Anne crowned with iconic red and black funnel in Italy
Anne has been crowned!
No, it’s not a dramatic change to the coronation plans but a milestone of progress for Cunard in the building of Queen Anne.
These stunning pictures capture the moment the new beauty received her crowning glory as Cunard’s iconic red and black funnel was secured onto the luxury cruise line’s newest ship.
This significant construction milestone, known as the ‘funnel lift’, took place at the Fincantieri shipyard on Friday and takes the remarkable ship one step closer to her maiden voyage in May 2024.
It is an important shipbuilding moment that marks the installation of one of the ship’s most recognisable features.
Queen Anne will be the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, completing an impressive quartet alongside Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four Queens at sea.
Cunard’s distinctive red and black funnels have adorned its ships for more than 150 years, becoming synonymous with the company’s rich seafaring heritage and reputation for luxury ocean travel.
Their design is the brainchild of Robert Napier, the shipyard owner who built some of Cunard’s earliest ships. The striking colour scheme endures to this day, making Cunard ships instantly identifiable in ports across the world.
The design concepts for Cunard’s newest ship have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest Queen Anne, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.
The ship will also offer a range of signature Cunard experiences for guests, including five-star dining options with White Star Service, luxurious spa facilities, and new entertainment venues.
What’s more, Queen Anne will take guests to some of the world’s most enticing locations during her maiden season, from the cultural gems of the Mediterranean to the mystical landscapes of the Norwegian fjords.
Angus Struthers, Senior Vice President Cunard, said: “We are thrilled to mark this important milestone in the construction of Queen Anne. The installation of the funnel is a significant step in the building process and brings the ship one step closer to joining our fleet.
For Cunard, the distinctive red and black funnel is an iconic symbol of our heritage and will be one of Queen Anne’s most recognisable features.”
Queen Anne’s inaugural British Isle voyage, Southampton roundtrip, 14 nights (H413), starting from $3,599pp, departing 24 May 2024.
Discover the best of British in this 14-night voyage, where the quaint streets of Kirkwall and fascinating remnants of Greenock’s industrial history are among the highlights to savour.
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