Cunard Introduces Its NY-based Travel Partners to Queen Anne

Against beautiful works of art, fine caviar and the perfect gin and tonic, Cunard introduced its newest ship, Queen Anne, and its new president, Katie McAlister, to New York travel partners.

Last night, against a backdrop of soaring architecture, beautiful works of art, fine caviar and the perfect gin and tonic, Cunard introduced its newest ship — and its new president, Katie McAlister — to its New York travel partners. The event took place at the company's former New York offices at 25 Broadway, now Cipriani 25 Broadway.

In homage to the original Queen Anne, who was known for her support of the arts, 4,300 pieces of art have been curated for the ship in what will be the largest art collection at sea; many were hung around the room for guests to admire. A performance by Alan Cumming highlighted Queen Anne's Bright Lights Society, a new cabaret-style entertainment venue designed for intimate and diverse performances.

"Cunard has a great history in North America over many years, and the key is our relationship with travel advisors," McAlister told Recommend. "I know they will be absolutely delighted with Queen Anne. It gives guests more choices and a slightly different ambiance — and I think they will love it."

The 3,000-passenger Queen Anne will have 14 decks and "some of the finest accommodations at sea," including twice as many Britannia Club staterooms as other ships in the fleet, a new top-deck wellness studio, and The Pavilion, a retractable glass-domed area that includes a pool and an open-air theater. The launch of Cunard's 249th ship marks the first time in the 21st century that the line will have four ships at sea, with 15 dining venues on board.

During her maiden season, kicking off in May, Queen Anne will sail in Europe — Iberia, the Atlantic Coast and the Canary Islands; the Norwegian Fjords, Northern Europe and the British Isles; and the Mediterranean — before crossing the Atlantic on Jan. 7, 2025, for a maiden World voyage.

Cumming noted that Noël Coward set some of his greatest works on cruise ships, including "Sail Away," which opened on Broadway in 1961 — a fitting tribute for an evening celebrating a ship built to carry on one of the great traditions of ocean travel.