Cunard celebrates 100 years in Australia, maiden visit for Queen Anne

The sun rises on Cunard’s new ship, Queen Anne, on they day she is officially handed over to the owners from the Fincantieri shipyard in northern Italy. Client: Cunard. Picture date: Friday April 19, 2024. Photograph by Christopher Ison © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING IMAGE LICENCING FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPH: This image is supplied to the client under the terms previously agree. No sales are permitted unless expressly agreed in writing by the photographer. Image licence is for below the line only. No out of home use without acquiring an extended image licence.
Edited by Travel Weekly


Cunard officially opened the Australian 2024/25 cruise season with the arrival of the majestic Queen Elizabeth into Sydney Harbour, carrying just over 2,000 guests and 900 crew members last week.

Queen Elizabeth’s arrival is the beginning of her record 125-day homeport season and marks one hundred years of Cunard sailing to Australian waters.

The anniversary was celebrated with a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Cunard’s Matt Gleaves, Carnival’s Peter Little and Queen Elizabeth’s Captain Howarth, and a pop-up exhibition featuring historic milestones on board the ship.

Cunard’s Australian Centenary

The celebration highlighted Cunard’s long-standing connection to Australia that commenced with the Albania’s first call in December 1924, followed by the Cunard ships’ support as troop carriers during WW2, and enabling many ‘Ten Pound Poms’ to start a new life in Australia during the Assisted Passage Migration Scheme in the 1950s.

In more recent times, the meetings of Cunard Queens in Australian ports have drawn thousands to the foreshores, and partnerships with beloved local brands and personalities such as R.M. Williams, Akubra, Delta Goodrem and Matt Moran have strengthened Cunard’s bond with the country even further.

Matt Gleaves, Cunard VP commercial North America and Australasia, said: “This summer season is an extra special one as it marks a significant milestone of a centenary of cruising to Australia for Cunard.”

“The arrival of Queen Elizabeth heralds one hundred eventful years of delivering unparalleled luxury at sea combined with rich tradition, our renowned White Star Service and unique sailings.”

Queen Anne’s maiden visit

This season will also include the arrival of one of the most anticipated new ships of this decade to Australia when Cunard’s Queen Anne calls into Sydney on 28 February 2025 as part of her inaugural World Voyage. Her visit will extend the local Cunard season to an unprecedented 145 days.

The iconic Queens promise a remarkable exploration of the region during 65 calls to Australian ports, welcoming aboard more than 35,000 guests.

Queen Anne is reimagining a new golden age of travel with her striking new design, novel experiences coupled with much-loved signature venues that include the new speakeasy-style Bright Lights Society and dining options from two Michelin-starred chef, Michel Roux.

“Cunard’s Australia season will feature the highly anticipated maiden call of our luxury ship, Queen Anne, the newest ship visiting Australia this year. Her arrival will extend our local season to an unprecedented 145 days featuring our much-loved Cunard hallmarks,” Mr Gleaves said.

Cunard highlights 2024/25

Queen Elizabeth will enjoy a summer season of specially curated itineraries with some of Australia’s greatest authors, chefs, performers and high-profile guest speakers set to continue Cunard’s legacy in Australian waters.

Queen Elizabeth will host Cunard’s inaugural Australian Literature Festival at Sea, headlined by international best-selling authors including Alexander McCall Smith, Fiona McIntosh and Dr. Anita Heiss.

The highly regarded Great Australian Culinary Voyage will return for a third iteration featuring a star-studded lineup of culinary elite including Matt Moran, Nornie Bero, Darren Purchese and Julie Goodwin.

From February 2025, Cunard’s brand-new luxury ship Queen Anne will visit New Zealand and Australia as part of her maiden Round the World Voyage. Some of her calls include Auckland (22-23 February), Sydney (28 February – 1 March), Brisbane (3 March).

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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