Queen Anne Surprised Me: My Honest First Impressions of Cunard's Newest Cruise Ship
- Wendy Byard
- Jun 22
- 4 min read
When I first stepped onboard Queen Anne, Cunard's newest cruise ship, I thought I knew exactly what to expect.
Like many people, my image of Cunard had been shaped by its long history, elegant advertising and reputation for traditional ocean travel. I imagined formal evenings, white-glove service, beautiful lounges and a rather classic style of cruising. And whilst I certainly found elements of all those things, I also discovered something quite different. Queen Anne surprised me. In fact, she surprised me far more than I expected.
What I Expected From Cunard
Cunard is one of the most recognisable names in cruising. Famous for its iconic transatlantic crossings and elegant ocean liners, it has long been associated with a more traditional style of travel.
For some people, that image can feel intimidating. Formal. Perhaps even a little old-fashioned.
Before my visit, I wasn't entirely sure whether Cunard would feel like the right fit for me. I love good service, beautiful surroundings and attention to detail, but I also enjoy contemporary design and relaxed spaces.
What I discovered was a ship that successfully blends both worlds.
A Beautifully Contemporary Ship
The first thing that struck me was just how beautiful Queen Anne is.
Elegant is probably the best word to describe her, but not in a traditional or overly formal way. Instead, she feels fresh, modern and thoughtfully designed.
The public areas are spacious and inviting. Whilst there are nods to Cunard's heritage throughout the ship, everything feels lighter and more contemporary than I had expected.
The cabins are equally impressive. Stylish, comfortable and beautifully designed, they feel modern whilst still retaining a sense of understated luxury.
One of the things I noticed throughout my visit was how well the ship flows. Although Queen Anne carries over 3,000 guests, she never felt crowded. The layout has been carefully considered, creating a feeling of space that is surprisingly rare at sea.
The Spa That Blew Me Away
Of all the surprises onboard, one stood out above everything else.
The spa.
Now, I enjoy a good spa, but cruise ship spas can sometimes feel a little limited in size. Queen Anne's wellness area is anything but.
Quite honestly, I was blown away.
Built around a beautiful thermal suite, the spa seems to go on forever. There are hot stone loungers, steam rooms, saunas, relaxation areas, pools, ice experiences and wellness facilities that rival many luxury land-based spas.
What impressed me most wasn't simply the size of the space but the atmosphere. It feels calm, luxurious and genuinely designed for relaxation.
For guests who value wellness, self-care or simply a little quiet time during their holiday, this could easily become one of the highlights of the entire voyage.
The Atmosphere Onboard
A ship is more than its facilities.
What really shapes the experience is the atmosphere onboard.
Throughout my visit, every member of staff I encountered was friendly, approachable and genuinely eager to help. There was a warmth and professionalism that immediately put guests at ease.
What also stood out was the behaviour of the guests themselves.
The atmosphere felt respectful, relaxed and welcoming. There was none of the rushing or bustle that can sometimes be found onboard larger ships. Instead, people seemed happy to take their time and enjoy the experience.
That sense of calm felt very much in keeping with the overall character of the ship.
Would I Sail on Queen Anne Again?
Without hesitation, yes. In fact, I found myself looking at itineraries almost as soon as I stepped ashore.
One of the biggest surprises for me was that I would happily sail in one of the inside cabins. They were spacious, thoughtfully designed and far more appealing than many inside cabins I've seen elsewhere.
Of course, the balcony cabins, Britannia Club accommodation and Grills Suites offer additional luxuries and exclusive benefits. However, what impressed me most was that even guests staying in standard accommodation still have access to an extraordinary ship experience.
The public spaces are so attractive and welcoming that there is no need to retreat to a suite simply to find peace and quiet.
Who Is Queen Anne Perfect For?
Queen Anne will naturally appeal to loyal Cunard guests, but I believe she may also attract a new generation of cruisers.
She's ideal for travellers who appreciate:
Elegant surroundings without excessive formality
Excellent service
Spacious public areas
High-quality dining
A strong wellness offering
Traditional touches combined with contemporary design
I can also see Queen Anne being an excellent choice for solo travellers who enjoy a more refined onboard atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Queen Anne manages something quite difficult.
She respects Cunard's heritage whilst embracing a more modern style of cruising.
For me, that balance works beautifully.
The ship feels elegant but never intimidating. Contemporary but never trendy. Luxurious without feeling exclusive.
Most of all, she changed my perception of Cunard.
I boarded expecting a traditional cruise ship.
I left wondering when I could sail on her myself.
And perhaps that's the biggest compliment I can give.
🎙️ This article accompanies Episode 1 of Beyond the Brochure, my new podcast series exploring the real experiences behind the destinations, ships and journeys we love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Queen Anne
Is Queen Anne a luxury cruise ship?
Queen Anne offers a premium cruise experience combining Cunard's traditional elegance with contemporary design and modern facilities.
How many passengers does Queen Anne carry?
Queen Anne carries approximately 3,000 guests and is the newest ship in the Cunard fleet.
What is the spa like on Queen Anne?
The wellness facilities were one of the highlights of my visit, featuring an extensive thermal suite, relaxation areas and a wide range of spa experiences.
Is Queen Anne suitable for solo travellers?
Yes. I found the atmosphere welcoming, relaxed and ideal for travellers seeking a refined onboard experience.
Come and join the conversation over in my Facebook communities:– The UK Cruise Network – for all cruise lovers, from first-timers to seasoned sailors– Solo Cruise Club – a supportive space for solo travellers seeking confidence, connection, and community at sea
Interested in knowing what kind of cruiser you are? Want to know which cruise lines are best suited to you? Then why not take my quiz and find out! Click the button below to get started.
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