Cunard Line’s new Queen Anne makes triumphant inaugural call in Cape Town

Cunard Line’s newest vessel, Queen Anne, has made her maiden call to Cape Town, South Africa, just one week after she called in Durban at the new Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, one of the largest ships ever to do so.

Queen Anne, at 113,000 gross tons and carrying more than 3,000 passengers at maximum capacity, is the second largest ship in the Cunard fleet, second only to the mighty Queen Mary 2, the world’s sole remaining ocean liner on the trans-Atlantic service.

The ship called in Cape Town Thursday as part of her 107-night maiden World Cruise, which has already seen the ship make headlines due to the threat of piracy on her transit through the Sulu Sea in the Philippines.

Parts of the Mother City, particularly near the Foreshore and V&A Waterfront, came to a near standstill throughout the morning due to the influx of guests and cruise-related activity as the massive ship drew the attention of residents, and disembarked passengers for a range of shore excursions in the city.

Cape Town and other ports in South Africa are among more than 30 ports across 18 countries the ship will visit on her World Cruise, but the call in Cape Town is significant as the ship will sail a 16-night voyage from the city to Southampton, visiting ports in West Africa and the Atlantic islands.

“We are thrilled to welcome Queen Anne to Cape Town for her much-anticipated arrival. This is a historic moment for Cunard, as their newest luxury liner makes her South African debut,” said Shaun McCarthy, Managing Director at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard’s South African representative. 

“Queen Anne blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, and we are excited to offer South African guests the opportunity to experience her,” he added.

Queen Anne has been designed to  blend Cunard’s classic heritage with all the innovations of modern cruising, with a regined and elegant art deco interior, sparkling gala evenings, and intricately carved furnishings inspired by luxury hotels and high-end yachts.

The arrival of Queen Anne underscores Cape Town’s growing position as a world-class tourist destination, boosted this year in particular by the security crisis in the Red Sea.

For Cape Town residents hoping to see Queen Anne and other iconic ships calling in the city this year, the V&A Waterfront, Signal Hill, and the Cape Town Cruise Terminal Viewing Deck are some of the best spots.

Viewing sports to see Queen Anne

V&A Waterfront (near the Clock Tower and Silo District), offers views of the cruise terminal and ships docking at E-Berth

Signal Hill: For a panoramic view of the harbour and the city with the ship in full view

Mouille Point Promenade: Watch the ship sailing into port

Cape Town Cruise Terminal Viewing Deck provides a close-up view of the ship once docked