Cunard's summer 2023 program breaks records; "Queen Anne" will be company's 249th ship

Cunard's Summer 2023 itineraries, which unveiled over 150 new, international voyages, has seen a record-breaking first two days of trading, with demand especially strong for Princess and Queens Grills Suites, the company reports. 

"We are thrilled by the robust response to our recently announced Summer 2023 voyage program, which has surpassed our record-breaking sales in 2021 when Queen Elizabeth's summer at sea sailings became available to book," said Jamie Paiko, vice-president of sales for Cunard North America. "Cunard's two strongest booking periods in more than a decade have happened in the last 12 months, which is a true reflection of Cunard's global appeal, and our guests' enthusiasm to re-join our luxury ocean travel experience."

Cunard's Summer 2023 schedule includes 150 voyages calling at 120 unique ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration.

The World Awaits 2023 New Voyages - key itineraries

The Canary Islands (V312)
The volcanic terrain of Tenerife's Teide National Park and Sintra's Moorish palaces (tours from Lisbon) are among the UNESCO World Heritage sites awaiting discovery on this 12-night voyage of Spain and Portugal. Queen Victoria departs Southampton April 27, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,799 per person.

North Cape Discovery (V315)
Immerse in a land of forest and water, where ancient wooden houses decorate the streets, waterfalls spill from verdant gullies, and soaring mountains reflect in mirror-like fjords. Queen Victoria departs Southampton June 6, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,399 per person.

Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada (M329H)
Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, you'll travel to New York via Transatlantic Crossing, before embarking on an exploration of New England and Canada that includes three days in Quebec. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton September 22, 2023. Inside staterooms from $4,999 per person.

Mediterranean Highlights (M316)
Pisa's UNESCO World Heritage listed leaning tower, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and Gaudi's architectural legacy, the Sagrada Familia, are all within reach on this 14-night voyage sailing from Southampton. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton June 9, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,899 per person.

Alaska (Q320)
Guests will be charmed by Ketchikan's colourful totem poles, as they keep a watchful eye for humpback whales, and absorb the splendour of skyscraper-tall glaciers, on a voyage to Alaska's icy fjords. Queen Elizabeth departs Vancouver June 8, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,799 per person.

Western Mediterranean (Q330B)
The sparking azure waters of the French Riviera, Pisa's UNESCO-listed leaning tower and Ibiza's captivating old town, Dalt Vila, await discovery on this 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. Queen Elizabeth departs Barcelona September 25, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,249 per person.

Cunard's 249th ship

Cunard has also announced the name of the new ship joining a world-renowned fleet, Queen Anne. 

Queen Anne will be Cunard's 249th ship and will make up a remarkable quartet of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. 

This will mark the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships at sea. (Learn more here). 

The Cunard team explored multiple naming options and inspired by Queen Anne's reign, engaged with British historian, author and television presenter, Kate Williams, to assist in the detailed research. 

"It is so exciting that the fourth ship of the fleet will be named after Queen Anne. She has a fascinating tale to tell – one of queenship, unity of developing constitutional monarchy, a golden age of the arts. She was an inspiring woman, wildly popular with her people. She should be celebrated. This new ship in the Cunard fleet is the perfect way to do it!" Williams said. 

Queen Anne will feature reimagined Cunard signature spaces as well as the introduction of new guest experiences within dining, culture and entertainment, for an unparalleled cruise experience underpinned by outstanding White Star Service. 

Bridging tradition and contemporary luxury, Queen Anne celebrates the influential design styles of both past and present and introduces an updated Cunard livery. 

World renowned designers have joined forces to create an extraordinary and thoughtful standard-setting design - inspiring a new way to travel at sea. 

The décor will reveal bold colour tones and showcase a striking aesthetic, while in keeping with the renowned timeless Cunard sophistication.

"I am absolutely delighted to welcome Queen Anne, the fourth ship to Cunard's fleet. This marks a very special moment in Cunard's 182-year history and showcases Cunard's exciting global plans for the future, allowing even more guests around the world to set sail with Cunard. With design inspired by the past and set for the future, Queen Anne is the perfect way for our guests to rediscover the joy of exploration and travel again. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and months," stated Carnival UK President Sture Myrmell. 

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