Queen Anne received her crowning glory on Friday, April 14, as Cunard’s iconic red and black funnel was secured onto the luxury cruise line’s newest ship.
This significant construction milestone, known as the ‘funnel lift,’ took place at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, and takes the remarkable ship one step closer to her maiden voyage in May 2024. It is an important shipbuilding moment that marks the installation of one of the ship’s most recognizable features.
Queen Anne will be the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, completing an impressive quartet alongside flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth – the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four Queens at sea.
Cunard’s distinctive red and black funnels have adorned its ships for more than 150 years, becoming synonymous with the company’s rich seafaring heritage and reputation for luxury ocean travel.
Their design is the brainchild of Robert Napier, the shipyard owner who built some of Cunard’s earliest ships. The striking color scheme endures to this day, making Cunard ships instantly identifiable in ports across the world.
The design concepts for Queen Anne have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travelers several breathtaking moments, including the largest curated art collection at sea.
The ship will also offer a range of uniquely Cunard experiences for guests, including five-star dining options with White Star Service, luxurious spa facilities, and new entertainment venues.
What’s more, Queen Anne will take guests to some of the world’s most enticing locations during her maiden season, from the cultural gems of the Mediterranean to the mystical landscapes of the Norwegian fjords.
“Cunard’s signature red and black funnel is a part of our heritage, and we are thrilled to see it installed on our newest ship,” said Matt Gleaves, VP Commercial, Cunard, North America. “The funnel lift is a significant milestone in the building process, and we are now one step closer to welcoming Queen Anne into service.”
