Steel yourselves .. the building of Cunard’s 249th ship begins

Cunard and Fincantieri today celebrated starting construction of the iconic cruise line’s 249th ship, marking an exciting moment in the company’s 179-year history.

The yet unnamed ship is aiming to reimagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique and exciting on board amenities.

Top of page: Josh Weinstein, Carnival UK president, left, Gilberto Tobaldi, Castellammare shipyard director, and Cunard president Simon Palethorpe, right, at the steel-cutting ceremony

The first section of the ship is under construction at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia shipyard. The group previously delivered Cunard’s Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

The steel cutting ceremony marks the commencement of building works that will culminate in its delivery in Monfalcone, Gorizia, Italy, in 2022.

Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “The 249th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21st century. The new ship is taking inspiration from the successes of our past, integrating the Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests.”

Gilberto Tobaldi, Fincantieri’s Castellammare shipyard director, added: “We are very proud to be embarking on this next chapter of Cunard’s history with the start of the build of their newest ship and we look forward to working with the Cunard and Carnival UK teams over the next months.”

Cunard used the occasion to announce the commissioning of a unique sculpture, crafted from the first piece of metal cut for the new ship.

First piece of steel cut that will be used by Sam Shendi to create a stunning sculpture for display on the new ship

Acclaimed sculptor Sam Shendi will complete the work, which will be displayed on board the ship for guests to enjoy. Shendi is an Egyptian-born, British sculptor and uses contemporary industrial material, steel, stainless steel, aluminium and fibreglass to create his figurative work.

Shendi said: “I am really looking forward to working with the Cunard team and to be given the challenge of creating a sculpture from the first piece of steel cut for their new ship is such a unique opportunity.

“It would be exciting for any artist to be part of such a long history and know that their artwork will travel the world on the ship connecting guests from all corners of the globe.