Cunard Line has announced it has booked more guests in May than any other equivalent period in its 183-year history following the debut of its newest ship, Queen Anne. The 3,000 passenger ship sailed her maiden voyage on May 3, 2024 before returning to her homeport of Southampton, England on May 24, 2024.
Queen Anne then began her British Isles Festival voyage which included a call in Liverpool, the cruise line’s spiritual home, for her naming ceremony. On June 3, 2024, Cunard Line surprised those in attendance by announcing the entire city of Liverpool would serve as the ship’s official godparent. Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympic heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson were chosen to represent the city and christen the 249th Cunard Line ship.
Culture Liverpool estimated more than 50,000 people were in attendance at Queen Anne’s naming ceremony and thousands more lining the banks of River Mersey to welcome her arrival into the city. The ceremony also drew over 21 million impressions across Cunard’s social media channels.
Cunard President Katie McAlister said. “We’re delighted to see such strong booking momentum in response to the successful launch of Queen Anne. This record-breaking booking period is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we’re excited to have the opportunity to welcome so many new guests on board Queen Anne and the rest of our iconic fleet in the future.”
The debut of Queen Anne brings Cunard’s fleet number to four as she joins Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. During her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries.