Cunard celebrates record bookings following Queen Anne launch

Rhea-AI Summary

Cunard announced record-breaking bookings following the launch of its new ship, Queen Anne. The 3,000-guest vessel embarked on its maiden voyage on May 3 and returned to Southampton on May 24 for a British Isles Festival voyage. The event included a spectacular naming ceremony in Liverpool, attended by over 50,000 people, with thousands more watching along the River Mersey.

Cunard reported its highest-ever guest bookings in May, with Queen Anne's Europe itineraries particularly popular. The launch also generated over 21 million impressions on social media. Cunard President Katie McAlister attributed the success to the team's hard work and expressed excitement for welcoming new guests aboard Queen Anne and other ships in their fleet.

Positive

• Record-breaking bookings in May following Queen Anne's launch.
• Over 50,000 attendees at the naming ceremony in Liverpool.
• Queen Anne's Europe itineraries highly popular among guests.
• 21 million social media impressions generated on the launch day.
• Strong booking momentum indicates successful launch.

Negative

• High expectations set by record-breaking bookings may be challenging to maintain.
• Increased operational costs associated with launching a new vessel.

Queen Anne during the official naming ceremony in Liverpool 

SOUTHAMPTON, England, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard has announced record-breaking bookings following the highly anticipated launch of its new ship Queen Anne.

The 3,000-guest vessel set sail on an historic maiden voyage on 3 May before returning to her homeport of Southampton on 24 May to begin her celebratory British Isles Festival voyage – which included a spectacular naming ceremony in Liverpool.  

And the luxury cruise brand can now report it booked more guests in May than any equivalent period on record, with Queen Anne Europe itineraries proving to be particularly popular with guests.

Culture Liverpool estimates that more than 50,000 people attended Queen Anne's naming ceremony, with thousands more lining the banks of the River Mersey to witness her arrival in the city. Cunard also generated over 21 million impressions across social media channels on the day of the event.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said: "We're delighted to see such strong booking momentum in response to the successful launch of Queen Anne. This record-breaking booking period is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, and we're excited to have the opportunity to welcome so many new guests on board Queen Anne and the rest of our iconic fleet in the future."

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, visit www.cunard.com.

Notes to Editors

For further press information, please contact: 

•  Sam Balls, sam.balls@cunard.co.uk, +44 (0)7879 198864

Social Media 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cunard
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cunardline 
YouTube: www.youtube.com/wearecunard
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cunardline 

Media Assets (for media only)
Cunard photography is available online at https://cunard.assetbank-server.com  

Email: pressoffice@cunard.co.uk  

Password: Cunard175 

ABOUT CUNARD: 

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships since 1840, celebrating an incredible 184 years of operation. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment, and outstanding White Star service. From a partnership with a two-Michelin starred chef, to inspiring guest speakers, to world class theatre productions, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable.  A pioneer in transatlantic journeys and round world voyages, destinations sailed to also include Europe, the Caribbean, Alaska, the Far East and Australia.

There are currently four Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and new ship, Queen Anne, entered service in May 2024. This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

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SOURCE Cunard

FAQ

What are the record bookings reported by Cunard for May 2024?

Cunard reported its highest-ever guest bookings in May 2024, following the launch of the new ship Queen Anne.

When did Queen Anne's maiden voyage take place?

Queen Anne's maiden voyage began on May 3, 2024.

What was significant about Queen Anne's naming ceremony?

Queen Anne's naming ceremony in Liverpool was attended by over 50,000 people and generated significant social media engagement.

How popular are Queen Anne's Europe itineraries?

Queen Anne's Europe itineraries have proven to be particularly popular with guests, contributing to record-breaking bookings.

How many social media impressions did Cunard generate during Queen Anne's launch?

Cunard generated over 21 million social media impressions during Queen Anne's launch.