After announcing the vessel’s name last month, on Wednesday (9 March) the first renderings for a number of signature spaces were released.
Areas such as the Grand Lobby, Queen’s Room, Britannia Restaurant and Golden Lion Pub will all feature onboard Queen Anne but have been reimagined from how they look onboard her sister ships.
Cunard has enlisted a design team comprising David Collins Studio, Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie, with the project overseen by creative director Adam Tihany.
Speaking to TTG, Powell said the approach to the designs represented “Cunard of the future” and he believed the ship’s wider offering would “set a new benchmark”. Itineraries are due to be released in early May before the ship goes on sale later in the month. It will launch in early 2024.
According to Powell, Queen Anne would feature “a number” of new restaurants, including Italian and Pan Asian venues. The ship’s Royal Court Theatre will also return, while Powell hinted at new entertainment venues in which guests will be able to enjoy “more intimate and surprising performances”.
In a first for Cunard’s fleet, Queen Anne will offer a new wellness and beauty concept “carrying more fitness, beauty and spa experiences than has been seen before on a Cunard ship,” added Powell.
“There are lots of new choices and new experiences – but all based on our history what makes Cunard special.”
The ship will also receive an updated livery, with a “finessed” design of the company’s crest alongside new font inspired by the ocean liners of the past.
Of the ship’s name, Powell described Queen Anne, whose rule from 1702-1714 oversaw the unification of Great Britain, as a “fascinating and accomplished character”.
“Her reign saw a time of burgeoning culture, entertainment and design, so it’s all very relevant. She was passionate about arts, design, culture and we know are guests are too.
“Queen Anne is another important chapter for Cunard and we wanted to look in a bold direction - really harnessing what makes Cunard special but creating interiors that feel absolutely relevant for today.”
Powell said engaging agents as Cunard revealed more about Queen Anne’s features in the coming months “is a key priority” and insisted the line’s sales team would be keeping trade partners fully updated along the way.
He described how, after reporting its strongest bookings in decade upon the release of its summer 2023 sailings, the line had “huge confidence” for 2024 and May when Queen Anne goes on sale.
“There’s some really rich stories to excite people in the idea of Cunard,” he said. “To reassure our existing guests the Cunard they know and love will still be there to delight them onboard Queen Anne and also given the striking new designs and experiences, to encourage more new-to-brand and new-to-cruise guests.”
