The cruise industry’s worst kept secret was finally out in the open today with Cunard’s announcement that its new ship is to be called Queen Anne.
The ship, currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard in Italy, will be Cunard’s 249th and will complete the current quartet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
The name was predicted by SeaView and widely anticipated by the industry after Carnival announced in 2017 that a new ship was on its way.
Her arrival in 2024 will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard has four ships at sea.
Anne was Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland from 8 March 1702 until 1 May 1707 when, following the Acts of Union, the kingdoms of England and Scotland united as a single sovereign state known as Great Britain.
The last of the Stuart monarchs, Anne continued to reign as Queen of Great Britain and Ireland until her death in 1714.
Carnival UK President Sture Myrmell said today: “This marks a very special moment in Cunard’s 182-year history and showcases Cunard’s exciting global plans for the future, allowing even more guests around the world to set sail with Cunard.
“With design inspired by the past and set for the future, Queen Anne is the perfect way for our guests to rediscover the joy of exploration and travel again. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months.”
Queen Anne’s maiden season programme will go on sale in May, with the ship’s first sailings in early 2024.