(7 p.m. BST) -- Cunard’s 249th ship Queen Anne was christened in Liverpool, England, today during a landmark ceremony that drew on the line’s historic links with the city stretching back to its founding here 184 years ago.
In a complete break with tradition – and one that took observers by total surprise – the City of Liverpool was named as the ship’s official godparent in an announcement made just two hours before the official ceremony took place on its famous waterfront.
It had previously been expected that a member of the British royal family would take the role, as on previous occasions, and speculation was rife that it might be Princess Anne or, in a break with tradition, King Charles.
However, his recovery from cancer and the axeing of most royal engagements in the run-up to the UK’s general election meant this was unlikely.
Rumours flew that it could be Beatles legend Paul McCartney, but in the end it was the port city that has played – and continues to play - such a vital role in Cunard’s renowned heritage that took the honour.
Representing it were five remarkable Liverpudlian women: Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thomson.
To the crowds of locals gathered along the banks of the Mersey, this was a proud moment that drew cheers of jubilation as the women were introduced and took their places on stage alongside Cunard president Katie McAlister.
“Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard,” she declared. “There is nowhere in the world where Cunard is more loved than Liverpool and today Queen Anne represents and strengthens both our past, but also our enduring bond.
“It’s for that reason we asked the City of Liverpool to be the godparent of Queen Anne so please accept this as a dedication to each and every one of you in this city.”
As the five “icons” pressed the launch button, a giant balthazar of Laurent Perrier Champagne was released from the top of Queen Anne – which was moored just offshore –and smashed down on to the prow to whoops and applause from the thousands of onlookers who watched on giant video screens.
It added to the carnival feel of the afternoon, where the atmosphere had been building since Cunard’s fourth Queen made an early morning arrival, its distinctive funnel providing a dashing slash of scarlet under heavy skies as it headed towards Liverpool’s famous Pier Head.
As the ship drew closer, its debut visit to Cunard’s spiritual home was given a traditional maritime welcome with a gushing water salute from a tugboat that escorted the 113,000-ton vessel to its initial mooring close to the city’s iconic Three Graces buildings.
As time passed, a trickle of interested onlookers turned into a flood as Liverpudlians of all ages came out to welcome Cunard’s newest fleet member, and a short time before the ceremony started Queen Anne moved into position in front of the line’s former headquarters, the stately Cunard Building and its imposing neighbours the Royal Liver Building and Port of Liverpool Building.
British TV personalities Matt and Emma Willis led proceedings, with performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and an entertaining display by students from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and Liverpool Theatre School, plus DJ Lauren Lo Sung.
The ceremony ended on a high with a moving performance by legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli who performed his enduring classic Time to Say Goodbye as the final flourish to a memorable occasion.
As the crowds started to dissipate, one local couple, Patti and Lennie from Aintree, had claimed their place by the barriers since 10am.
“We didn’t want to miss this,” said Patti. “It’s the first ship naming we’ve been to. It is so historical and it’s a Liverpool thing. This will be something to treasure.”
As some people made their way home, others stayed to chat and posed for pictures with Cunard bellboys in their distinctive uniforms, who found themselves becoming minor celebrities.
Festival-style street entertainers and attractions kept the tempo buzzing as the evening celebrations kicked off with more orchestral performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and British DJ Craig Charles who hosted a sailaway party designed to mark Queen Anne’s departure against a suitably impressive firework finale.
(May 6) -- Cunard has confirmed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will close the official naming ceremony for its new ship, Queen Anne, in Liverpool.
Bocelli will be joined by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and performers from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, for a special naming ceremony hosted by musician Matt Willis and his wife, TV presenter Emma Willis.
The celebrity hosts will be joined on stage by special guests and the official Godparent for the naming of Queen Anne – which the line has still not revealed.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home, and we are thrilled to announce Maestro Bocelli as part of our incredible line-up of talented artists and performers for this special event.
"This celebration is a tribute to our rich history and a testament to the enduring bond between Cunard and the city of Liverpool. We look forward to honouring this legacy with a celebration of unforgettable performances that reflect the spirit and vibrancy of both our company and this magnificent city."
Bocelli said: "It’s an honour to be performing in Liverpool, for the Official Naming Ceremony of Queen Anne. This event promises to be a beautiful celebration of artistry and craftsmanship, which perfectly captures spirit and elegance of Cunard’s new ship. To be taking part in such a historic occasion, in a city rich in cultural heritage, truly brings me great joy."
The celebrations will then continue with additional performances from the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, and DJ Lauren Lo Sung. The festivities will then shift to a lively funk and soul set by Craig Charles, ensuring the celebration continues until the grand finale, when Queen Anne departs with a backdrop of dazzling fireworks.
-- Jorge Oliver
(May 1, 2024) – Cunard’s fourth ship, Queen Anne, arrived in her homeport of Southampton yesterday, accompanied by a water cannon salute.
The 3,000-passenger ship is staying in the city for two nights before embarking on her maiden voyage Friday to Lisbon.
Queen Anne is the first new Cunard ship to launch in 14 years and the 249th to sail under the Cunard flag. The last Cunard ship to launch was Queen Elizabeth in 2010.
