Queen Anne: everything agents need to know about Cunard's first new ship for 14 years

When a cruise line invites the travel trade to an overnight showcase of their 249th ship, it can only be Cunard. The event in Southampton on 1 May will provide agents with an exclusive preview of the elevated dining, wellness and entertainment concepts onboard the new 2,996-guest Queen Anne.

While celebrating the company’s traditions, this addition to the fleet marks the dawn of a new era. The designers have conceived a vision of a 21st-century liner where the luxury lifestyle will appeal to a discerning, younger crowd eager for a retrospective into the realm of Downton Abbey.

Angus Struthers, vice-president of global marketing and EMEA sales at Cunard, takes up the story. “Queen Anne will have the widest selection of dining venues, bars, entertainment, fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities ever seen on a Cunard ship. She will also boast a fantastic mix of much-loved signature venues such as the re-imagined grand Atrium and Queens Room, plus concepts including Bright Lights Society – an exhilarating new show bar inspired by historic, bold electric light installations, where guests can immerse themselves in live entertainment.”

Struthers adds: “Guests will enjoy an impressive variety of brand partnerships onboard. There will be luxury experiences for everyone, from Le Gavroche at Sea residencies hosted by two- Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux to wellness packages curated by Harper’s Bazaar beauty experts and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion for film lovers.”

STYLISH SUITES 

Queen Anne will provide guests with some of the finest accommodations at sea. Four categories include Britannia Staterooms, Britannia Club Staterooms, Princess Grill Suites and Queens Grill Suites. As with all Cunard ships, dedicated restaurants correspond to different accommodation categories. New dining options range from light bites and treats to the ultimate in fine cuisine.