venues across London, as well as in nine UK partner cinemas, from October 4-15, 2023, as well as in 2024 and 2025.

On October 11, the Cunard Gala will support the European premiere of The Holdovers at the BFI London Film Festival – in association with Universal Pictures and Focus Features – at the Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall. The Holdovers is a new American comedy-drama from acclaimed director Alexander Payne.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the British Film Institute, with our shared dedication to providing immersive experiences aligning perfectly. We're hugely proud of our long-standing affiliation with the silver screen, with some of Hollywood's biggest names having sailed in style with Cunard – from Charlie Chaplin to Meryl Streep. As the first cruise line to host an on board film premiere with the launch of The Greatest Showman on Queen Mary 2 in 2017, we are incredibly passionate about the power of timeless storytelling. We have dedicated spaces for film enthusiasts across the fleet, and our new ship Queen Anne will boast even more big screen experiences for guests. Together with the BFI, we'll strive to create unparalleled and unforgettable moments for film lovers."

Francesca Vinti, BFI Executive Director of Fundraising and Enterprise, added: "We are thrilled to be working alongside Cunard on this partnership and are incredibly thankful for their support of the BFI and the BFI London Film Festival. We are excited to be able to reach audiences in new inventive ways with amazing films and look forward to collaborating with Cunard over the next three years."

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Cunard Announces New 2025 Program for Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria

VALENCIA, Calif., Sept. 19, 2023 -- Cunard has pioneered ocean travel for more than 180 years and now the luxury cruise line is offering travelers the chance to set sail on more unforgettable holidays with the release of 180 new voyages for 2025.

Voyages will be available to book from 8am EST on October 4, 2023, exclusively for Cunard World Club Members, with bookings available to the public from 8am on October 5. 

The compelling program features sailings between April 2025 and January 2026 and includes an eclectic mix of exciting itineraries spanning 91 destinations, across 24 countries globally, on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, and Queen Victoria.

Queen Anne will primarily be sailing to the Western Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords and Western Europe, while Queen Mary 2 will continue her iconic Transatlantic Crossings and Queen Victoria will be based in the Mediterranean. Each Queen's program boasts at least one maiden call; however, Queen Anne will make no fewer than 19 maiden calls – including Bilbao, Ibiza, Skjolden, Messina and Santorini. 

Queen Anne

Guests will discover their dream destination with Queen Anne in 2025. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before. 

For her 2025 program, Queen Anne will be sailing out of Southampton, England, providing a range of destinations and itinerary lengths varying from two to 19 nights, which will include 19 maiden calls. From a 12-night voyage taking in the mystical landscapes of the Norwegian Fjords in June to a 16-night Mediterranean sailing around France, Spain, and Italy in July – taking in several of Europe's most enchanting ancient cities – Cunard's newest Queen will be embarking on a host of captivating voyages.

Queen Mary 2

From the UNESCO-inscribed architecture of Old Quebec to the medieval streets of Bruges, guests will discover holidays on both sides of the Atlantic on Cunard's flagship and the world's only true ocean liner in 2025.

Whether it's the white sands and warm shallows of the Caribbean in December or indulging in Cunard signatures during uninterrupted sea days on a Transatlantic Crossing, a voyage on Queen Mary 2 is always an extraordinary experience.

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria will be based in the Mediterranean across the program from May to October 2025, offering a range of 7, 14 and 21-night itineraries out of Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste.

One of the many dazzling highlights of Queen Victoria's 2025 program is her two-week Istanbul and Greek Islands sailing in May. This voyage from Civitavecchia takes in some of the Eastern Mediterranean's greatest treasures, from exploring Turkish seas to serene Greek islands, each port makes for an adventure to remember.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We are incredibly excited to be launching our new 2025 program and with 180 fantastic itineraries to choose from, there really is a Cunard voyage for everyone. Whether it's an iconic Transatlantic crossing, a Scandinavian adventure, or Christmas in the Caribbean, our fleet of Queens provide the perfect opportunity to explore the world in style.

"We always strive to provide our valued travel agent partners with great offers for their customers, and this program is no different. Not only do our itineraries sail to some of the world's most exotic destinations, our ships offer unique and enriching experiences for guests, so whether you're a new-to-cruiser or a loyal Cunarder, you'll be free to unwind and escape in a uniquely luxurious setting."

