P&O Cruises and Cunard Reveal Shocking Fleet Shake-Up That Will Change British Cruising Forever

• Queen Anne Joins P&O Cruises: Cunard’s newest flagship will complete her 2028/29 World Voyage before undergoing an extensive design reimagining to join the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2029 under a brand-new name.

• Arcadia Departs for Holland America: P&O Cruises will bid an emotional goodbye to the classic vessel Arcadia, which will complete her special farewell season ending on 21 August 2029 before moving to Holland America Line.

• Cunard Focus & Liverpool Celebration: Cunard will unify its fleet around Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, including a major upgrade next year for flagship Queen Mary 2 to preserve her legacy as the world's only regular transatlantic ocean liner.

Hold onto your captain’s hats! In what is being hailed as the most explosive British cruise news of the decade, Carnival UK has sent shockwaves through the maritime world with a jaw-dropping fleet realignment.

In a blockbuster double revelation that will forever change the face of ocean travel on these shores, Cunard's magnificent flagship, Queen Anne, is set to make a historic transfer to P&O Cruises in May 2029, while P&O Cruises' beloved adult-only icon, Arcadia, will bid a grand farewell to join Holland America Line.

Whether you are a loyal Cunard traditionalist or a devoted P&O Cruises fan, this monumental shift heralds a thrilling new era for British holidaymakers. Here is the lowdown on this game-changing news and what it means for your upcoming voyages.

Queen Anne to Transfer from Cunard to P&O Cruises in May 2029

Stealing the headlines in this major announcement is the news that Cunard’s magnificent new ship, Queen Anne, will be transferring to sister brand P&O Cruises in May 2029.

Since joining the Cunard fleet in 2024, the vessel has established a special place with guests due to her contemporary style, extensive choice of dining and entertainment, and highly flexible public spaces.

Carnival UK president Paul Ludlow explained that these distinct qualities give her a natural affinity with the modern P&O Cruises holiday experience.

Following an extensive design reimagining, she will introduce a completely new class of ship to the P&O Cruises fleet, broadening guest choices through a different scale and style of onboard experience.

Before making her historic transition, Queen Anne has an extraordinary schedule ahead. She will sail a season of newly added winter cruises in 2028/29 before embarking on her final World Voyage as a Cunard Queen in January 2029.

Her final official sailing under the Cunard flag will be voyage H909, sailing from Hamburg and arriving in Southampton on 9 April 2029.

Following the completion of her world cruise, she will undergo an extensive design reimagining and be officially renamed before entering service for P&O Cruises in May 2029.

Arcadia to Depart P&O Cruises for Holland America Line in August 2029

As P&O Cruises prepares to welcome this defining addition to its next chapter, the cruise line will also bid a fond farewell to a longtime favourite.

The adult-only vessel Arcadia is set to transition to sister brand Holland America Line. Because Arcadia shares a platform with several Holland America ships, she represents a natural fit for their fleet expansion and future development under the Holland America Evolution programme.

Loyal fans will have ample opportunity to pay tribute to the beloved ship, as Arcadia will enjoy a dedicated farewell season with P&O Cruises, concluding with her final sailing on 21 August 2029.

Details and the official on-sale date for Arcadia's celebratory farewell season will be announced soon. Following her departure, she will undergo a comprehensive transformation as part of 'Holland America Evolution', the line's multiyear fleet renewal programme, joining sister Vista-Class ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordam.

Cunard's Future Fleet Strategy and the "Four Queens" Liverpool Gathering

For Cunard, this transition allows the luxury ocean line to sharpen its focus around a deeply unified fleet centred on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth.

Commitment to the brand remains as strong as ever, with major investments and refits scheduled for Queen Victoria in November 2026 and flagship Queen Mary 2 in March 2027, ensuring each ship continues to deliver an elegant, distinctly Cunard experience.

In particular, next year Cunard will complete a major upgrade of flagship Queen Mary 2. As the world's only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service, this investment is specifically designed to ensure she continues to delight guests for decades to come.

Cruisers can also look forward to an unmissable spectacle in the North West. The grand "Four Queens" gathering in Liverpool remains fully on track for 15 and 16 May 2028.

This historic overnight event will see Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth assemble on the River Mersey together for the first and final time, marking an unforgettable celebration of Cunard's legendary history with the city before Queen Anne transfers to P&O Cruises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my existing Cunard or P&O Cruises holiday still go ahead?

Yes, guests can continue booking with complete confidence. All currently published voyages and existing programmes for both brands will operate exactly as planned.

What will Queen Anne be called when she joins P&O Cruises?

The ship will undergo an extensive design reimagining and will be officially renamed before entering service with P&O Cruises in May 2029. P&O Cruises will announce further details regarding her new name and future holiday programme at a later date.

What upgrades are planned for Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2?

Cunard will complete a major upgrade of Queen Mary 2 next year. As the world's only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service, this investment is designed to ensure she continues delivering her iconic transatlantic experience for decades to come.

Why is Queen Anne moving to P&O Cruises and Arcadia moving to Holland America Line?

Queen Anne offers flexible public spaces, diverse dining options, and contemporary entertainment that align naturally with the modern P&O Cruises experience. Meanwhile, Arcadia shares her underlying hull design platform with Holland America Line's Vista-class ships, making her an ideal fit to join that fleet as part of their future development.

Are any other Cunard ships leaving the fleet?

No, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth remain firmly at the heart of Cunard. Major refits are already scheduled for Queen Victoria in November 2026 and flagship Queen Mary 2 in March 2027.

Is the Four Queens event in Liverpool still happening?

Yes, the gathering was planned well before this fleet decision was made, and the event remains completely unchanged. Queen Anne will be in Liverpool overnight on 15 and 16 May 2028 alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, serving as a magnificent celebration of the city's long relationship with Cunard.

Will this be the last time all four Cunard Queens assemble together?

Yes, the gathering in Liverpool on 16 May 2028 is planned to be the final time that Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth will be together as the Cunard fleet before Queen Anne transfers to P&O Cruises in 2029.

Will Cunard ships continue to visit Liverpool after Queen Anne leaves?

Yes, Cunard ships will definitely continue to return to Liverpool in the years ahead. The cruise line looks forward to its next scheduled call there with Queen Victoria in July 2027.

Is Liverpool still Queen Anne’s official godparent?

Yes, Liverpool will always be proudly recognised as the city that welcomed Queen Anne as her official godparent, and that heritage will forever remain part of her history.

When is the last chance to sail on Arcadia with P&O Cruises?

Arcadia, which has been part of P&O Cruises for over 20 years, will enjoy a celebratory farewell season concluding on 21 August 2029. Full details of her farewell season and the on-sale date will be announced shortly.

What will happen to Arcadia when she joins Holland America Line?

Following her final P&O Cruises sailing on 21 August 2029, Arcadia will transfer to Holland America Line in late 2029. She will undergo a comprehensive transformation through 'Holland America Evolution', joining her sister Vista-Class ships Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam, and Noordam.