Cunard’s Queen Anne will join the P&O Cruises fleet in 2029 following the completion of her 2028-29 world cruise.
In a related move, Arcadia will complete a special farewell season with P&O Cruises ending on August 21, 2029, before transferring to Holland America Line.
The Queen Anne will continue sailing for Cunard through the completion of the 2028-29 world cruise; she will then undergo an extensive reimagining and be renamed before entering service with sister brand in May 2029, according to a press release.
Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard president Paul Ludlow said: “These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our two cruise lines.
“Queen Anne was created as a bold and contemporary expression of Cunard, combining the brand’s hallmark service and sense of occasion with modern design, an extensive choice of dining and entertainment, and highly flexible public spaces.
“Those qualities give her a natural affinity with the modern P&O Cruises holiday experience. Following her reimagining, she will introduce a new class of ship to the P&O Cruises fleet and broaden the choice available to guests through a different scale, style of onboard experience and range of itineraries. This choice will complement the existing fleet and make her a defining addition to the next chapter of P&O Cruises,” Ludlow continued.
“Queen Anne has established a special place within the Cunard fleet and she has an exciting program ahead, including a central role in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and her final World Voyage as a Cunard ship in January ‘29. We will ensure that the seasons ahead are a fitting celebration of her time as a Cunard Queen.
“At the same time, the change will give Cunard a more closely unified fleet centered on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth. Each has a deeply established identity and embodies the timeless style, heritage and sense of occasion that guests around the world most closely associate with Cunard.
“This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future. We will continue to invest in the ships, service, itineraries and guest experiences that make Cunard unique, while building on the strong following enjoyed by each of its three Queens.
“Next year we will also complete a major upgrade of Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2. As the world’s only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service, it’s a one-of-a-kind asset, and our investment is designed to ensure it continues to delight guests for decades to come.
“Arcadia has been a much-loved part of P&O Cruises for more than two decades and has created countless special memories for our guests. We are immensely proud of her place in the line’s history and pleased that, following a celebratory farewell season, she will continue her career within the Carnival Corporation family.”
The company said that the Queen Anne will play an important role in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 before completing her final world voyage.
