New luxury liner arrives for the first time in South Africa
Cunard, the renowned luxury British cruise line known for crafting unforgettable experiences since 1840, is excited to announce that its newest luxury ship, Queen Anne will make her highly anticipated arrival at Cape Town harbour on 10th April. She arrives in Durban on Monday, 7th April, marking the start of her visit to South Africa.
This luxurious cruise liner, with her exquisite design, world-class dining, and exceptional service, made her historic 107-night maiden world voyage from Southampton in January this year, with calls at 30 different ports across 18 countries, with this week marking her first trip to South African shores. Queen Anne will return to South Africa in January 2026 as part of her World Voyage. South African guests can now book their place on this extraordinary global voyage.
Queen Anne is the 14th ship in Cunard’s illustrious history to embark on a complete world voyage. With the capacity for 2996 passengers and 1225 crew, she is also the largest within the fleet to have completed a full circumnavigation of the globe.
Built with the philosophy “Inspired by our past, designed for our future,” this premium cruise ship seamlessly blends Cunard’s rich heritage with the cutting-edge innovations of modern cruising, and embodies the ability to explore the world in the style and luxury only Cunard can provide. Incorporating Cunard’s rich heritage with cutting-edge maritime technology, Queen Anne incorporates increased sustainability and passenger comforts.
In 2023, 31.7 million passengers took cruises globally, marking a 7% increase from 2019. With a continued demand for cruise holidays, the forecast for cruise capacity shows an increase of 10% from 2024 through 2028. These trends highlight the cruise industry’s strong growth and increasing popularity across various demographics, reinforcing its status as a key and expanding part of global tourism.
“We are thrilled to welcome Queen Anne to Cape Town for her much-anticipated arrival.
This is a historic moment for Cunard, as their newest luxury liner makes her South African debut.
Queen Anne blends timeless elegance with modern luxury, and we are excited to offer South African guests the opportunity to experience her,” says Shaun McCarthy, Managing Director at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard’s South African representative.
On board, this 14-deck ship offers travelers more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.
Queen Anne’s Elegant Décor
Queen Anne’s interiors blend Cunard’s rich history with a bold, modern design. Inspired by luxury hotels, high-end yachts, and grand residences, the ship’s design team have created a contemporary yet classic style. The ship features art deco finishes, reimagined styles from the past, and refined details such as intricately carved chairs and thoughtfully selected artwork. Whether in the Grand Lobby, under sparkling lights during a Gala Evening, or relaxing in a comfortable chair for a casual night, every space is designed to offer guests an unforgettable experience with the freedom to choose their own style of luxury.
The ultimate in entertainment options
Queen Anne offers a vibrant range of entertainment options, from glamorous nights at the Bright Lights Society show bar, exciting thrills in the casino and lively pub quizzes to elegant champagne receptions with string quartets and world-class performances in the Royal Court Theatre. Live pianists, singers, and musicians also set the mood throughout the ship.
The ultimate in entertainment options
Queen Anne offers a vibrant range of entertainment options, from glamorous nights at the Bright Lights Society show bar, exciting thrills in the casino and lively pub quizzes to elegant champagne receptions with string quartets and world-class performances in the Royal Court Theatre. Live pianists, singers, and musicians also set the mood throughout the ship.
A world of comfort
Guests can choose from elegantly appointed staterooms, spacious suites, and exclusive penthouses, with the ship also boasting exquisite suites with private balconies, a personal butler service, and top-tier facilities for those looking for the ultimate in luxury. Whether in a cozy inside cabin or an expansive suite, every room on Queen Anne promises comfort with sumptuous cotton sheets, soft bathrobes, a nightly turndown service and an unforgettable stay at sea.
Dining delights
Queen Anne offers a wide variety of dining options with 15 venues to choose from, ensuring something for every taste.
Guests can enjoy multi-course meals in the main restaurant, healthy choices at The Pavilion Wellness Cafe, a diverse buffet, and classic British pub fare at the Golden Lion, including fish and chips paired with Cunard’s signature ale. For special occasions, guests can indulge in specialty restaurants, such as the Japanese restaurant and steak house complemented by seafood platters, and savor international flavours in pop-up restaurants featuring Mediterranean and Indian cuisines.
Additionally, Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux will host exclusive Le Gavroche at Sea residencies on certain legs aboard Queen Anne, offering his signature seafood dishes and culinary classics. Departing Southampton on 31 August for a seven-night journey, guests will savor his signature seafood dishes and classic culinary creations, inspired by Le Gavroche—Roux’s renowned London restaurant, which was the first in Britain to earn three Michelin stars.
All that you can find to unwind
Queen Anne offers a range of outdoor activities and spaces designed to enhance relaxation and enjoyment. Guests can take a morning swim, enjoy lazy lunches on deck, or take a stroll with stunning views. The ship features whirlpools, pools, bars, al fresco dining, and expansive deck spaces, each with its own unique ambiance. The Sky Bar offers breathtaking ocean views, while the Panorama Pool Club provides live music. For a more active day, guests can try pickleball, explore the wellness studio with sea views, or relax at the Cabana bar. The exclusive Grills Terrace, available to Princess and Queens Grill Suite guests, boasts infinity whirlpools and luxurious facilities for the ultimate outdoor retreat.
Queen Anne also boasts the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship. Mareel Wellness & Beauty, Cunard’s exclusive wellness and spa offering aboard its ships, has been reimagined aboard Queen Anne, spearheaded by an exclusive Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programme which heralds a new era of wellbeing at sea. This collaboration with the iconic lifestyle magazine sees guests enjoy curated wellness experiences, designed to help travelers feel revitalised and recharged as they journey to extraordinary destinations. Scheduled for 5-12 July 2026, a new and unique 7-night Norwegian Fjords voyage on board Queen Anne will include an inspiring variety of wellness-themed experiences – from invigorating classes and tailored spa treatments to enlightening insight talks from expert speakers.
Shopping at sea
Queen Anne has introduced a new and elevated retail space on board, marking a new era of shopping at sea. Along with a dedicated shopping host, guests can enjoy personalised shopping services with a curated selection of 115 iconic brands, including Bremont, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Whittard, and 886 Royal Mint.
Unforgettable scenery, cuisine, and cultural experiences await aboard Queen Anne.
Given this refined experience of ocean travel, there is no doubt that Queen Anne will not only continue to appeal to traditional cruise enthusiasts, but also to a new generation of travelers seeking both tradition and modernity on the high seas, and the opportunity to see more of the world.
Anticipation is building as Queen Anne is set to arrive in Cape Town on 10th April.
For more information, go to https://whitestar.co.za