Cunard celebrated the float out of Queen Anne with a milestone ceremony in Italy, exactly 365 days before she will set sail on her maiden voyage to Lisbon on 3rd May 2024.
The momentous occasion took place at Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, as Queen Anne officially touched water for the very first time. This makes her the 249th ship to sail under the prestigious Cunard flag.
The special float out ceremony was marked with the traditional ‘Madrina’ naming, offering blessings and best wishes for the ship and celebrating the flow of water into the vessel’s dry dock.
“The float out ceremony marks the ship’s transition from her building dock to where she truly belongs – in the water. Today marks a significant moment for Queen Anne as we recognise the dedication by the master ship builders at Fincantieri to build a ship that reinforces our position as a world-famous luxury brand.”
Carnival UK President, Sture Myrmell
Following this first comprehensive phase of Queen Anne’s construction, focus now switches to building the ship’s interiors, with design concepts that have been founded on heritage, craftsmanship, style, storytelling and innovation.
The 113,000 ton, 3,000-passenger ship will offer guests plenty of breathtaking moments and signature Cunard experiences onboard: including world-class dining, exceptional entertainment, luxurious accommodation and the largest art collection at sea.
“Queen Anne is the third ship we have the pleasure to build for Cunard, a pillar in the history of British seafaring, with whom we share a real commitment to excellence. Building a liner for this shipowner takes us back to our roots yet, at the same time, spurs us forward to the future in a spirit of determination to bring together tradition and innovation and further strengthen our longstanding relationship.”
Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager Merchant Ships Division of Fincantieri
Due to enter service in May 2024, Queen Anne will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth to make up a remarkable quartet for Cunard; the first time since 1999 that the cruise line will have a fleet of four ships in simultaneous service.
