The Port of Southampton welcomes Queen Anne for her inaugural visit

The Port of Southampton welcomes Queen Anne, the newest addition to Cunard's prestigious fleet. This historic moment marks the first time in 23 years that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service, a testament to the thriving cruise industry in Southampton.

Queen Anne, the 249th ship in Cunard's 184-year history, stretching 300 metres in length, she stands as one of the largest in the fleet and has a capacity to host 3000 guests. She will be in the port for three days before departing on a seven-night voyage to Lisbon.

A traditional Plaque and Key ceremony will take place on Friday, May 3, before the ship sets off on her maiden voyage to Lisbon. The Plaque and Key ceremony is a long-standing maritime tradition for a new ship to be blessed, with the belief that it will bring good fortune to the vessel and all who sail on her.

Thea George, Senior Cruise Manager, said: "We are thrilled to welcome Queen Anne on her inaugural visit to the Port of Southampton. Cunard's iconic ships offer a different class of luxury travel for our Cruise passengers, ranging from transatlantic crossings to Mediterranean and Northern European cruises. Each of the 'Queens' are popular and belong to a very traditional brand in Southampton. We are looking forward to welcoming passengers to the port to board Cunard's latest ship."

The Port of Southampton is Europe's leading cruise turnaround port, and last year, it welcomed 2.75 million passengers to the port, generating more than £1 billion for the local and regional economy. The sector supports over 15,000 jobs with a wide range of local businesses benefitting, from those closely aligned to the sector in hospitality, stevedore operations and fuel bunkering services to the wider Hampshire visitor economy and other local Southampton businesses.