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P&O Cruises & Cunard improve Wi-Fi connectivity on board with the roll out of SpaceX’s Starlink

September 18, 2023 5:00 AM EDT- P&O Cruises and Cunard are improving Wi-Fi connectivity and bandwidth across the fleet with the roll out of SpaceX’s Starlink.

Starlink, the leader in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology will provide guests with greater capacity across P&O Cruises and Cunard ships, allowing for sharing photos and videos, streaming films and enjoying other content on board at even faster speeds. The roll-out of Starlink on P&O Cruises and Cunard ships began in June 2023, with the service due to be available in both public spaces and cabins on Cunard ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth by the end of 2023. Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne will launch with the service in May 2024. P&O Cruises ships Britannia and Azura have introduced Starlink to the public spaces on board and it will be available in both public spaces and cabins on Arvia, Iona, Ventura, Arcadia and Aurora by the end of 2023. Carnival UK and P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: “Sharing unforgettable moments with friends and family back at home is an important part of any holiday. Whether it’s uploading a picture of a sunset as you sail away from a newly discovered destination or catching up with the news, live events or content from home, Starlink will make it even easier for our guests and colleagues to stay connected.” Starlink vice president of commercial sales Jonathan Hofeller said: “High-speed internet is critical to our modern lifestyle both at home and when travelling. We’re excited that P&O Cruises and Cunard guests and crew will benefit from an improved Wi-Fi service on board wherever they are in the world.”

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Making waves in the arts: Cunard partners with pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash for unique Queen Elizabeth mural

VALENCIA, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has raised the anchor on an exciting collaboration with pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash as the luxury cruise line continues to champion artistic excellence at sea.

Thierry Guetta, AKA Mr. Brainwash, joined guests and VIPs aboard Queen Elizabeth in his hometown of Los Angeles yesterday (August 22) for an exclusive ceremony in which he officially unveiled a new mural in the ship's Garden Lounge.

The mural is an intricate patchwork of iconic Cunard marketing posters from the 1920s, with Mr. Brainwash spray-painting a unique finishing touch, in his signature graffiti style, during the ceremony to celebrate the best of Cunard and contemporary art.

The bespoke installation "Cunard x Mr. Brainwash" was commissioned in partnership with Clarendon Fine Art, who've represented the leading street artist in the UK since 2020 and whose galleries appear across the Cunard fleet of ships.

Three innovative limited editions have also been created which will be exclusively available to guests and feature each of the three Cunard Queens. Showcasing the iconic vessels, as well as Mr. Brainwash's unique style, the editions will offer guests an opportunity to acquire a unique moment in Cunard's history.

Yesterday's event marked the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth's arts-focused Pacific Coastal sailing from Vancouver to Los Angeles, which offered several Mr. Brainwash-inspired seminars as well as a screening of Banksy's Academy-nominated 'Exit Through the Gift shop' documentary featuring Mr. Brainwash. The largest collection of the artist's original artwork and limited-edition pieces ever seen at sea were also brought onboard for guests to view and purchase in Queen Elizabeth's art gallery.

The Los Angeles-based artist's work is held in public and private collections across the globe, including in all 75 of Clarendon Fine Art's UK and USA galleries as well as across the Cunard fleet. His 'Long Live the King' portrait of King Charles III, released to coincide with the Coronation, was a record release demonstrating the remarkable levels of interest in his work.

Some of his work also features in private collections belonging to the likes of Barack Obama, Al Pacino, Lionel Richie, and Rihanna, and he has also worked on charity collaborations with Pope Francis and the Dalai Lama.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "We are thrilled to have partnered with Mr. Brainwash for Queen Elizabeth's incredible new mural and it is a privilege to be associated with such an acclaimed and innovative artist. We always strive to provide guests with enriching and unique experiences on board and this one-of-a-kind masterpiece will certainly be enjoyed by our many art lovers."

Thierry Guetta, AKA Mr. Brainwash, who fronts the pop-up Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills, added: "I am ecstatic to collaborate with Cunard because throughout history, they have proven to be timeless and consistent. This piece of mine holds massive significance. It is very special to me because it merges two worlds together and represents artistic expression on a grand scale. I believe creating accessible art is beautiful because it has the ability to enrich an individual's journey and ignite their imagination no matter where they are in the world or what they are doing. If I can manage to even bring that expression to the high seas, there truly is no limit to where art can go. This unveiling is more than an event; it marks something that will inspire those who see it immediately and for generations to come. In the future, I will look back on this collaboration with beautiful memories attached to it. This collaboration is beautiful."

