Reviewed by: Meg Hill

Date: May 2024

Cruise line and ship: Cunard’s Queen Anne

Size of ship: 113,000 gross tons

Passenger capacity: 3000

Year built (refurbed): 2024

Currency onboard: USD

Where the ship cruises: The UK, Europe and an annual World voyage at the beginning of each year. Queen Anne’s maiden visit to Australia will be in February 2025.

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Most suited to: Ocean cruise lovers who appreciate the traditions of cruising such as dressing up for dinner and enjoying the spectacle of High Tea each afternoon or the sights and sounds of the big band and ballroom dancing by night in the Queens Room.

Embarkation/De-embarkation Process: The cruise terminals at Southampton are well set up to cater to the Cunard ships calling on a regular basis so getting on and off the ship was smooth, easy and efficient. Our bags arrived at the cabin in good time too. 

Atmosphere: Queen Anne has a fresh contemporary style but with a distinct nod to the art deco era evident throughout. This is felt as soon as you step into the Grand Lobby on Deck 2.

A wide and elegant staircase winds up to the two decks above, with wooden hand railings and striking royal blue, red and gold carpeting. On the wall behind, also spanning three decks, is a magnificent brass mural depicting three different nautical scenes that change, depending on the angle you view them from.

There are striking artworks, glass, brass and art deco furnishings and light fittings throughout the ship, yet it also stays true to the traditions of the Cunard brand.

Dining Options: From the grand two storey Britannia Restaurant to the traditional Golden Lion pub and the Artisans’ Foodhall, there are so many dining options included.

Alternatively, you may choose to treat yourself to lunch or dinner at one of several specialty restaurants including Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse and Grill, Tramonto’s Mediterranean flavours, Aji Wa offering a fresh take on Japanese cuisine and Aranya serving a delicious selection of Indian dishes.

Entertainment: From West End style shows in the Royal Court Theatre to big band music in the Queens Room and live music at the many bars around the ship, you’ll be spoilt for entertainment options. We enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the Commodore Club, danced by the pool in The Pavilion and then enjoyed an energetic live music performance in the Queens Room as others went on for a flutter in the Casino.

Onboard Activities: Queen Anne has two outdoor swimming pools, both with whirlpools, as well as an extensive and well equipped fitness centre and spa area with thermal pool and heated tile loungers.

True to Cunard tradition, you can also walk the full length of the ship outdoors on the Promenade (Deck 3). Unique to Queen Anne though, is the Pavilion Wellness Studio, an extensive indoor/outdoor area offering yoga and circuit classes with the ocean as a stunning and ever changing backdrop.

If you’re a reader like me, you’ll love the library with its large windows offering ‘a window on the world’, together with quiet reading nooks and an extensive collection of books.

Staterooms: When it’s time to rest your head, whether in a Britannia or Club cabin or the elegant Grill Suite accommodation, you’ll find all the comforts of home plus a nightly turndown service. My Britannia Balcony cabin was well sized for two, with ample cupboard and wardrobe hanging space.

A cosy two seat sofa overlooked the balcony and ocean beyond, through a floor to ceiling glass panel and door. Soft robes and Penhaligon toiletries complemented the compact but functional bathroom.

Favourite Experiences on the Ship: Live entertainment in the Queens Room, a delicious Engligh pub lunch and ale in the Golden Lion pub, with surprise touches such as the Cunard logo lightly burnt into the top of my burger bun, and sampling Cunard’s 4 Queens gins that have been specially crafted for Cunard by a boutique gin distiller in Edinburgh.

Families: Cunard Line is more suited to couples and singles than families with younger children. Whilst there is a small indoor/outdoor kid’s club area known as The Zone onboard Queen Anne, the ship does not really cater to children. 

Self-Service Laundry: As you might expect onboard Cunard, you’ll find self-service laundries with washing machines, dryers and an ironing board and iron on most accommodation decks.

Uniqueness: As the first new ship to join the Cunard fleet since 2010, Queen Anne is a welcome and long awaited addition. She brings a freshness and distinct art deco style whilst still retaining many of the Cunard traditions. For those who love a larger ship experience with lots of choice for dining, onboard entertainment and activities, Queen Anne is a great option.