Last week, Cunard launched its first newbuild in 15 years. In a historic event for the cruise line, Queen Anne set sail on her maiden voyage from her homeport of Southampton. Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag.
Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords. During this time, she will visit over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.
Passengers can look forward to a plethora of stunning interiors designed by creative leads from world-famous design studios including Lewis Taylor of David Collins Studio, Sybille de Margerie, Fiona Thompson from Richmond International and Melita Skamnaki of Double Decker. In this article, we will dive into some of the dazzling spaces debuting on this long-awaited vessel.
A transformation from the past to the present
The ship’s centrepiece will be the spectacular Grand Lobby spanning three decks. Its design will provide a show-stopping entrance, full of energy and light. Marking the transition from past to present, the area will house a contemporary sculpted mural that changes its display throughout the day using an integrated lighting effect. Its displays will celebrate ocean travel.
The zen approach
Queen Anne will boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities of any Cunard ship, with its reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.
Cunard’s Mareel concept aims to deliver enriching wellness experiences that leave guests feeling radiant from the inside out, just as its namesake – a glowing luminescence – lights the sea from within. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of uniquely crafted experiences – from cryotherapy treatments to a Himalayan salt sauna and cold room – that will renew the mind, body, and soul.
An open-air oasis
One of Queen Anne’s stand-out wellness spaces is The Pavilion, an idyllic open-air oasis on the top deck featuring a specially designed glass dome roof that retracts in warmer climates. The multi-purpose space, designed by David Collins Studio (of Harrods and Claridge’s fame), weaves together several wellness elements, and will encompass the top deck Wellness Studio – an ideal retreat for fitness fanatics – as well as the Wellness Café, an alternative dining experience serving a colourful mix of seasonal, mouth-watering, and nutritious dishes.
Acclaimed architect Martin Francis – who supported with engineering the iconic Louvre Pyramid in Paris – led a redesigning of the glass dome, which will now feature a refined arched steel frame to maximise height and light in the space as it stretches up and aft to create the new Wellness Studio.
Entertainment aplenty
Cunard’s signature venue, the Queens Room, debuts a new striking design for Queen Anne. This magnificent room will play host to a variety of activities from Afternoon Tea to Gala Evenings, classical recitals, and ballroom dancing.
Queen Anne will also launch Bright Lights Society – a new intimate venue, designed by the renowned Richmond International, offering hosted experiences and an exciting carousel of entertainment for guests, where no two nights are the same. The name, Bright Lights Society honours Cunard’s heritage as the world’s first ocean liner to use electric lights.
In addition to its wellness benefits, there will also be a wealth of pastime choices at The Pavilion. As well as a swimming pool, the space will hold both a central stage and a large LED screen for open-air theatre, cinema screenings, live music and more.
Deck games
The luxury cruise line has celebrated deck games for more than a century and will continue this legacy on board Queen Anne. Cunard previously announced an exclusive partnership with Pickleball England, the English governing body of one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and North America. A mixture of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, Pickleball can be played by singles or in pairs, either indoors or outside, and Queen Anne’s top deck will boast its very own state-of-the-art Pickleball court.
Queen Anne will also be the only ship in the world where travellers can master their archery skills with a real bow and arrow, as Cunard elevates its deck game offering with a new Archery GB partnership. The partnership connects Cunard with world leading athletes and Olympic coaches, with on board instructors accredited by Archery GB. The 3,000-guest ship will be an official Archery GB activity centre, where guests will be able to learn the basics with in-person coaching, compete with fellow travellers and enjoy a social introduction to the sport.
Sky Bar and Observation Deck
Queen Anne’s spectacular Sky Bar and Observation Deck provides a haven for deck game enthusiasts. Located at the forward of the ship on deck 14, this day-round venue is a wonderfully multi-purpose destination, complete with some of the most uninhibited views of any outside space on board.
Golfers will enjoy the putting green and fully stocked driving range, allowing travellers to practise their game surrounded by sparkling sea views or overlooking stunning port landscapes. The ever-popular deck quoits and shuffleboard courts will also be based in the Observation Deck and Sky Bar, offering travellers the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy some friendly competition.
New dining experiences
Queen Anne debuts some exciting new dining options in addition to classic, much-loved restaurants. There will be 15 venues where passengers can enjoy an array of flavours, from laid-back light bites and indulgent treats, to the ultimate in fine dining. Guests will be able to dine as they wish, with an array of cuisines to choose from across the ship, throughout the entire day.
Taste buds go global
One of Queen Anne’s new venues, an Indian-themed restaurant named Aranya, will launch an immersive dining experience for guests to enjoy. As an all-new taste direction for Cunard, Aranya (meaning forest or wilderness in Sanskrit) has been designed to surprise and delight guests who will be transported on a multi-sensory tour of the Indian subcontinent, from the vibrancy of the spice-rich flavours of India to the luxurious interiors, which include stunning floor-to-ceiling windows to ensure magnificent views while dining. Guests can choose where to take their taste buds, be it the sprawling bazaars of Delhi, the lush green pastures of Kerala, or perhaps the golden sands of Goa.
Bars and Lounges
Queen Anne’s selection of bars and alternative dining options take design and opulence to new levels and include the breathtaking views afforded by the Commodore Club (Deck 12) to the relaxed vibe of the Carinthia Lounge (Deck 3) and the refined ambience of the Chart Room (Deck 2).
Other venues include:
- The Panorama Pool Club. With impressive sea views and a prime position at the aft of the ship, this will be a vibrant destination in which to soak up the sunshine and make the most out of luxurious days on board Queen Anne.
- Sky Bar and Observation Deck. Located at the forward of the ship on deck 14, this day-round space will feature a sit-up bar and deck games, including a full-sized paddle tennis court, putting green and driving range.
- Cabana. A laid-back leisure bar featuring a selection of vibrant, rum-based cocktails (and other favourites).
- Britannia Restaurant – Designed by David Collins Studio, this venue’s interiors pay homage to Greek mythology, with murals depicting the Anemoi wind gods representing the four seasons, and patterns that depict the movement of the wind and sea.
Rooms with a view
Queen Anne’s accommodation will provide guests with some of the finest spaces at sea, including Cunard’s renowned Grills Suites, where sumptuous accommodation in a wide range of suites matched to two of the ship’s finest restaurants, the Queens Grill and the Princess Grill. These suites range from approximately 301 sq. ft up to 1440 sq. ft. A total of six standards of accommodation will be available: Britannia Inside; Britannia Oceanview; Britannia Balcony; Britannia Club Balcony; Princess Grill Suites, and Queens Grill Suites. Due to guest demand, the number of Britannia Club staterooms on Queen Anne has increased by more than 200% versus other ships in the fleet. These were designed by Paris-based Sybille de Margerie, whose impressive portfolio includes the Mandarian Paris and Atlantis, The Royal Residences in Dubai.
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