Queen Anne live tracker: Cunard cruise ship to arrive in Southampton

Cruise passengers

Tim Bonde lives all the way in Derbyshire but came down to see the Queen Anne at Mayflower Park.

He said: "I’m on the reserve list for a maiden voyage cabin, but I don’t think that’s likely to happen.

"I’ve been on all the other Cunard ships and I absolutely love them all.

"It’s always more of a voyage than a cruising holiday and this is just a fantastic experience.

"It’s also great to have the first female captain on a Cunard ship when travelling.

"I’ve always found them to be an extremely inclusive and diverse company."

Tim Bonde (Image: Ross Marshall)

What a ship! She's arrived in Southampton ready for her maiden passenger voyage on Friday.

See more: Cunard cruise ship Queen Anne arrives in Southampton

Queen Anne arrives (Image: Ross Marshall)

Queen Anne arrives (Image: Ross Marshall)

The view from Cowes (Image: NQ)

Rachel Arnup said: "I managed to get this one through our telescope as it passed by Shanklin!"

Queen Anne sailing past St Helens Fort on the Isle of Wight (Image: NQ)

The Queen Anne is now just off Cowes on the Isle of Wight. 

The Pavilion:

Mareel Thermal Suite:

Guests are sure to be in for a treat on Queen Anne's maiden voyage, here's a few sneak peeks as to what they can expect: 

The cruise liner is slowly edging her way to Southampton, currently at the south side of the Isle of Wight.

Queen Anne is getting closer to the Isle of Wight.

Over the course of her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords.

The cruise liner will travel to 60 destinations in 16 countries.

“We look forward to hosting the Queen Anne and her passengers and showcasing all that our vibrant city has to offer, now and into a long and prosperous future together.”

Ahead of Queen Anne’s homecoming, leader of Southampton City Council, Lorna Fielker, told the Echo: "I am thrilled that Southampton will welcome the magnificent Queen Anne on its maiden call to its new home port.

Queen Anne is now off the Isle of Portland.

Queen Anne is currently travelling at a speed of 22kn on route to Southampton.

“This is a truly momentous occasion that will go down in maritime history.”

“As our first ship in 14 years, she is the next in a fine line, and we’re excited at the prospect of so many crafts, and spectators, gathering to welcome Queen Anne into her home port.

Commenting on Queen Anne's arrival in Southampton, Kate McAlister, President of Cunard, said: "The arrival of Queen Anne marks the dawning of a new era of luxury ocean travel.

Queen Anne is due to arrive in Southampton at 8pm this evening. She's currently north-west of the Channel Islands.

Following much anticipation, today is finally the day that Cunard's newest cruise liner - Queen Anne - sails into Southampton before embarking on her maiden voyage on Friday.

Good morning and welcome to our live blog.