It’s been said that there’s something really special about a Cunard Queen. Having worked aboard the legendary Queen Mary for over three years, I’m certainly inclined to agree!
Today, Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Anne sets sail from Southampton on her maiden voyage. She is the company’s 149th ship in it’s almost 185-year history. This new ship is also the seventh Cunard Queen since the original Queen Mary in 1934. Queen Anne is also the first new Cunarder in 14 years.
At a cool £500 million (over $627 million), the Anne is more than just another cruise ship. She promises to offer that traditional Cunard service that the company’s famous for, but with an updated twist. Similar to the Edge-class ships that I wrote about in my last post, the Queen Anne is a ship for modern times.
According to press release from Carnival Corporation & plc (which has owned Cunard since 1999):
The principle concept was founded on heritage, craftsmanship, storytelling, style and innovation. These five pillars ultimately became the design DNA for the ship, and accordingly, the engine of inspiration for the designers, working together in unison. Adam D. Tihany, Creative Director for Cunard, underscored how these five values would interplay, ‘just the way a world-renowned orchestra delivers a feeling, or takes you to a moment or an era, Queen Anne’s aesthetic would do the same in harkening Cunard’s gilded age, but through the bold, onward lens of modernity’.
The design teams tapped into the Cunard archives, held at the University of Liverpool, sourcing a rich trove of historical documents and details on layout, materials, fabrics, patterns and textures. No stone was left unturned, from iconic poster advertisements, brochure covers and plans of grand spaces of Cunard’s early deco inspired ships, to deliver a ship concept that rivals the finest in hospitality experienced on shore. Adam D. Tihany explains he crystallized the vision as an ‘enchanting bridge from Cunard’s storied history to the future’. Simon Rawlings, Creative Director at David Collins Studio says of the design brief, ‘I was daunted by the scale, and multitude of venues to begin with, but as we started to unravel the journey, craft the experiences, and hone the vision, it all became clear. We wanted to create something nostalgic yet contemporary, relaxed yet glamorous, new and exciting – all within the constraints of a ship.’ Sybille de Margerie says, ‘we based the design on a sense of wonder, like a matchmaker at sea that introduces the past to its most alluring future’.
‘We worked very closely with the Cunard ship building team during the design process to gather as much knowledge as possible and also referred back to our extensive hospitality experience, where longevity and practicality are as important as the look and feel,’ explains Lewis Taylor, Design Director at David Collins Studio on the process. ‘We have added layers of architectural details and design codes that refer back to Cunard’s history and that add a touch of whimsy and British eccentricity to the experiences. These architectural design elements along with the exquisite level of service on board, will make the new vessel truly unique’.
Traditionally Modern
Now, I have not been aboard the Queen Anne nor have I sailed with Cunard yet (but I really, really hope to do so in the next few years). I’m basing my opinions solely on photos and news articles about the brand new ship. But like Queen Mary was to the Normandie in the 1930s, I feel like Queen Anne is a modern-yet-traditional response to Celebrity Beyond and the other Edge-class ships.
Normandie was opulent and dripping with Art Deco modernity. Bold designs and artwork were seen throughout the ship, particularly in First Class. These were luxuriously decorated and appointed. Her Tourist and Third Class accommodations, however, left much to be desired. This wasn’t the case with Queen Mary. Like the French Line, Cunard commissioned modern artwork for their brand-new ship. However, equal attention was given to all passenger spaces and cabins regardless of class. This helped make the Mary more popular with passengers. It’s also been said that Normandie was perhaps too luxurious for her own good.
As I’ve written about previously, Cunard was able to successfully weather the transition from ocean liners to cruise ships. They were able to do this by being innovative and creative, but while also offering a traditional touch. Some things, like comfortably white glove service and conservative decor, have been hallmarks of Cunard for a long time. They’ve also been good at looking at what their competitors are doing and putting their own, decidedly British spin on things (which makes my inner Anglophile jump for joy).
A Captain and Her Ship
Queen Anne is commanded by Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, who joined Cunard in 1997 and became a captain in 2010. She was the first female captain in the company’s long history. Like Captain Kate McCue and Celebrity Beyond, Captain Inger is the build captain for the brand new Cunarder. As she said in her “Captain’s Log” series detailing the Queen Anne’s construction:
From the outset of the Queen Anne project, the brief to our design teams has been to create an environment and on-board experience inspired by our past and designed for our future. Now, week by week, as the fit-out gathers pace, we are starting to see these designs take their place on board. This is a fascinating stage we are at – where computer graphics and design renders come to life.
Captain Inger is a skilled mariner who’s been at sea since she was 16 years old, and earned her Master’s License in 1994. She was named captain of the Queen Victoria in 2010 and Queen Elizabeth in 2011. Queen Anne is in good hands. Also, I’m calling it right now that Captain Inger is a future Cunard Commodore. Mark my words.
Final Thoughts
The Queen Anne is a new, modern take on the classic Cunard brand. It’s very clear to me that she’s a response to cruising’s newfound popularity and an attempt to appeal to a new audience (while also remaining appealing to longtime passengers). Cunard has a long history of success with this going back to the original Queen Mary. I have no doubts that Queen Anne will be popular with a new generation of cruise passengers, which is also introduce them to that old school service that the company’s known for. I, for one, can’t wait until I get to sail on her!
To those embarking on Queen Anne’s maiden voyage today, have a great trip! You’re going to be a part of something truly special…perhaps even magical.