Helen Swaby, CEO of Clarendon Fine Art, said: "We are proud and privileged that pop art phenomenon Mr. Brainwash has been invited into this unique collaboration with Cunard. For more than a decade we have had the pleasure of entertaining and educating guests aboard Cunard's luxury liners, and ever since we first introduced Mr. Brainwash to guests there has been an overwhelming level of interest and love for this work. In recent times we have rediscovered the importance of positivity and fun and his work has struck a chord with art collectors and art lovers helping us to connect with the lighter side of life. This moment marks the next step in Mr. Brainwash's meteoric rise to fame with his first ever mural taking up residency aboard a cruise ship. We hope that guests on the beautiful Queen Elizabeth enjoy the rare opportunity to view this uplifting and life-affirming artwork by one of the best-loved street artists of modern times."

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Cunard Celebrates Cruise Milestone with The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in Victoria, BC

VALENCIA, Calif., August 16, 2023 – Cunard is proud to bring the ten millionth cruise passenger to Victoria, BC, where The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) welcomed them to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. The passengers arrived on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, marking 54 years of cruise ships visiting Victoria.

The cruise industry has grown since the first cruise ship arrived in 1969. “Ten million cruise visitors to Victoria is an incredible milestone. Cruise supports the region's visitor economy and creates jobs that support Victoria's economic recovery. Engineers, entrepreneurs, accountants, mechanics and others are employed due to cruise tourism in Victoria, with salaries totalling over $40 million annually,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of GVHA.

Each year, cruise visitors and crew contribute $56 million to the local economy, purchasing tours and local transportation, retail goods and food and beverages. Cruise lines spend $84 million on warehousing, ship agents, repairs and maintenance, port fees and docking services.

"Victoria welcomes and celebrates its ten millionth cruise ship passenger,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “The cruise industry is a valued and vital part of a regional visitor industry that continues to create countless career opportunities and support the livelihood of Victorians,” Alto added.

Two couples stepped off Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth this morning and were presented with a gift courtesy of the Bay Centre. Industry partners and stakeholders gathered at the port of Victoria to welcome these guests. “We’ve been married for 14 years, and we came on this trip to renew our vows,” said Emma Lonergan, a passenger from the UK. 

“Victoria is a world-class city because it has something for everyone, from natural beauty, heritage and architecture to fabulous dining options and a warm community,” said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, Cunard North America. "It is a much-loved highlight of Cunard’s voyages in this part of the world and holds great appeal for Cunard’s guests as well as from our sister brands across our corporation.”

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Cunard Enables Shore Power Capability Across the Fleet

VALENCIA, Calif., August 15, 2023 – Cunard achieves a ground-breaking milestone as the brand attains the capability for its entire fleet to connect to shore power.

Queen Elizabeth has been fitted with shore power capabilities and now all three Cunard ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – have the ability to plug into shore power, where available. The line’s newest ship, Queen Anne, set to debut in May 2024, will have the technology installed before her maiden voyage.

Shore power technology enables docked ships to connect directly to a specially fitted land-based source, allowing cruise ships to switch off their on board engines and operate on electricity sourced entirely from the local electrical grid, reducing emissions and noise while at port. The ability for the ships to plug in to local grids already exists at many key ports, including Queen Mary 2’s homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Anne’s homeport in Southampton, England.

Katie McAlister, President at Cunard, said: “By adopting shore power technology, we are taking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions, minimizing our carbon footprint, and fostering healthier port environments. The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard's corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step.”

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Cunard launches 2024 Event Voyages program

Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

VALENCIA, Calif., July 11, 2023 -- Set sail with some of the greatest talents in gastronomy, art and entertainment next year, as Cunard announces its renowned Event Voyages for 2024.

Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 plays host to four of the seven newly launched themed voyages, offering guests an unbeatable experience to cross the Atlantic in style, while a further three take place on board Queen Elizabeth as she navigates Australia and Japan in early 2024.

Back by popular demand in June is "London Theatre at Sea," an eight-night Eastbound Transatlantic Crossing of musical theatre in partnership with the Olivier Awards, with whom Cunard proudly partners every year in London. This unique crossing features immersive acting workshops, fascinating behind the scenes talks and award-winning performances, curated by Julian Bird OBE.

