The highly anticipated arrival of Cunard’s Queen Anne in Southampton promises a grand maritime spectacle.
- The 113,000-ton Queen Anne, carrying 3,000 passengers, will make its inaugural visit to Southampton.
- Local yacht clubs are invited to participate in a welcoming flotilla, celebrating the first entry of Queen Anne into Southampton Water.
- Ceremonial tugboats will enhance the occasion by deploying water cannons as the ship navigates to the City Terminal.
- An official blessing and plaque exchange ceremony will occur on April 29, marking this significant addition to Cunard’s fleet.
The city of Southampton is abuzz with the upcoming arrival of the Queen Anne, a majestic vessel from Cunard that is set to dock for the first time next month. This event marks a noteworthy occasion in the maritime community, drawing spectators to witness such a grand entry into the port. The event is scheduled for the morning of April 27, where the Queen Anne, weighing 113,000 tons and hosting 3,000 passengers, will reach its home port.
To commemorate this historic occasion, mariners from local yacht clubs have been invited to form a flotilla, thereby participating in this momentous welcome. The flotilla will create a picturesque scene as the Queen Anne makes its way through Southampton Water, expected to be lined by thousands of onlookers capturing this extraordinary event.
Enhancing the celebratory mood, ceremonial tugboats equipped with water cannons will play a crucial role in the festivities. They will usher in the Queen Anne with a dramatic display of water jets, adding to the pomp and grandeur as the vessel heads to the City Terminal, anticipated to berth by 10:30 AM.
An official ceremony will further celebrate Queen Anne’s arrival on April 29 at the Mayflower Terminal. This event includes a blessing and plaque exchange, a tradition held in high esteem within maritime circles, especially when introducing a vessel of such significance. The ceremony aligns with an overnight operational test attended by various members of the travel industry, signifying the Queen Anne’s readiness for service.
Following its stay in Southampton, Queen Anne will embark on a maiden voyage starting May 3, covering a seven-night journey to La Coruna and Lisbon. This voyage signifies a new chapter for Cunard, as the Queen Anne is the first ship to be launched by the line in 14 years. Cunard President, Katie McAlister, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “The arrival of Queen Anne marks the dawning of a new era of luxury ocean travel.”
This event heralds a significant milestone for Cunard, promising to etch a new chapter in maritime history.
