When Cunard’s Queen Anne docked in Cape Town on 30 January, there was no need for spectacle, writes Miriam Kimvangu.
Image: Supplied
Set against Table Mountain and the steady movement of the working harbour, the ship entered port as part of the city’s ongoing maritime rhythm rather than a standalone event.
We were invited on board during her Cape Town call to tour the ship and gain insight into Cunard’s newest addition. Launched in 2024, Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag and marked the return of the brand to a four ship fleet for the first time since 1999. Measuring 322.5 metres in length and 113,000 gross tons, she accommodates just under 3,000 guests across 14 decks, supported by a crew of more than 1,200.
Built by Italian shipyard Fincantieri, Queen Anne is based on the Pinnacle class hull, adapted to suit Cunard’s approach to long distance ocean travel. Her layout prioritises clarity and flow, with public spaces arranged to support extended time at sea rather than short port heavy itineraries.
At the centre of the ship is the Grand Lobby, a three deck atrium that serves as both a visual anchor and a central meeting point. The space is designed to maximise natural light, with a sculptural mural installation that changes subtly throughout the day. The effect is calm and continuous, setting the tone for the rest of the ship.
Grand Lobby/Supplied
Accommodation is offered across six categories, ranging from Britannia Inside staterooms to the Queens Grill Suites, some measuring up to 1,440 square feet. A notable feature of Queen Anne’s design is the expanded number of Britannia Club staterooms, reflecting increased demand for mid range luxury accommodation. Interiors were designed by Paris based designer Sybille de Margerie, with an emphasis on neutral palettes, layered textures and practical comfort.
Britannia Restaurant/Supplied
Dining is organised around 15 venues spread throughout the ship. These include traditional dining rooms linked to each accommodation category, as well as a range of casual restaurants, cafés and lounges that operate throughout the day. We had the privilege of dining at the Sir Samuel Steakhouse which included the added experience of picking our own knives that we were going to eat with.
Image/Miriam Kimvangu
Sherry Trifle/Miriam Kimvangu
The Queens Room remains central to daily life on board, hosting afternoon tea, evening events and formal occasions that structure the ship’s social calendar.
Queens Room/Miriam Kimvangu
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Queens Room/Supplied
Public spaces are varied in scale and purpose. The Royal Court Theatre, library, art gallery and casino offer structured entertainment and cultural programming, while a network of lounges and seating areas provide places for reading, conversation and observation. The design encourages guests to move easily between social and quieter spaces depending on the time of day.
Royal Court Theatre/Miriam Kimvangu
Wellness facilities are concentrated within Mareel Wellness and Beauty, the most comprehensive spa and fitness offering yet introduced on a Cunard ship. The area includes thermal facilities, treatment rooms and a dedicated top deck wellness studio with expansive ocean views. Fitness and relaxation are integrated into the ship’s daily rhythm rather than treated as separate experiences.
Mareel Spa/Supplied
Outdoor areas are designed to adapt to changing weather and cruising regions. The Pavilion features a retractable glass dome that allows the space to function across different climates, while the Panorama Pool Club at the aft offers open views over the wake. Upper deck observation areas combine seating, casual bars and deck games, supporting long periods spent outdoors while at sea.
Pavilion Pool/Supplied
Queen Anne’s Cape Town visit formed part of a longer voyage from Southampton to Asia and Australia, with onward stops in Gqeberha and Durban. It was her second call to the city, reinforcing Cape Town’s position as a regular port on long haul cruise routes. For local observers, the visit highlighted the city’s ongoing role within global cruising networks.
As Queen Anne departed the harbour, the impression she left was one of continuity and purpose. Designed for extended journeys and a measured pace of travel, the ship reflects Cunard’s ongoing focus on structure, service and the enduring appeal of life at sea.
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