Earlier this week, Cunard announced that they will be adding a fourth member to their fleet of elegant luxury cruise ships. The new ship will represent the next generation of cruising for Cunard, and will be launched in 2022, marking the 50th anniversary of the launch of the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2.
Whilst other major cruise lines seem to announce new ships every year or two, Cunard are famously reserved when it comes to enhancing its fleet. In fact, it will be the first time in almost 25 years that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. As one of the world’s best loved and most respected cruise lines, this news is sure to excite cruise fans across the globe.
The as-yet-unnamed fourth member of the Cunard fleet is set to continue the line’s fine tradition of celebrating the finer aspects of cruising. However, the new ship promises to introduce a few new tricks to the line.
With a planned capacity for 3,000 guests, the upcoming ship will be the largest in the Cunard fleet (despite having a slightly smaller gross tonnage than QM2). And furthermore, the new ship will become the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag since the line’s inception in 1839. That’s a lot to live up to for a ship entering into service for perhaps the world’s most respected and longest serving cruise line.
Simon Palethorpe, Senior Vice President, Cunard said: “We have only recently marked the 50th anniversary of one of Cunard’s much loved ocean liners, the legendary QE2. What better way to celebrate her important role in Cunard’s past than by announcing our commitment to Cunard’s future with the commissioning of a new ship. Cunard offers unrivalled luxury ocean experiences and the new ship firmly underpins our plans to continue our growth across international markets.”
With five years until the new ship launches, Cunard are sure to slowly release facts, stats and revelations to keep us all interested. We’re going to start the speculation by suggesting the ship will continue Cunard’s recent tradition of naming their ships for queens, and will be christened Queen Anne.
Full itineraries, on-board features and amenities will be revealed in due course, and we’ll keep you all up to date as we get the news.
But for now, you can still explore the world on board the three current members of the Cunard fleet. Whether you’re planning the classic transatlantic cruise on board Queen Mary 2 our touring around the beautiful cities of the Mediterranean on Queen Elizabeth, Cunard can take you there in absolute luxury.
For more information on Cunard’s range of itineraries or to book your cabin, head over to our dedicated page, here, or give our friendly sales team a call on 0808 2746 777.
Images courtesy of Cunard Line Photo Image Library
