Cunard's new ship Queen Anne makes North American debut in New York

Rhea-AI Summary

Cunard marked a significant milestone with the North American debut of its new ship Queen Anne in New York. The vessel, representing Cunard's first new ship in 14 years, features 14 decks and 15 dining venues, accommodating up to 3,000 guests. The ship is led by Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, while Katie McAlister serves as Cunard's president—marking the first time in the company's 185-year history that two female leaders are in command.

The ship showcases 4,300 pieces of art and introduces innovative features including the 'Bright Lights Society' cabaret venue and enhanced wellness offerings through the Pavilion Wellness Café and Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea program. Queen Anne's arrival in New York marks the beginning of a 107-day inaugural World Voyage, contributing to the city's cruise tourism which brings 1.5 million passengers and $500 million in local economic impact.

Positive

• First new ship launch in 14 years, expanding fleet capacity by 3,000 guests
• Introduction of 15 new dining venues and innovative entertainment facilities
• Contribution to New York's cruise tourism economy ($500M impact)
• Strategic expansion of wellness offerings and luxury amenities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The launch of Queen Anne represents a strategic expansion of Carnival 's (CUK) luxury cruise segment, but the immediate financial impact is relative to the company's $30.1B market cap. While the new ship increases passenger capacity by approximately 3,000 berths, this translates to roughly 2% of Carnival's total capacity. The timing aligns with the strong post-pandemic cruise industry recovery, with NYC's cruise passenger numbers reaching record highs of 1.5M annually and generating $500M in local economic impact.

The investment in premium features like 15 dining venues, 4,300 art pieces and enhanced wellness offerings positions Queen Anne in the high-margin luxury segment, where per-passenger revenue is typically 30-40% higher than mainstream cruises. However, the significant capital expenditure for this vessel will likely take 3-5 years to achieve ROI, based on industry standards.

Luxury Travel Expert

The Queen Anne's design and amenities reflect important shifts in luxury travel preferences. The inclusion of the Pavilion Wellness Café with plant-based options and the Harper's Bazaar Wellness program directly targets the growing 25% of luxury travelers prioritizing health and wellness experiences. The art collection and cabaret venue "Bright Lights Society" cater to the increasing demand for cultural immersion and unique entertainment experiences in the luxury sector.

The ship's 107-day World Voyage strategy taps into the post-pandemic surge in extended luxury travel, where wealthy travelers are increasingly combining business with leisure. The appointment of female leadership in both operational and executive roles also aligns with the industry's push for diversity, which resonates strongly with younger luxury travelers who prioritize corporate values in their purchasing decisions.

Queen Anne is the company's first new ship in 14 years

VALENCIA, Calif., Jan. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Cunard's highly anticipated new ship, Queen Anne marked her North American debut as she arrived in New York on her maiden call from Southampton, England. Cunard's first new ship in 14 years spans 14 decks and features 15 dining venues, accommodating up to 3,000 guests.

For the first time in Cunard's 185-year history, the line has two female leaders in command. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, one of the few female captains in the maritime industry, is at the helm of Queen Anne, and Katie McAlister, Cunard's president, is steering the company into an exciting era of luxury cruising.

The design of Queen Anne was led by creative director Adam Tihany, who orchestrated a team of world-class designers to imagine a ship that reflects Cunard's rich art-deco heritage while embracing modern elegance.

A testament to this artistic vision is the ship's exclusive collection of 4,300 pieces of art, commissioned from both emerging and established artists worldwide, each offering a unique interpretation of Cunard's iconic legacy. The ship also elevates onboard entertainment to new heights with innovative venues and experiences including the "Bright Lights Society," an intimate cabaret-style venue.

With the debut of Queen Anne, Cunard enhanced its wellness offerings for guests. The Pavilion Wellness Café is a new venue serving breakfast, lunch, and daytime dining, with a menu celebrating plant-based cuisine alongside sustainably sourced meat, fish, and dairy.

In addition, guests can enjoy the Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea program which offers three-day packages tailored to relaxation, energy restoration, or recovery, providing a rejuvenating journey at sea.

Queen Anne's call in New York marks the first stop on her 107-day inaugural World Voyage. This journey continues Cunard's legacy as the pioneer of world cruises since 1922; bringing together travelers from across nationalities and reflecting the brand's dedication to fostering international connections and cultural understanding—values that resonate more than ever in today's world. 

Cunard and New York have a long and storied heritage with an impressive roster of milestones:

Cunard has sailed into New York since 1847, longer than any other cruise line.

Cunard ships carried one in five immigrants to America, helping millions begin new lives in New York and beyond.

Cunard's legendary ships including Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth epitomized the golden age of ocean travel, hosting world renowned cultural and political figures.

In 2015, the Empire State Building was lit red to honor Cunard's 175th anniversary, celebrating the company's enduring bond with the city.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, expressed her excitement about the ship's North America debut, stating: "Queen Anne represents the pinnacle of innovation, design, and hospitality for Cunard, and her arrival in New York is an historic milestone for our company. As we celebrate nearly two centuries of maritime excellence, Queen Anne ushers Cunard into a new era of luxury cruising and continues delivering unforgettable experiences that connect people and cultures around the globe. We are proud to contribute to the record-high1.5 million cruise passengers that travel to NYC bringing $500 million in local economic impact to New York."

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com, or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.

About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, and this year celebrates an incredible 185 years of operation. 2025 is a momentous year in Cunard's history, which will be marked with several iconic land-based events and special Event Voyages. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, which entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally, with the brand now boasting four ships in simultaneous service for the first time since 1999. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE: CCL) (LSE: CCL) (NYSE: CUK).

Social Media
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline

For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, jchase@cunard.com
Cindy Adams, MGA Media Group, cindy@mgamediagroup.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cunards-new-ship-queen-anne-makes-north-american-debut-in-new-york-302354769.html

SOURCE Cunard

FAQ

What is the passenger capacity of Cunard's new Queen Anne ship (CUK)?

The Queen Anne can accommodate up to 3,000 guests across its 14 decks.

How many dining venues does the new Cunard Queen Anne ship (CUK) feature?

The Queen Anne features 15 dining venues, including the new Pavilion Wellness Café.

How long is Queen Anne's inaugural World Voyage (CUK)?

Queen Anne's inaugural World Voyage is a 107-day journey, beginning with its first stop in New York.

How many art pieces are featured on Cunard's Queen Anne ship (CUK)?

The Queen Anne features an exclusive collection of 4,300 pieces of art commissioned from artists worldwide.

What is the economic impact of Cunard's cruises on New York City (CUK)?

Cunard contributes to bringing 1.5 million cruise passengers to NYC, generating $500 million in local economic impact.