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November 15, 2023

Cunard Line‘s former New York Headquarters provided a mesmerizing glimpse of its latest addition to its fleet of Queens.

With its roots deeply embedded in New York City’s history, Cunard Line, founded by Canadian visionary Sir Samuel Cunard, played a pivotal role in connecting Europe and North America through transatlantic travel. The journey began in 1840 with RMS Britannia sailing from Liverpool to Halifax and later to Boston, marking the genesis of Cunard’s Atlantic Ocean service. New York City quickly emerged as a prominent destination, welcoming Cunard’s advanced steamship, RMS Arcadia, in 1850.

Seventy years later, Cunard celebrated in its former New York City home.

In 1920, Cunard moved into its North American headquarters at 25 Broadway. The storied lobby is now the opulent event space Cipriani 25 Broadway, where the company unveiled its newest Queen to an enthusiastic New York audience. The ship, named after Queen Anne, the 17th century British monarch celebrated for her patronage of arts and innovation. The Queen perfectly embodies Cunard’s vision of the finest ship of its era. The grand celebration unfolded in the lavishly adorned Great Hall. Its dome rises to a height of 65 feet in a room that is 185 feet in length. The Great Hall served as an exquisite backdrop for the night’s festivities. Renowned actor and entertainer Alan Cumming took the stage, setting the tone for a groundbreaking entertainment concept on Queen Anne: the Bright Lights Society. The name pays homage to Cunard’s pioneering use of electric lights on their first ocean liner, highlighting the company’s enduring legacy. It will feature artists of Alan Cumming’s stature in a setting that will allow talent and passengers to get up close and personal.

Queen Anne’s Art Collection will be by far the biggest afloat.

Amidst the lavish buffet tables and bars serving exquisite drinks, guests marveled at a contemporary art exhibit showcasing Queen Anne‘s impressive 4300-piece collection. This collection, larger than any other cruise ships, features works by emerging talents like photographer Michael James O’Brien, Canadian artist Eric Louie, Brooklyn textile artist Shradhar, and London-based artist Tommy Camerno. The works shared at the event were fascinating to see and just a tiny preview of what awaits about Queen Anne.

Queen Anne will carry more passengers than any other Cunard ship.

Queen Anne boasts 14 decks, 15 dining venues, and can accommodate up to 3000 guests, attended to by a dedicated crew of 1,225 members. Surpassing even the flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne is set to redefine luxury cruise experiences. The ship’s Britannia Club Balcony staterooms have been increased by 200%, catering to the demand for exclusive accommodations. Britannia Club guests enjoy their meals at a reserved table in the dedicated Britannia Club Restaurant, located at the heart of the ship next to the Grand Lobby. The pinnacle of Cunard‘s offerings, however, belongs to passengers of the Princess and Queen’s Grill suites, pampered by attentive butlers and enjoying exclusive lounges, restaurants, and a private Grill’s Terrace.

The anticipation continues to build

There are still six more months before Queen Anne embarks on its maiden voyage in May 2024. Cunard‘s President, Katie McAlister, proudly introduced Queen Anne’s Captain to the press and VIP guests. Notably, Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, a veteran with 25 years of service at Cunard, will command the ship—a historic first for Cunard, a woman Captain, marking a significant milestone in the company’s legacy.

Queen Anne’s Inaugural Season

Queen Anne first sailings this summer we carry passengers through Europe with captivating itineraries covering the Canary Islands, British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, and the Mediterranean. All these experiences will prepare the ship for its ultimate assignment: Queen Anne’s epic 111-day World Cruise, commencing on January 7, 2025.

Don’t miss more updates, news and reviews about Cunard on Cruising Journal.

Monte Mathews

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