Gary Buchanan takes a look at the new Queen Anne
Excitement is building for what promises to be the most spectacular ship's christening in many years. The venue is not Miami, New York, nor even Southampton, but Liverpool - Britain's historic maritime gateway between the Old World and the New.
Standing proudly on the banks of the River Mersey, this city was the birthplace of the revered Cunard Line and became home to the greatest enterprise in transatlantic shipping between 1839 and 1967. The 249th ship to sail under the company's flag is soon to be named in this city that's synonymous with opulent sea travel. On 3rd June, tens of thousands of spectators are expected to descend on the Pier Head in front of the magnificent ‘Three Graces’ to see a spectacular christening ceremony for Queen Anne.
From the Fab Four to Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music with seriously cool credentials. Only last May, over 300,000 visitors descended on the city to be part of the great camp-fest that is Eurovision. The Cunard event will be a tad more traditional, with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra joining forces with the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts.
This seafaring city is no stranger to Cunard's showstoppers. Two superbly choreographed events each attracted over a million visitors to the Mersey. The first was in July 1990, when QE2 sailed into the Mersey for the first time. In May 2015, to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Cunard Line, the three stately liners, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and flagship Queen Mary 2, sailed into the Mersey for a stunning synchronised maritime ballet abeam the Pier Head. Small wonder the Freedom of the City was bestowed on Cunard during the celebrations. The inauguration festivities for Queen Anne will be another fitting tribute to this city that's inextricably linked to the greatest name in passenger shipping.
With the motto of 'speed, comfort, and safety', Cunard has always ensured that passengers enjoy a reliable, lavish seaborne journey. At the beginning of the 20th century, a trio of majestic liners heralded the first 'floating palaces'. In 1934, the record-breaking RMS Queen Mary entered service and was joined in 1946 by the equally spry RMS Queen Elizabeth. “Getting there is half the fun!” proclaimed the Cunard brochures of that era, but the dawn of transatlantic flights almost brought the curtain down on this 'Golden Age' of travel. In a bold move, a liner fit for a new generation of voyagers made its debut in 1969. This 1,777-passenger QE2 was distinguished for its illustrious career that spanned 39 years.
In 1998, Carnival Corporation purchased Cunard and announced the construction of a new sumptuous liner. When Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004, she was the longest, tallest, widest, and most expensive ship ever built. This flagship was joined by Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010. 14 years later, the 114,000 gross tonne Queen Anne is set to magnify this noble lineage.
The history of Cunard is an allegory for the evolution of cruising. While celebrating the company's time-honoured traditions, Queen Anne marks the dawn of a new era. Flaunting a décor that’s simultaneously modern and classical, the designers have conceived a vision of a 21st century liner where the luxury lifestyle appeals to a discerning, younger crowd eager to revel in nostalgia.
The 2,996-guest vessel has the widest selection of dining venues, bars, entertainment, and well-being facilities ever seen on a Cunard ship. Guests can enjoy an impressive variety of luxury experiences, from 'Le Gavroche at Sea' residencies by the two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux, who has created a Gala Menu for the Queens Grill, to indulgent packages curated by Harper’s Bazaar’s beauty experts, and exclusive British Film Institute screenings in The Pavilion.
Spanning three decks, the signature Grand Lobby has a contemporary mural marking the transition from the past to the present. Subtly changing throughout the day due to integral lighting, this sculpted installation invokes travel across the world's oceans. As one of the most elegant public rooms at sea, the quintessential two-deck-high Queens Room has a striking new design, while guests can immerse themselves in live entertainment in the 835-seat Royal Court Theatre. By creating an aura of a revitalised past, the novel Bright Lights Society is a hosted experience that brings a tableau of glamour and drama to proceedings.
Queen Anne provides guests with some of the most debonair sanctuaries at sea. All suites and staterooms have been designed by Paris-based Sybille de Margerie, whose impressive portfolio includes the Mandarin Oriental Paris, as well as Atlantis, The Royal Residences, in Dubai. Passengers can choose from six grades of accommodation: Britannia Inside, Britannia Oceanview, Britannia Balcony, Britannia Club Balcony, Princess Grill Suites, and Queens Grill Suites. Because of guest demand, the number of Britannia Club Staterooms has increased by over 200 percent compared to other ships in the fleet. Grill Suites range from approximately 301 square feet to 1440 square feet. As with all Cunard ships, dedicated restaurants correspond to differing accommodation categories.
In addition to Cunard's classic restaurants, new dining options range from indulgent treats to refined gastronomy. Guests can savour Mediterranean cuisine in Tramonto, Japanese delicacies in Aji Wa, Indian specialities in Aranya, as well as steaks and seafood in Sir Samuel's. Popular bars and lounges are a feature of Queen Anne, including the congenial forward-facing Commodore Club, the relaxed Carinthia Lounge, and the refined Chart Room.
A new spa - Mareel Wellness & Beauty – boasts the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal, and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard vessel. There's also an array of treatment rooms and a private spa suite, along with a brand-new top-deck wellness studio.
With a specially designed glass-dome roof that can be retracted in warmer climes, the Pavilion is an ideal hangout for a range of pastimes. As well as a swimming pool, there's a central stage and a large LED screen for open-air theatre, cinema screenings, and live music. With impressive sea views, the Panorama Pool Club at the aft of the ship is a vibrant chill-out spot to soak up the sun. At the front of the ship on Deck 14, the Sky Bar and Observation Deck features a sit-up bar counter and deck games, including a full-sized paddle tennis court. Cabana is a laid-back leisure bar featuring a selection of rum-based cocktails.
This is the first time since 1999 that the Cunard fleet will comprise four ships, all of which honour the names of every British queen regent over the last millennium.
In March 2022, Inger Klein Thorhauge, Cunard’s first female Captain, was appointed to command Queen Anne. Having commenced her career in 1997 as Second Officer onboard Cunard’s Vistafjord, Captain Thorhauge has been part of the team responsible for the new Cunarder's creation from design to delivery.
Cruise fans lucky enough to be in Liverpool for the arrival and christening of this eagerly awaited ship should make their way to vantage points alongside the river at Pier Head, between New Brighton and Seacombe on Wirral, and on beaches at Formby and Crosby in Sefton. Anyone with a long memory will be banking on better weather than the last time a Cunard ship was named in the Mersey. It was a cold, blustery day in December 1999 when the former Vistafjord was rededicated as Caronia by Cunard's Chief Operating Officer, Pamela Conover. Now the question on everybody's lips is who will be the Godmother to this new Cunarder - and will the company uphold tradition and invite a member of the Royal Family?
Call Panache Cruises on 0161 513 8200 if you want to learn more about Cunard Cruises.
