Cunard celebrates record bookings after Queen Anne launch and naming ceremony
Cruise ship operator, Cunard, has achieved record-breaking bookings following the maiden voyage and high profile naming ceremony of its new ship, Queen Anne, in Liverpool earlier this month.
The 3,000-guest vessel was built in Italy’s Fincantieri Marghera shipard in Venice and arrived at her home port of Southampton in April.
Last month she began her celebratory British Isles Festival voyage – which included a spectacular naming ceremony in Liverpool on June 3.
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 at the Pier Head, with thousands more lining the banks of the River Mersey to witness her arrival in the city. Cunard also generated in excess of 21 million impressions across social media channels on the day of the event.
Cunard President, Katie McAlister, said: “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.”
Jay Carson, Commercial Manager at holiday company TUI, said: “A huge thank you to Cunard for inviting us to be part of the naming ceremony in Liverpool and congratulations on the delivery of such a wonderful event.
“The ceremony was absolutely amazing and certainly a very special moment in time to have experienced. Queen Anne looked incredible and the atmosphere really was amazing in Liverpool that evening. Our front line agents who were there had a wonderful day and it was great to see them engaging with the brand.”
Jane Chadwick, Cruise Specialist at GoCruise & Travel, said: “Queen Anne’s naming ceremony was such an enjoyable and emotional day – the ship and Captain Inger have that effect on me.
“I have followed this special ship every step of the way throughout her build, and sailed on her maiden voyage, so the circle is closed but I am looking forward to sailing on her again. I never take these opportunities for granted – I cherish every moment. I love Cunard, and I can’t see that fading any time soon. The fireworks were the perfect finale to Queen Anne’s special day.”
Cunard’s pioneering transatlantic service – and passenger shipping itself – was launched in Liverpool in 1840, where its iconic Cunard Building, now Liverpool City Council offices, forms the centrepiece of the world famous Three Graces frontage, including the Royal Liver Building and Port of Liverpool Building.
The group relocated to its current HQ in Southampton in 1965.
