With more than 180 years of history behind it, Cunard faces a difficult balancing act with a new ship – how to manage the legacy of tradition with an appeal to a new generation of cruisers.
Loyal customers of this very British brand are fiercely protective of its heritage and quick to detect a slip in standards.
But on a short overnight visit to Queen Anne – the latest member of the fleet and the 249th ship to sail with the line – I thought Cunard has just about got it right.
The exterior is based on a Holland America hull – and therefore very ‘cruise ship’ looking, unlike the distinctive ocean liner Queen Mary 2. Even then, the iconic red funnel with black lines, and the new font spelling out the name, clearly identify it as a Cunard ship.
Inside, designers have pored through company archives to come up with traditional decor and colours, such as burgundy reds and dark greens. Everywhere, even on the cabin wardrobe handles, are touches of art deco with shapes and lines recalling the 1930s.
Key venues such as the Commodore Club, Golden Lion pub and Queens Room have been retained and updated while new attractions such as the Bright Lights Society cabaret club have been introduced. Sir Samuel’s, named after the line’s founder, is now a steakhouse.
The Grand Lobby staircase sweeps up between decks against a large wall-mounted artwork. Those seeking quiet areas can relax in the Chart and Games Rooms. Bell hops great you on embarkation and smartly dressed waiters serve you in the restaurants.
A main attraction is the two-deck Pavilion at the top of the ship – a glass-covered pool and hot tub area with a wellness café above.
The ‘class’ system remains, split between Queens Grill, Princess Grill and Britannia restaurant. In the Queens Grill I was pleasantly surprised at being presented with a cheese trolley and reassured by the use of tea leaves rather than bags.
Yes, this is an Italian-built ship owned by an Anglo-US corporation, but there are British touches everywhere. The Golden Lion serves ‘pub grub’, such as fish and chips, toasties, pies, and sausage and mash, elevated to a new level under the inspiration of Michel Roux.
The 21st century creeps in with DJ booths and karaoke sessions, as well as Banksy artworks on sale for up to £125,000.
As for entertainment, I saw a preview of Noël Coward’s Brief Encounter, which cleverly used projections, puppets and even toy trains to enhance the performance. Actors walked through a net screen and immediately appeared on black-and-white film of the carriages leaving the station.
It’s been years since I’ve travelled on another Cunard ship so it’s difficult at times to compare with what’s gone before. The pleasure is exploring an entirely new vessel, finding familiar features and being surprised by new ones.
As I disembarked the 3,000-passenger ship in Southampton, I walked away thinking Queen Anne is a modern addition to a proud tradition. Long may she – and her sisters – rule the seas.
For more pictures, see my X/Twitter and Instagram accounts (both @shipmonk)
Thanks Dave, you’ve made us even more excited about boarding QA on 10th May. Anchors aweigh! ⚓️
From what I have seen it’s one huge mistake. The interior is the worst design anyone could have come up with. All that’s been done is squashed 300 more staterooms in so as to make more money. Have you seen some of the comments, especially from loyal Cunarders and YouTube videos taken on board. If you wanted to go the P & O route then you have succeeded. If you wanted to stay true to Cunard you have failed miserably. What you don’t seen to understand anymore is that Cunard is a one off, no-one else does what you used to do, which is why we all loved it. Even though you have let things slide since Covid with a bit of thought and better management you could pull things back. I’m going on QM2 next January and if things haven’t improved it will be the last time.