Also returning in November 2024 is "Literature Festival at Sea," where book lovers can absorb themselves in seven days of inspiring literary events on this westbound Transatlantic Crossing, curated by the programming team of The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, with whom Cunard also partners each year. Each "Literature Festival at Sea" features more than 20 acclaimed authors, with past headliners including Ian Rankin, Victoria Hislop and Simon Armitage.

New for 2024 is a unique opportunity to celebrate history in the making, as Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2 embarks on her 400th Transatlantic Crossing in August from New York to Southampton – a journey that remains as iconic today as it was in 1840, when Cunard's history began.

2024 also marks the 15th anniversary of Cunard's spectacular National Symphony Orchestra voyages, brought to you by the eminent maestro Anthony Inglis. Guests will be able to rehearse with the choir by day and enjoy classical concerts in the Royal Court Theatre by night, on board this unique nine-night Eastbound Transatlantic crossing via Newport and Boston in October.

Queen Elizabeth hosts the first-of-its-kind Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage in January 2024, which offers sports fans the chance to sail with some of Australia's most iconic sporting superstars, including legendary cricketer Brett Lee and celebrated golfer Karrie Webb, as well as Amanda McLaren, owner of the eponymously named British luxury car company.

The Great Australian Culinary Voyage, also on Queen Elizabeth in January, promises to be an unforgettable foray into the world of food and wine, including special guest and award-winning chef Karen Martini taking over The Steakhouse at The Verandah.

The extraordinary Big Band Ball voyage in May sees dance and music lovers from all over gather to celebrate the magnificent Swing era, in between exploring the enticing ports of Japan on this nine-night circumnavigation. Special guests include internationally acclaimed vocalist, pianist and songwriter, Joe Stilgoe.

"Cunard's Event Voyages offer far more than just stand out performances.  Each is expertly curated to offer our guests unique opportunities to immerse themselves into theme or occasion, meeting and hearing from world-renowned leaders in their fields, many with interactive workshops and a programme of activities and performances to choose from throughout the day and evening," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America.  "And of course, all offered with the luxurious backdrops of the Cunard Queens and all while enjoying the signature touches you can always look forward to with Cunard."

2024 Event Voyages schedule:

Queen Mary 2:

• London Theatre at Sea (M417), Eastbound Transatlantic, 15-23 June 2024

• Queen Mary 2's 400th Transatlantic Crossing (M426), Eastbound Transatlantic, 23-30 August 2024

• Anthony Inglis and the National Symphony Orchestra's 15th Anniversary (M432A), Eastbound Transatlantic, 4-13 October 2024

• Literature Festival at Sea (M436), Westbound Transatlantic, 13-20 November 2024

Queen Elizabeth:

• Great Australian Culinary Voyage (Q402), Southern Australia, 5-12 January 2024

• Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage (Q407), Southern Australia, 13-30 February 2024

• Big Band Ball (Q416), Japan, 5-14 May 2024

Please note: speakers and activities are subject to change. Some activities may incur an additional charge.

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Incredible 1920s-style Queen Anne cutaway unveiled as Cunard marks 183rd birthday

VALENCIA, Calif., July 5, 2023 -- Cunard unveiled a remarkable new cutaway image of its newest ship, Queen Anne, which pays homage to the luxury cruise line's uniquely rich heritage.

Released yesterday to celebrate its 183rd birthday, the intricate animation has been designed in the style of Cunard's iconic advertising posters from the 1920s, offering a playful glimpse inside the ship's interiors.

Artist Dominik Bulka was commissioned to create the masterpiece, painstakingly hand-sketching each element of the design, before electronically stitching the constituent scenes into a single digital image.

The cutaway illustrates many of Cunard's signature venues and public spaces, including the iconic Grand Lobby and Golden Lion pub, as well as brand new concepts for Queen Anne, such as the exhilarating new show bar inspired by historic, bold electric light installations – Bright Lights Society.

But eagle-eyed observers will also notice a number of weird and wonderful depictions that reflect Cunard folklore. For example, on deck one, you'll find two bellhops feeding a hippo in a swimming pool in a mischievous reference to a well-known transatlantic crossing.

In 1963, on board Pavia, there was a very special guest that required a cold shower every hour during the day. Three-year-old Jimmy was a hippopotamus making his way from Naples to Chester Zoo; in fact, he travelled on deck with an awning over his cage to protect him from the sun.

