Queen Anne departs for historic maiden voyage

May 3, 2024 [Southampton, UK]

This is the moment Cunard’s luxury new ship Queen Anne set sail on her historic 7 night maiden voyage to Lisbon amid a spectacular fireworks display.

Queen Anne, the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, set sail just after 9pm as thousands of spectators gathered on the shores to watch the departure from vantage points across the city and along Southampton water.

Guests on board the 3,000 guest, 113,000-ton ship are set to enjoy a spectacular sailaway party, with celebrations continuing throughout the voyage, including a special Maiden Gala Evening and performances from tenor Russell Watson.

Cunard’s beautiful new ship set sail for a 7-night sailing to Lisbon via La Coruna, on May 3, and then the Portuguese city of Lisbon on May 7. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s maiden voyage signals the dawning of a new era in luxury ocean travel and her historic sailaway from Southampton was a very special moment for everyone connected with Cunard.  Here in the UK and across the globe, Cunard is famous for our beautiful iconic Queens.  With Queen Anne joining our fleet, she marks not just a new icon but the completion of a perfect quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria.”