Scotland’s capital hosted the first visit to the nation by Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne.
Queen Anne made a spectacular transit of the Firth of Forth before dropping anchor at South Queensferry for Edinburgh on the first port of call of its British Isles Festival Voyage – a celebratory ‘lap of honour’ circumnavigation of the British Isles.
Her arrival beneath the famous Forth Railway Bridge attracted significant interest as the 249th ship to fly under the Cunard flag made her maiden call.
A traditional piper played on the pier as Queen Anne sailed into port, with spectators also treated to a tug water cannon display during her arrival.
Queen Anne arrived early yesterday morning and later departed bound for Kirkwall, Orkney Islands.
Her passage then takes in scenic coastal cruising as well further calls at Invergordon and Greenock where Cunard’s long and historic association with the Clyde will be recorded.
This historic visit was marked by a short Plaque Ceremony during which the ship and the port exchanged specially commissioned commemorative plaques. The port plaque will be displayed on board Queen Anne and the ship’s memento will be displayed by the Port.
Cunard guests sailing on board had a range of shore excursion opportunities to enjoy, including the chance to savour a unique visit to Summerhall Distillery – partners of the luxury cruise line – with a Cunard 4 Queens gin tasting, an exclusive Queen Anne shore experience.
The British Isles Festival Voyage
The 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage departed Southampton on 24 May and includes a spectacular Naming Ceremony for the ship in Cunard’s spiritual home at Liverpool on 3 June.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “Queen Anne’s British Isles Festival Voyage is celebrating the very best of Great Britain and Ireland and we are delighted that our guests on board can visit Scotland, starting in the nation’s capital Edinburgh.
“Queen Anne’s maiden voyage around these shores is a truly historic sailing for Cunard.”
Queen Anne
Whatever your dream destination, discover it with Queen Anne. As the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, her design concepts have been founded on heritage, craftmanship, style, storytelling, and innovation, and the 113,000-ton, 3,000-guest ship, which spans 14 decks, will offer travellers several breath-taking experiences, and more choices of entertainment, dining, and bars than ever before.
She will also boast the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities so far seen on a Cunard ship, with her reimagined Mareel Wellness & Beauty proposition heralding a new era of wellbeing at sea.
Throughout her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail from Southampton on itineraries to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, the Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords, visiting over 60 unique destinations in 16 countries – taking in several of Europe’s most enchanting ancient cities.
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