Elsewhere, famous faces have been woven into the cutaway – from past guests such as David Bowie and Nelson Mandela, to the man who founded the iconic luxury cruise line, Sir Samuel Cunard.

Cunard is world-renowned for sailing guests around the world in comfort, style, and luxury, and with this latest artistic endeavour, the luxury cruise line is taking inspiration from its past to define the next chapter of its future.  

The image places an emphasis on the quirky and unexpected, with flying bellhops just one surreal representation of the immersive experiences that can be found onboard a Cunard ship. The illustration also details the major venues onboard, and where guests can find them.

A number of limited-edition cutaway posters will be created ahead of Queen Anne's maiden voyage on May 3, 2024.

"We are incredibly excited about the launch of Queen Anne and this magnificent cutaway image brilliantly encapsulates the essence of playful luxury that guests will experience onboard our newest ship," said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, Cunard North America. "Cunard guests receive an exclusive experience sailing aboard our fantastic fleet of Queens and we are always keen to showcase the unique touches that make our voyages one-of-a-kind. Whether it be posting your mail in the middle of the Atlantic or marvelling at art etched by royalty, you are sure to create unforgettable moments with Cunard."

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Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

Celebrated Entertainer Alan Cumming to Headline Cunard Voyage

VALENCIA, Calif., June 8, 2023 -- Stage and screen star Alan Cumming will join Cunard as part of the luxury cruise line's renowned Insights program on the December 8, 2023 Transatlantic Crossing on flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2.

photo credit: Josh Going

While sailing on the seven-night voyage from New York to Southampton, England, Cumming will offer a Q&A session with guests, host two screenings, and hold a book signing of his memoir, "Baggage." Alan will be screening the 2022 documentary, My Old School, about the scandal of Brian MacKinnon, a 30-year-old who enrolled in school as a 16-year-old. Cumming appears as an avatar for MacKinnon in the documentary.

"We are thrilled to welcome back Alan Cumming on Queen Mary 2's December 8th Transatlantic Crossing," said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard North America. "Alan's immense talent and captivating presence will be a highlight for guests, giving them the opportunity to learn about his career, creative process, and personal journey, and creating an unforgettable experience during their Crossing."

The multi-talented Cumming has appeared in numerous films and television shows, was nominated for Emmys, SAG Awards and Golden Globes, and is a long-time renowned stage actor both in New York and London. Most famously Alan won a Tony award for his role in Cabaret on Broadway and is best known for his roles in Emma, GoldenEye, Anniversary Party, X2 and The Good Wife. He has his own cabaret club in New York, "Club Cumming," most recently hosted the reality show The Traitors, starred in Schmigadoon!, and continues to perform live around the country. A dedicated humanitarian and activist Cumming devotes much of his energy to promoting LGBTQ and human rights, receiving over forty awards for his humanitarianism and social activism.

Cunard's Insights program showcases fascinating experts from various industries on every voyage, providing guests with an elevated and inspiring experience. The addition of Alan Cumming further demonstrates Cunard's commitment to offering exceptional entertainment and cultural enrichment aboard their ships.

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Cunard celebrates the float out of Queen Anne with milestone ceremony in Italy

Southampton/Trieste, May 3, 2023 – The world’s most iconic luxury cruise brand celebrated a momentous construction milestone today with the float out of Queen Anne at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, Italy.

The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne officially touched water for the first time exactly 365 days before she will set sail on her maiden voyage to Lisbon on 3 May 2024.

Steeped in tradition, the float out is marked by a special ceremony where a ‘Madrina’ is named to offer blessings and best wishes for the ship, 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 Queen Anne. The float out ceremony marks the ship’s transition from her building dock to where she truly belongs – in the water. Today marks a significant moment for Queen Anne as we recognise the dedication by the master ship builders at Fincantieri to build a ship that reinforces our position as a world-famous luxury brand”.

Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri, stated: “Queen Anne is the third ship we have the pleasure to build for Cunard, a pillar in the history of British seafaring, with whom we share a real commitment to excellence. Building a liner for this shipowner takes us back to our roots yet, at the same time, spurs us forward to the future in a spirit of determination to bring together tradition and innovation and further strengthen our longstanding relationship”.

The float out, completes the first comprehensive phase of construction for Queen Anne, which now transitions to focus on building the luxury ship's interiors.

The design concepts for Cunard’s newest ship have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.

