Cunard welcomed guests for an exclusive overnight preview of its newest ship Queen Anne ahead of her historic maiden voyage on Friday (3 May).
The event was held today (1 May) whilst the 3,000-guest Queen was alongside in her homeport of Southampton.
The VIP experience included a series of expert panels, with key partners and collaborators across dining, design, and wellness revealing how they brought Queen Anne’s headline concepts to life.
Two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux hosted an intimate Q&A in the Queens Room. The acclaimed chef has created an exclusive gala menu for Queen Anne’s Queens Grill restaurant and a new menu for Queen Anne’s pub, the Golden Lion. He also announced that he will be hosting two Le Gavroche at Sir Samuels residencies on board Queen Anne in August and September.
Guests also had a chance to ‘meet the designers’ behind Queen Anne with creative leads from world-famous design studios including Lewis Taylor of David Collins Studio, Sybille de Margerie, Fiona Thompson from Richmond International and Melita Skamnaki of Double Decker.
Elsewhere, Harper’s Bazaar’s UK beauty director Katy Young led an enrichment focused Q&A that introduced Queen Anne’s Wellness at Sea proposition – a unique collection of three luxurious spa packages designed to revive, restore, and rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.
Captain Inger Thorhauge, who will be at the helm as Queen Anne sets sail for Lisbon on Friday, and Cunard President Katie McAlister, officially welcomed guests with an evening drinks reception in The Pavilion.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “It was a privilege to showcase so many exciting and elevated new concepts to our VIP guests. Queen Anne boasts the widest selection of dining venues, bar, entertainment, and wellness so far seen on a Cunard ship and we are all so proud of the experience and incredible service that our guests will enjoy on board.”
Queen Anne
Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.
The 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, Queen Anne arrived in her homeport of Southampton on 30 April ahead of her maiden voyage on 3 May – a seven-night sailing to Lisbon via La Coruna.
