Cunard cruise ship Queen Anne: Our A-Z for luxury liner

Here's our A to Z guide to the 249th ship in the Cunard fleet, which weighs 113,000 tons and will carry 3,000 guests in opulent surroundings. 

A is for archive. Cunard operations were transferred to Southampton from Liverpool when its fleet of ships became too big to enter the river Mersey, but it maintains a close relationship with the city where its extensive archive collection is held at the University of Liverpool. The archive has been a source of inspiration for Queen Anne's interior designer.

B is for Britannia. One of Queen Anne's stunning restaurants is named after Cunard's first ship. The paddle-steamer made history during Cunard's first transatlantic crossing in 1840. Today's guests enjoy levels of refinement unimaginable for those boarding Britannia over 180 years ago. 

C is for Cunard. Visionary Canadian Sir Samuel Cunard created the shipping line that now bears his name in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1787. Today, ships still make regular calls to the port where he nurtured his ambitions. 

D is for design. Queen Anne's interior design team based the striking new spaces on the five pillars of heritage, craftsmanship, storytelling, style and innovation. 

E is for excursions. Guests can immerse themselves in exotic locations brimming with culture, adventure and beauty on shore excursions and tours, available to book a year in advance of holiday dates. 

F is for flowers. Fresh flowers are a huge feature of each ship in the fleet, and Queen Anne will be no exception. Expert florists form part of her crew, creating stunning displays and arrangements for public rooms and spaces like The Grand Lobby. 

G is for Golden Lion. A Golden Lion features on the Cunard Line crest and the pub named in its honour will serve a range of beers and gastropub menu, as well as hosting live entertainment, quizzes and televised sport. 

H is for hosted experiences. One of Queen Anne's new entertainment venues will be a hosted experience - a first for Cunard. Bright Lights Society will be a whirlwind of entertainment, performers and musicians. 

I is for Inger. Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge was appointed Master of Queen Anne in March 2022 and is Cunard's first female Captain. She has celebrated 27 years of service with Cunard. 

J is for joinery. Many elements of the ship have been made by expert craftsmen, including the Queens Room dance floor. 

K is for keel laying. Queen Anne's keel laying ceremony took place in September 2022. A newly minted Queen Anne commemorative coin and original Queen Anne half crown from 1702 were welded into the hull by Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge.

L is for livery. Queen Anne will be the first ship to wear the iconic lion and crest on its hull, part of the new livery. 

M is for Mareel. Queen Anne's spa - Mareel Wellness & Beauty - will feature the widest selection of fitness, beauty, thermal and spa facilities ever seen on a Cunard vessel. 

N is for Naming Ceremony. Queen Anne's naming ceremony will take place on June 3, 2024, during the ship's 14-night voyage around the British Isles. The ceremony will be held in Liverpool. 

O is for Opulence. Cunard is renowned for creating unforgettable, luxurious experiences. All of Queen Anne's rooms have striking levels of comfort, detail and opulence. 

P is for Perfect Serve. Complementing the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth gins, the new Queen Anne gin will showcase the natural beauty and botanical diversity of the British Isles, unified during the reign of Queen Anne - known as the Perfect Serve. The unique flavour profile combines a blend of herbaceous milk thistle, heather, and zesty sea buckthorn, balanced with the sweetness of Queen Anne rose petals and blackcurrant leaf.

Q is for Quartet of Queens. Queen Anne becomes the fourth ship in the current Cunard fleet, joining her sisters Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2. It will be the first time since 1999 Cunard will have four ships at sea. 

R is for Royal Court Theatre. Queen Anne's luxurious two-deck 835 seat theatre will rival the finest facilities to be found in the West End or on Broadway. It will host productions, lectures and film screenings. 

S is for Suites. Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites are the ultimate in luxury accommodation and range from 301 sq ft to 1440 sq ft in size. 

T is for Timeline. Cunard announced its order for Queen Anne in September 2017. Steel cutting began in Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice in October 2019.

U is for Upcoming Talent. Queen Anne will feature the largest collection of art at sea in celebration of Cunard's support of new talent. Around 4,000 pieces of art by painters, photographers and illustrators who are poised to become the next generation of the contemporary art scene have been carefully curated for Cunard's newest ship. 

V is for Voyage. Queen Anne's maiden voyage sets sail from Southampton on Friday (May 3) visiting La Coruna and Lisbon in seven nights at sea. 

W is for White Star Service. Guests will experience White Star Service from the moment they step aboard where a line-up of white-gloved bellhops will greet guests with a warm welcome. 

X  is for Xmas. The festive season is a momentous occasion onboard Cunard ships. Queen Anne's first Christmas will be spent in the Canary Islands with new year in Madeira during a 14-night cruise. 

Y is for Your Choice. Dress up and dine in style if you wish or relax in more casual surroundings - it's up to you. 

Z is for Zone. Specially designed areas onboard Queen Anne will help younger guests enjoy a range of tailored entertainment and activities. Children will adore The Zone.