For more than 180 years, Cunard has constantly refined the definitive experience of ocean travel, and Queen Anne will be bursting with Cunard’s signature experiences, including world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, and luxurious accommodation.

Entering service in May 2024, Queen Anne will make up a remarkable quartet for Cunard alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. It will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

The float out ceremony follows September’s iconic keel laying, in which a coin was embedded into the ship’s keel by Captain Inger Thorhauge, alongside an original coin from the ship’s namesake’s reign, to mark the formal start of her construction.

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Coronation Celebrations at Sea on board Cunard's Three Queens

VALENCIA, Calif., May 2, 2023 -- Cunard joins the celebration in marking the historic coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort with a range of coronation-themed activities planned on all three of its Queens.

From street parties in the majestic Grand Lobby to themed musical performances, films and quizzes, guests on board Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will be able to truly immerse themselves in the regal festivities.

An exclusive Coronation dinner menu has been created for the evening of Saturday, May 6, inspired by King Charles' love of farming, agriculture, game, and organic principles. It features a selection of specially curated dishes showcasing some of his favorite ingredients, to create a meal that perfectly commemorates this auspicious occasion.

Specially designed cocktails will be available to toast Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort, including a "Coronation Oath" made with Prosecco, White Vermouth, Grapefruit and Cardamom Bitters and a "Monarch Martini" using Cunard's 3 Queens Gin.

All three ships will be at sea for the big day and will broadcast the ceremony live from Westminster Abbey into the ships' Royal Court Theatres and stateroom TVs. Queen Elizabeth guests will be just starting their nine-night tour of Southern Japan and Taiwan, visiting the stunningly beautiful island of Hualien and the idyllic tropical paradise of Miyakojima, while Queen Victoria will be returning from a 12-night voyage around the Canary Islands.

A brand-new Coronation Celebration voyage was announced earlier this week, with Queen Mary 2 sailing roundtrip from Southampton on May 2 to Cunard's spiritual home port of Liverpool.

Cunard's world-renowned Insights program across the fleet will feature royal commentator Dickie Arbiter, historian Caroline Aston and etiquette expert Grant Harrold.

Each ship will also host a deck walk in honor of The Big Help Out on Monday May 8, to raise money for youth charity The Prince's Trust, a proud partner of Cunard's for the past 15 years since the Queen Consort was named as godmother to Queen Victoria in 2007. This significant milestone will be celebrated on a special British Isles voyage in August. To date, thanks to the generosity of guests, crew and friends, Cunard has raised over $3.37 million for the Trust. The charity helps young people who have faced disadvantage and adversity to build a better future for themselves, through employment, education and enterprise.

Cunard's royal connections date back to August 1861, when Prince Alfred sailed from Halifax to Liverpool on Cunard's SS Arabia. More recently, Cunard is immensely proud that members of the royal family have graced each of the ships in its current fleet.

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MIAMI, June 9, 2020 

PRNewswire

Luxury cruise line Cunard, announced today that, as a result of the continued impact of Covid-19, it will be extending the pause in operations. 

For its ships Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, Cunard is cancelling all sailings that were due to depart up to and including 1 November, 2020 and for Queen Elizabeth, departures up to and including the 23 November, 2020.

Cunard President, Simon Palethorpe, said, "With many differing restrictions across countries, people's ability to move freely and safely across borders remains seemingly someway in the distance. For Cunard, where we celebrate having a truly international mix of guests and sail all over the world, this becomes particularly impactful. We also need to better understand the implications Covid-19 will have on board our ships. We are therefore working, at the highest level possible, with government bodies, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - the CDC - and Public Health England, as well as the industry collective body – CLIA - and other expert medical professionals to review every aspect of a holiday with us."

He added: "Whilst we have always taken pride in having the highest levels of health and safety, we are looking at enhanced protocols across all aspects of ship life and experiences on shore. We will only return to service when we have a comprehensive restart protocol with the stamps of approval and accreditation from the most trusted and informed sources."

Cunard will be communicating with all guests, and their travel advisors, who are booked on affected voyages.

As Cunard has done previously during this pause period, guests who are booked on cancelled voyages will automatically be given a 125% Future Cruise Credit. This can be redeemed against any new booking made by the end of December 2021 on any voyage that's on sale at the time of booking.

Full details of the changes to operations and options available to guests due to travel on cancelled voyages, can be found at www.cunard.com

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