Throughout its maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries and taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting cities.
In 2025, Queen Anne will chart a course for Australia and New Zealand, arriving in late February and early March. The new ship will call on ports including Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane, Whitsunday Islands, Yorkeys Knob and Darwin as part of the ship's Maiden World Voyage.
Queen Anne had arrived from Italy following an official handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard April 19 in Venice, with spectators taking up vantage points along Southampton Water.
Cruise Critic had the chance to explore Cunard's newest vessel in Southampton prior to its inaugural voyage.
The ship is docked in Southampton today (May 1) for a VIP event for media, trade partners, and partners and those associated with its build.
The VIP experience included a series of expert panels, with key partners and collaborators across dining, design and wellness revealing how they brought Queen Anne’s headline concepts to life.
Two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux – who has created an exclusive gala menu for Queen Anne's Queens Grill restaurant and a new menu for Queen Anne's pub, the Golden Lion – hosted a Q&A session.
He also announced that he will be hosting two Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels residencies on board Queen Anne in August and September.
Guests also had a chance to meet the designers behind Queen Anne with 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.
Elsewhere, Harper’s Bazaar’s UK beauty director Katy Young led an enrichment-focused Q&A that introduced Queen Anne’s Wellness at Sea proposition – a collection of three spa packages designed to revive, restore and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.
An official blessing and plaque exchange ceremony will take place while the ship is alongside at Mayflower Terminal on Friday (May 3).
Queen Anne will then set sail for her maiden voyage, a seven-night sailing to Lisbon via La Coruna. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands.
Queen Anne will be named where the line was founded in 1840 – Liverpool, England, on June 3, 2024.
It is due to arrive in the Mersey soon after sunrise as part of a 14-night “British Isles Festival Voyage,” which departs Southampton on May 24.
The line has not revealed who will be the godmother, but there is some conjecture on the Cruise Critic message boards that it could be Princess Anne (not confirmed).
The new ship blends the modern, with strong nods to its past, such as in the Grand Atrium, where the Art Deco-inspired display is on an LED screen.
The main pool deck – The Pavilion – has a magrodome roof, hot tubs, plenty of loungers and a Wellness Café.
But there is still tradition in the form of the Chart Room and Cunard favorite – a well-stocked library.
-- Adam Coulter, U.K. Executive Editor
(April 19, 2024) -- During a handover ceremony in Italy, Cunard officially took possession of its newest ship, Queen Anne.
The vessel joins Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, marking the first time since 1999 that the storied cruise line will have four ships in simultaneous service.
The handover event took place at Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice. Queen Anne becomes the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, and the third to be built by Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, following Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
“We are so excited to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet as she completes a remarkable quartet," said Katie McAlister, president of Cunard Line.
"This beautiful and iconic ship testifies the longstanding partnership between our two companies, underscoring our shared commitment to excellence and tradition in the maritime industry," added Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and managing director of Fincantieri.
The new 3,000-passenger ship is set to embark on its maiden voyage on May 3 -- a seven-night sailing from Southampton to Lisbon. The vessel is also scheduled to celebrate a naming ceremony in Liverpool on June 3.
--Jorge Oliver, Editor
(7 a.m. GMT) – Cunard has announced its newest ship Queen Anne will be named where the line was founded in 1840 – Liverpool, England, on June 3, 2024.
The 3,000-passenger ship is due to arrive in the Mersey soon after sunrise as part of a 14-night “British Isles Festival Voyage”, which departs Southampton on May 24.
The line has not revealed who will be the godmother, but there is some conjecture on the Cruise Critic message boards that it could be Princess Anne (not confirmed).
The ship will make its debut in a special “VIP Event” in Southampton on May 1 and May 2, of which no details have yet been revealed.
“Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool. It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his Transatlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories,” said Katie McAlister, President of Cunard.
Queen Anne will be greeted by a special salute to the city where Cunard’s pioneering transatlantic service – and passenger shipping itself – was launched in 1840, and where the iconic Cunard Building forms the centrepiece of the Three Graces.
The formal Naming will be hosted by Busted musician, Matt Willis, and his TV presenter wife, Emma.
The event in Liverpool is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators 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. The event will also be broadcast live.
Cunard ships have previously attracted more than a million spectators to the banks of the Mersey, first for the maiden call of QE2 in July 1990 (pictured above), and in 2015 for the Three Queens ‘royal rendezvous’ in front of the Cunard Building to celebrate the line’s 175th anniversary.
The 14-night British Isles Festival voyage will depart Southampton on 24 May with maiden calls to Greenock, Belfast, Cork, and Liverpool and a programme of onboard experiences that showcase the best of Britain and Ireland's shores.
Guests on the voyage will have the chance to be part of a unique event in Cunard’s history that will include celebrations at Liverpool’s Pier Head, with the original iconic Cunard Building at its heart.
Queen Anne is the first new ship to join the Cunard fleet in 12 years and will increase the fleet to four.
Further details of timings, activities, and spectator information for Queen Anne’s visit to Liverpool will be released over the coming months.