Those familiar with luxury sea travel around the world will know that Cunard, founded in 1840, is one of the world’s most iconic luxury cruise brands. For nearly two hundred years, Cunard has set the standard for luxury ocean travel. From the iconic RMS Queen Mary and QE2, to today’s fleet of four, this luxury global travel brand continues its legacy by blending timeless elegance with modern luxury
Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne which was launched in 2024, is heading to South African shores this week, and will be sailing into Cape Town on 30 January before heading to Gqeberha on 2 February and Durban on 4 February. She will then continue to Singapore as part of her journey from Southampton to Asia and Australia.
This will be Queen Anne’s second visit to Cape Town and Durban, having arrived on her first trip to South Africa last April, but this will be the first time she will sail into the Eastern Cape.
In 2024, the global cruise industry carried a record 34.6 million passengers, an increase of 9% from 20231. Within the same period, the luxury cruise segment welcomed over 1.5 million passengers globally2.
A strong post-pandemic travel recovery, new ships and experiences, a broader appeal across generations and growing interest in experiential and luxury travel are some of the reasons attributed to this steady increase. Another reason is value for money, with many cruises offering packages that include accommodation, meals, entertainment and transport, making a holiday at sea even more appealing.
Recognising this trend and without sacrificing any of the elegance, innovation, and exceptional service across their four luxury liners, Cunard have recently launched Cunard’s new Inclusive Signature packages. For guests who enjoy the ease of inclusive travel, these packages offer remarkable value, and include an onboard drinks package, Wi-Fi plan and dining credit, which can save guests up to 30% on their travel costs.
Spanning 14 decks, Queen Anne features elegant interiors, with art deco finishes, refined details, and thoughtfully curated artwork. Guests can choose from elegantly appointed staterooms, spacious suites, and exclusive penthouses, with private balconies and even a personal butler service.
Onboard entertainment and dining are unrivaled, with 15 venues ranging from formal multi-course restaurants to casual cafés, traditional British pubs, and specialty restaurants. Guests can also enjoy live performances, gala evenings, casino-themed nights, and vibrant bars, while the outdoor spaces include spectacular ocean views and multiple swimming pools. The ship also offers the most extensive wellness and fitness facilities ever seen on a Cunard vessel, alongside curated shopping with over 115 luxury brands.
With her elegant design, world-class amenities and capacity for 2996 passengers and 1225 crew, Queen Anne is also the largest within Cunard’s fleet to have completed a full circumnavigation of the globe.
“We cannot wait to once again see Queen Anne sailing into Cape Town’s magnificent harbour. She really is quite a sight to behold,” says Shaun McCarthy, Managing Director at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard’s South African representative. “It really is an exciting time for sea travel, and an opportunity for South Africans to experience her unique blend of sophistication and contemporary comfort, with value that exceeds expectations for luxury cruising”.
Next to our shores this year will be Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s last true ocean liner, arriving in Durban on 6 April, Gqeberha on 8 April and Cape Town on 9 April, as part of her World Voyage.
For more information, go to https://whitestar.co.za