The email I received from Cunard this afternoon reads:
A Memorable Milestone
Today we officially took delivery of our newest ship, Queen Anne, from master shipbuilders Fincantieri. The traditional handover ceremony took place in the Marghera shipyard near Venice. During the ceremony the Cunard flag was proudly raised by Captain Inger Thorhauge, signifying the change in ownership.
We’d like to express our thanks to the very skilled team of engineers, designers, architects and more who have worked tirelessly on Queen Anne during her time at Fincantieri Marghera.
Cunard President, Katie McAlister was joined by CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, Pierroberto Folgiero; and General Manager of the Fincantieri Merchant Ships Division, Luigi Matarazzo.
Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, was also present to welcome Queen Anne to our fleet.
Captain Thorhauge will be at the helm, when she sets sail for her home port of Southampton, ready for what is sure to be a spectacular maiden voyage on Friday 3 May.
We’ll be posting the latest updates throughout her journey home, as well as sneak peeks of what is in store for guests across our social channels,
so be sure to follow us.