Cunard completes keel-laying for...

The ceremony for Cunard’s fourth ship was held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy

Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge (pictured centre) began the keel-laying ceremony for Cunard’s fourth ship by welding two coins to a block that will be fitted to the 18-deck vessel, named Queen Anne, due to launch in early 2024.

Present at the keel-laying was (pictured from left) Antonio Quintano, Marghera shipyard director (pictured left) and Carnival president Sture Myrmell, president of Cunard operator Carnival (pictured right).

Myrmell said: “Over the last three years, world-leading designers have worked with master shipbuilders to design the ship that reinforces Cunard's position as a world-famous luxury brand. To mark the keel-laying milestone, a unique Queen Anne coin has been commissioned to sit alongside an original coin from Queen Anne’s reign. The coins have been embedded into the ship by the fabulous Inger Klein Thorhauge.”

Myrmell added: “Over the next year, the teams will continue to work together refining Cunard’s signature experience that we’re already famed for, alongside a collection of dining, bar and entertainment choices that will be made extra special by our crew and their white star service.”

Myrmell also thanked Fincantieri for its “dedication and commitment” to excellence, concluding: “Queen Anne will be enjoyed by many generations to come and we’re really looking forward to welcoming her into our fleet."

Queen Anne’s maiden voyage to Lisbon, departing from Southampton on 4 January 2024, has already sold out.