The Sovereign Cruise Club is excited to share this momentous occasion as work begins on Cunard’s new ship at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia Shipyard.
The ship which is yet to be named will be the second-largest ship to fly the Cunard flag and is set to reimagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique and exciting onboard amenities.
The first section of the new ship is under construction at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia shipyard. The shipbuilding group has a history with Cunard after previously delivering the world-renowned Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010. The steel cutting ceremony is a keystone-event in the life of Cunard’s new ship, marking the commencement of building work which will culminate in her delivery in Monfalcone, Gorizia, Italy in 2022.
To mark the occasion, Simon Palethorpe, President of Cunard said “After years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21st century. The new ship is taking inspiration from the successes of our past, integrating the Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests.”
Cunard used this auspicious occasion to announce the commissioning of a unique sculpture which will be masterly crafted from the first piece of steel cut for the new ship. The sculpture which is being designed by acclaimed sculptor Sam Shendi will be displayed on board the ship for Cunard’s guests to enjoy. Shendi said “I’m really looking forward to working with the Cunard team and to be given the challenge of creating a sculpture from the first piece of steel cut for their new ship is such a unique opportunity. It would be exciting for any artist to be part of such a long history and know that their artwork will travel the world on the ship connecting guests from all corners of the globe.”
With construction underway, the new ship’s interior designers will work alongside Fincantieri to deliver a one of a kind onboard experience. The design team is led by globally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany, the award-winning design team includes Simon Rawlings (David Collins Studio), Terry McGillicuddy (Richmond International) and Sybille de Margerie (Sybille de Margerie Paris). Each of the designers brings their experiences from various world-class international hotels and resorts with the aim of delivering a new standard of Cunard luxury.
Cunard’s new ship is set to enter service in 2022 with bookings commencing next year. For more information on Cunard cruises please see our website www.sovereigncruise.co.uk or please call our team of Cunard experts on 03331 22 44 66.