Fourth Cunard Line ship to be called Queen Anne

Cunard Line has finally revealed the name of its new cruise ship as Queen Anne, joining the other ‘three Queens’ in the historic cruise line’s fleet.

Queen Anne will be Cunard’s fourth ship currently in service, but the 249th in its more than 180-year history.

The new ship will make up a quartet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, and when she is launched this year it will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships at sea.

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There has been rampant speculation over the name Cunard would choose for its fourth ship since the newbuild was announced back in 2017.

In a press release, Cunard Line said the name Queen Anne for the new ship “celebrates Cunard’s rich heritage, royal history and refined status.”

The name is the result of years of research by the cruise line’s team, which “explored multiple naming options”, according to the release.

Ultimately, they were inspired by Queen Anne’s reign, largely as a result of the work of British historian, author and television presenter, Kate Williams, who assisted in the detailed research.

“It is so exciting that the fourth ship of the fleet will be named after Queen Anne,” said Williams. “She has a fascinating tale to tell – one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts.”

“She was an inspiring woman, wildly popular with her people. She should be celebrated. This new ship in the Cunard fleet is the perfect way to do it,” Williams added.

Queen Anne will feature reimagined signature spaces as well as the introduction of new guest experiences, according to Cunard Line.

These will include new dining, culture and entertainment options, with the ship’s decor and interior design intended to celebrate the influential design styles of both past and present.

Most intriguing of all is the announcement that the new ship will also introduce an updated Cunard livery.

Designers have joined forces to create a design with bold color tones, while at the same time in keeping with Cunard “sophistication,” the cruise line said.

“I am absolutely delighted to welcome the Queen Anne, the fourth ship to Cunard’s fleet,” said Sture Myrmell, Carnival UK President. “This marks a very special moment in Cunard’s 182-year history and showcases Cunard’s exciting global plans for the future, allowing even more guests around the world to set sail with Cunard.”

“With design inspired by the past and set for the future, Queen Anne is the perfect way for our guests to rediscover the joy of exploration and travel again. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months,” he added.

Queen Anne’s maiden season will go on sale in May, with the ship’s first sailings in early 2024. More in-depth details are to be shared shortly, the cruise line said.