Cunard Line's latest luxury vessel, the Queen Anne, has officially embarked on her maiden voyage, showcasing the timeless elegance and adventure synonymous with the Cunard brand. Arriving to enthusiastic crowds at Sydney Harbour, the Queen Anne marks the first time Cunard has introduced a new ship to its fleet in 14 years. The 113,000-gross-ton liner, which accommodates 2,996 guests, has quickly made headlines for her classic yet modern design. Her voyage commenced with grand expectations, as she traveled from Southampton through several stunning destinations, including the iconic Panama Canal, before reaching Australia.
The arrival of Queen Anne is not only significant for Cunard's fleet but also serves as a pivotal time for celebrating Cunard's long history with the British Isles and Liverpool. Last June, the ship was named at the world-famous Pier Head waterfront, underscoring her connection to the city and the launch of Cunard’s global celebration of its 185th anniversary since the first transatlantic crossing.
On March 1, 2025, as part of the anniversary festivities, Queen Anne will return to Liverpool for a special overnight stop, joining the festivities which commemorate Cunard's historic relationship with the city. During the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards, Lee Powell, Cunard's vice president for brand and product, received recognition for Cunard's contributions to Liverpool's economy and cultural identity. "We are proud to be part of this city’s story and even prouder of the role Liverpool continues to play in ours,” Powell stated as he accepted the award. These words reflect Cunard's deep-rooted ties to the city dating back to 1840, when the Britannia made the first Cunard voyage.
According to Natalie Wyatt, another board member of Liverpool City Region Visitor Economy Partnership, “Cunard has helped shape the region’s cultural identity, turning the Mersey riverfront, with its storied past, to reflect adventure and innovation.” It’s clear from the accolades being awarded to Cunard how much their influence has shaped both tourism and maritime heritage, resulting in thousands of new jobs and millions of passengers connecting Liverpool with the world.
Significant attention is being directed to the increase of cruise tourism with Cunard's initiatives to invite travel agents aboard its vessels. Cunard’s director of UK Sales, Tom Mahoney, elaborated on the importance of experiencing the cruise firsthand: "There is no greater way to understand the magic of Cunard than by stepping aboard and experiencing our luxury offering firsthand."
Cunard is set to host several familiarization trips for travel agents between May and September of 2025, aiming to empower them with knowledge and confidence about the brand's unique selling points. The upcoming trips will showcase the White Star Service, which has become synonymous with Cunard’s offerings, through bespoke dining experiences and training workshops.
Among the highlights are journeys aboard Queen Anne through the Norwegian Fjords, as well as trips on the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria visiting ports such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam. These excursions promise to provide cozy and luxurious experiences, ensuring agents can relay the magic of Cunard cruises effectively to their customers.
Queen Anne’s launch exemplifies Cunard’s luxury travel philosophy, which it holds high even against modern expectations of cruise tourism. With elegant accommodations, extraordinary dining options, and continued dedication to British heritage, the ship emphasizes the spirit of classic ocean travel. While the cruise industry adapts to changing global trends, Cunard remains resolute. The commitment shown by Cunard to its traditions assures passengers they are part of something prominent and meaningful.
Despite the future seeing fewer homeporting operations within Australia, Cunard's focus on sophisticated ocean travel keeps it at the forefront of the cruise industry. Industry experts note how Sydney has historically served as the heart of cruise tourism, contributing billions to the Australian economy. The shift may prompt the city to reshape its approach but Motley retains high hopes for Queen Anne's future sailings from the UK.
Overall, Queen Anne’s remarkable maiden voyage does not only herald Cunard’s proud history but also cements its commitment to luxury travel, as the cruise line continues to innovate within the bounds of tradition, reinforcing its status as one of the leaders of maritime excellence. The legacy of Cunard, intertwined with the story of Liverpool and beyond, appears set to sail steadily onward for many years to come.