Sydney Harbour welcomed a historic Cunard newest luxury cruise liner Queen Anne arrives in Australia and made her first-ever visit. The 2996 passenger, 13-deck vessel sailed into the iconic harbour on Friday morning, marking a significant milestone in her 107-day world cruise. Queen Anne will remain docked overnight before setting sail on Saturday evening, continuing her journey to other Australian destinations, including Brisbane, the Whitsundays, Cairns, and Darwin.
An Unforgettable Maiden Voyage
After completing her Australian leg, Queen Anne will continue her global voyage, heading to Bitung (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), and Hong Kong. This grand ship is the 249th vessel in Cunard’s storied history and joins her distinguished sister ships Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria in continuing the brand’s rich legacy of luxury cruising.
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Cunard, which recently celebrated 100 years of sailing to Australia, has a deep-rooted connection with the country. This was highlighted in October when Queen Elizabeth arrived in Sydney to kick off her record-breaking 125-day home-port season.
A Modern Take on Classic Cunard Elegance
Despite its longstanding tradition of luxury cruising, Cunard has infused Queen Anne with contemporary touches designed to attract a new generation of travelers. While maintaining the grandeur and sophistication synonymous with Cunard, the ship also features a fresh, modern design, blending classic maritime style with vibrant, contemporary decor.
A major enhancement is the ship’s stronger connection to the outdoors. Expansive decks, multiple swimming pools, and al-fresco dining and bar options create an inviting atmosphere where guests can fully enjoy their surroundings.
A Culinary Experience Like No Other
Dining is a central focus on Queen Anne, boasting 15 exceptional restaurants, including several brand-new dining concepts exclusive to Cunard. While the line’s beloved afternoon tea tradition remains, the menu now caters to modern tastes with poke bowls, sushi, and globally inspired cuisine—a shift aimed at appealing to Millennials and Gen Z travelers.
A Grand Celebration for Queen Anne’s Arrival
To mark the momentous occasion of Queen Anne’s first visit to Australia, Cunard is hosting a British Garden Party on board Saturday afternoon before the ship departs Sydney. This special event will celebrate the ship’s arrival in true British fashion.
Among the honored guests will be four remarkable women named Anne, each nominated by their community for their outstanding contributions. Dubbed the “Deserving Annes”, these guests will receive luxury spa treatments, a private butler service, and exclusive dining experiences, making their time on Queen Anne truly unforgettable.
A Wave of Luxury Cruises Coming to Australia
Queen Anne is just one of several new ships visiting Australian shores this summer. Other highly anticipated luxury cruise liners include:
- Azamara Pursuit
- Silversea’s Silver Nova
- Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun
These world-class vessels will bring unparalleled cruise experiences to Australian travelers, further cementing the country as a top destination for global cruise enthusiasts.
Fascinating Facts About Queen Anne
Here are some impressive details about Cunard’s newest luxury liner:
- Length: 322.5m
- Gross Tonnage: 113,000 tonnes
- Height: 64m above water
- Width: 35.6m
- Capacity: 3,000 guests
- Crew: 1,225
- Decks: 14 (excluding the missing deck 13)
- Restaurants: 15
- Draft: 8.12m
- Top Speed: 22 knots
- Cabling Length: 3.5 million metres
- Anchors: Two, each weighing 12.6 tonnes
- Engines: Four, each weighing 52 tonnes
- Water Production: Onboard desalination and evaporator units can generate 2,300 cubic metres of fresh water daily—enough to make 11.5 million cups of tea
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A New Era of Cruising Begins
As Queen Anne continues her world voyage, she carries the rich heritage of Cunard’s 184-year legacy, blended with modern elegance and innovation. Whether you’re a devoted cruise enthusiast or a first-time traveler, this magnificent ship offers a truly unparalleled experience at sea.
With luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and captivating destinations, Queen Anne sets a new standard for global cruising. If you dream of sailing on a ship that embodies both timeless grandeur and contemporary luxury, Queen Anne is a voyage worth experiencing.
