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Travel Weekly was a guest onboard Queen Anne at a vibrant British-style garden party on a steamy Saturday on Sydney Harbour, which was followed by a cool guided tour of Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years.
The ship was welcomed into Sydney Harbour on Friday night, marking her first ever visit to Australia as part of her maiden 107-day World Voyage. She departed on Saturday night with 2,610 passengers aboard, among them 1,067 guests who are sailing the entire World Voyage, that includes 39 Australians.
Cunard President Katie McAlister said the cruise line had a deep connection with Australia that has spanned a century, and it was fitting to mark Queen Anne’s inaugural visit by recognising and celebrating inspiring women who embody the spirit of Cunard.
Queen Anne was welcomed into Sydney Harbour on Friday night.
“The maiden arrival of our magnificent new ship Queen Anne to Sydney Harbour builds on our rich Australian legacy and marks another historic moment for Cunard – one that started with our first World Voyage that included Australia in 1925,” McAlister said.
Special guests
Among the special guests were three exceptional everyday women named Anne, each nominated by Australians for their dedication to others – whether supporting children, the vulnerable, the sick, or animals.
Other guests included former Qantas employee Stephen Gardener who has been on 54 cruises with Cunard, including he maiden voyages on all four Queens: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, Queen Elizabeth, and its newest ship Queen Anne.
Guests aboard Queen Anne included former Qantas employee Stephen Gardener who has been on 54 cruises with Cunard. Photo: Grant Jones
He was joined by his sister as they started their journey in Auckland, before she left the cruise in Sydney, leaving Gardener to continue on to Hong Kong by himself.
“I’ve always liked cruises, it started when I was a young lad from 14 years of age,” Gardener, who has been on more than 80 cruises, told Travel Weekly. “Not being a snob, but I do like the nicer things in life and Cunard does that for me.
“I make so many friends from around the world, virtually from every corner of the globe, so I really enjoy that.”
This cruise is in vast contrast to the trip the “10-pound Pom” made to Australia from England with the rest of his family of seven aboard Fairsky, as a six-year-old in 1968.
Watch the video of Queen Anne’s first stay in Sydney Harbour. Video: Grant Jones
Queen Anne starts a new chapter
The building of Queen Anne in the Fincantieri Marghera Shipyard, in Italy, was overseen by Captain Inga Thorhauge who has also captained Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
“It is an absolute honour to host you today to mark Queens Anne’s historic maiden call to the iconic Sydney Harbour and what a welcome we got,” Captain Thorhauge told the audience of gathered media, travel agents and tourism leaders, including acting Destination NSW CEO Karen Jones and Cruise Line Industry Association managing director Joel Katz.
This incredible ship represents an exciting new chapter in Cunard’s storied legacy.
“I have navigated the waters of Down Under numerous times and each return trip evokes countless treasured memories,” she said. “The warmth of your hospitality and the beauty of your places make our crew feel truly welcome.
“This incredible ship represents an exciting new chapter in Cunard’s storied legacy, combining the elegance and timeless that our brand is known and loved for, with innovation and modern touches that lead our brand into a new chapter.”
Art-Deco design
The Art-Deco influenced design which embraces modern elegance throughout Queen Anne, was led by creative director Adam Tihany, and is a reflection of Cunard’s heritage, she said.
Queen Anne features 13 expansive decks, 15 dining venues – including exquisite dishes curated by Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux and several bars, plus elegant accommodation for up to 3,000 guests in modern Staterooms and opulent Grills Suites.
The ship takes onboard entertainment to new heights with innovative venues like the Bright Lights Society, an intimate cabaret-style experience. Queen Anne also redefines wellness at sea, including a luxe spa, offers plant-based cuisine and sustainably sourced produce, plus features a bespoke fitness program.
Queen Anne will head to Queensland before continuing her World Voyage to Bitung (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines) and Hong Kong.
Three inspiring ‘Deserving Annes’ celebrate aboard the world’s most elegant new ship in Sydney Harbour with Captain Thorhauge.
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