Cape Town’s harbour welcomed the Queen Anne, Cunard’s newest luxury liner, for the very first time. The ship's arrival made waves, quite literally, as road traffic in and around the CBD, particularly near the Foreshore and V&A Waterfront, were busier than usual due to the influx of guests and cruise-related activities.
Image: Armand Hough
Cunard Line's new luxury vessel, the Queen Anne, made her grand entrance into South African waters with her highly anticipated arrival at Cape Town harbour Thursday, following a stop in Durban on 7th April. This marks a significant moment, not just for Cunard, but for the City's burgeoning reputation as a premier cruise destination.
The Queen Anne is the largest ship in Cunard’s illustrious history by embarking on a complete world voyage, capable of accommodating 2,996 passengers alongside 1,225 crew members. Following her 107-night maiden global journey that started in January from Southampton, she has made her historic debut on African shores, calling at 30 ports across 18 countries. This debut affords South African guests a chance to book a place on a luxurious global voyage, with a planned return in January 2026.
“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,” said Shaun McCarthy, Managing Director at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard’s South African representative.
The ship embodies a spirit of exploration inspired by Cunard's rich maritime heritage, designed with a modern flair promising sustainability and comfort. “Inspired by our past, designed for our future” is the philosophy underpinning Queen Anne's construction, seamlessly combining classic elegance with contemporary style.
The experience aboard the Queen Anne is rich with lavish amenities and entertainment options. Boasting 14 decks, the ship features an impressive array of spaces from opulent dining venues to luxurious staterooms, guaranteeing every passenger will find their slice of paradise. Guests will be captivated by the ship’s elegant decor—a blend of art deco finishes and modern design elements, evoking the luxury of high-end hotels and yachts.
Highlighting a commitment to wellbeing, Queen Anne features the Mareel Wellness & Beauty spa, reimagined to offer tailored wellness experiences. Collaborating with Harper’s Bazaar for a unique “Wellness at Sea” programme, Cunard aims to provide passengers with opportunities to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.
She also introduces a sophisticated retail space, allowing guests to indulge in a curated selection of brands ranging from Bremont to Chanel. The ship promises a shopping experience as unique as the destinations passengers will visit.
The V&A Waterfront is particularly excited to welcome Queen Anne, enhancing Cape Town's status as a thriving cruise destination. It said the economic impact of this visit is profound, with estimates suggesting cruise tourism will contribute R1.2 billion to the Western Cape’s economy during the current season. This influx supports not only tourism but also local jobs and small businesses.
“The arrival of the Queen Anne represents a significant milestone for cruise tourism in Cape Town, showcasing the city’s growing appeal to international travelers,” said André Blaine, V&A Waterfront Marine Executive.
With the majestic arrival of Queen Anne, Cunard continues its tradition of elegance and luxury, promising memorable experiences that honour its storied past while embracing the future.
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