Cunard Queen Anne: The Ship That Whispers Luxury

I’ve only cruised twice. Any readers of The Wanderer or my Cruising in my 20s blog series will know that. But there’s something so incredibly alluring about the sheer escape of it all – the sense of stepping into a world designed entirely around comfort, beauty, and quiet indulgence, a way of holidaying that feels so chic, plucked from the golden era of travel. That’s what draws me in. And when I started reading about Cunard Queen Anne, the newest addition to the Cunard fleet, I found myself properly intrigued.

Her debut in 2024 meant that she was Cunard’s first new ship in over a decade, and while I haven’t been on board (...yet?), what I’ve seen and read so far is very tempting – especially if, like me, you’re drawn to cleverly designed interiors, true timeless style, and the kind of elegance that feels lightyears away from daily life.

Quick Facts

• Ship name: Queen Anne
• Launch year: 2024
• Guest capacity: Around 3,000
• Tonnage: 113,000 GT
• Interior designers: David Collins Studio, Richmond International, Sybille de Margerie
• Signature features: Grand Lobby, Bright Lights Society, Pavilion, Queens Grill Suites

Tradition Meets the Modern Day

Naturally, Queen Anne is a ship that honours Cunard’s long tradition of regal, refined cruising, but it also gently updates the formula. Nothing too drastic, just old-world glamour without the formality – a ship that nods to the golden age of travel, but with a more contemporary, light-handed approach.

Her profile carries the unmistakable Cunard silhouette and that famous red funnel, but what’s inside is where it really gets interesting.

Interiors That Feel Like Art

As someone who pays keen attention to interiors, Queen Anne’s design pedigree is nothing short of impressive. Cunard enlisted David Collins Studio (the team behind Claridge’s Bar and Harrods), along with Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie, to bring the ship’s spaces to life.

And they haven’t gone for flashy. This is quiet luxury: soft palettes inspired by the sea and sky, curved lines that mirror ocean swells, and a surprising amount of texture – brushed metals, marbles, and layered fabrics that give the spaces warmth and presence. I love the idea that the same care and intention you’d find in a top London hotel has been translated to life at sea.

The Grand Lobby, for example, features a sweeping staircase and a digital sculpture by Dominic Harris that responds to movement. It’s a clever blend of old and new – classic structure, modern soul, and so archetypally Cunard. 

The Suites and Staterooms

Two Distinguished Tiers

• Queens Grill Suites — Representing the pinnacle of Cunard luxury — spacious interiors, elegant décor, and access to exclusive spaces. Guests enjoy personalized butler service, a complimentary full-sized in-suite bar, pre-dinner canapés, fresh fruit, and priority tender service.
• Princess Grill Suites — Equally sumptuous, Princess Grill accommodations come with beautifully appointed suites, exclusive lounge and terrace access, reserved dining, and dedicated concierge service.

What You Can Expect

• Private indoor & outdoor spaces — feel at home with spacious, well-designed suites.
• Reserved dining — your own table in the Grill Restaurant, anytime you choose.
• Dedicated service — esprit de concierge and butler care ensure a seamless voyage.
• Exclusive access — Grill Lounge and Terrace on Queens-class ships offer serene meeting spots.
• Luxury extras — from fresh flowers and priority boarding/embarkation to Champagne teas and bespoke amenities.

There’s a calm and cocooning feel to the accommodation. Even the entry-level Britannia staterooms feature fresh new colour schemes and tailored furnishings, while those opting for a Queens Grill suite can expect walk-in wardrobes, marble bathrooms, and access to private dining and lounge areas.

One of my personal favourites is the Queens Grill Master Suite – a true private residence at sea that spans around 896 square feet. What really caught my eye (or rather, made me wish I was there) is the striking emerald velvet sofa with delicate pink accents, a bold yet elegant statement that perfectly balances comfort with style.

The Master Suite truly offers everything you could want from luxury cruising: floor-to-ceiling windows in the spacious Great Room, a separate dining room, and a bedroom featuring the iconic Cunarder bed, configurable as a king-size or twin. There’s a bathroom with both a bathtub and a walk-in shower, and a generous private balcony with sea views.

The suite also includes thoughtful touches like Penhaligon’s toiletries, a pillow concierge with seven types to choose from, a complimentary mini-bar stocked with your favourites, and a welcome bottle of Champagne. Service here is of course impeccable, with a dedicated butler and steward on hand to make sure every single second your stay is flawless.

Exclusive access to the Queens Grill Restaurant, Grills Lounge, and Terrace, along with priority embarkation rounds out the experience, making the Master Suite - for me - the ultimate sanctuary and a standout example of Cunard’s quietly confident luxury.

It’s that kind of detail that elevates the entire experience. Having spaces that feel considered, not just functional. It’s the difference between “a room on a ship” and a place you genuinely look forward to returning to after dinner.

Dining: Elegant, Global, and Thoughtful

Dining has always been central to the Cunard cruise experience, and Queen Anne expands the offering in a fresh and updated direction. The Britannia Restaurant remains the centrepiece, with grand double-height ceilings and a design that puts a contemporary spin on ocean liner glamour, but there are also new flavours to discover. Aji Wa serves up Japanese cuisine in a minimalist but light-filled setting. Aranya’s menu is Indian dishes with a bold flair. And even the much-loved Golden Lion pub has had a David Collins Studio makeover. It’s now softer, richer, and undeniably stylish.

Queen Anne’s Restaurants*

• Britannia Restaurant
• The Lido
• Steakhouse at The Verandah*
• The Golden Lion*
• Dinner at the Lido*
• Al Fresco Dining*
• Britannia Club Restaurant^
• Queens Grill+
• Princess Grill**

Bars & Lounges*

• Commodore Club
• Gin & Fizz
• The Golden Lion
• Queens Room
• Chart Room
• Yacht Club
• Casino

Space to Unwind

Beyond the restaurants and suites, Queen Anne is of course filled with spaces designed to slow you down. The Pavilion - a pool and lounge space with a retractable glass dome - is ideal for reading, relaxing, or just taking in the view.

There’s a wellness studio, too, and an ocean-facing sauna tucked into the Mareel Wellness & Beauty space. And if you’re after something a little more lively, there’s the Bright Lights Society – an exciting new cabaret-style venue for cocktails and performance.

Every corner feels intentionally designed, which, for me, is part of what makes a cruise feel so luxurious. It’s not just about the destination, it’s the sheer pleasure of the spaces you can relax in while on your way there.

Cunard Queen Anne is home to:

• Library
• Open-air pool
• Fully-equipped gym
• Traditional Afternoon Tea
• Gala Evenings
• Film screenings
• Planetarium shows
• Deck and board games
• Sports facilities
• Dance classes
• Spa
• G32 Nightclub
• Queens Room
• Empire Casino
• Royal Court Theatre

Final Thoughts

While I may not be a true cruise expert just yet, I know what I’m drawn to: beautiful interiors, seamless service, and a chance for my holiday to feel worlds away from everyday life. From everything I’ve seen, the Cunard Queen Anne promises all of that and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just beginning to dip your toes into the world of Cunard cruises, Queen Anne is a refined and considered way to travel – a ship that is just as inspiring as the destinations on the horizon...

 View all Cunard Line cruises 

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 *Available at an additional cost

^Included when staying in a Britannia Club Balcony stateroom

+Included when staying in a Queens Grill Suite

** Included when staying in a Princess Grill Suite