Cunard's Queen Anne Sets Sail with Unprecedented Luxury Retail Experience
Cunard's newest ship, the Queen Anne, has launched, offering passengers an unmatched luxury retail experience with exclusive brands and an innovative 'Cabinet of Curiosities.'
Published on 5/4/2024 (Updated on 5/4/2024)
The Queen Anne, Cunard’s latest and largest addition to its prestigious fleet, embarked on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England, introducing a new era of luxury retail at sea. This vessel, boasting a capacity for 3,000 passengers, aims to redefine onboard shopping with its unique and sophisticated retail spaces. Crafted in collaboration with Harding+, a leading global cruise retailer, these spaces are designed to offer an unparalleled shopping experience tailored to the discerning tastes of its guests.
At the heart of the Queen Anne's retail offerings is the innovative 'Cabinet of Curiosities.' This novel concept presents an immersive, multi-sensory exhibit showcasing the rich heritage of Cunard through a meticulously curated collection of brands and rare finds. For the first time at sea, passengers can purchase exclusive items from luxury brands such as Chanel and Theo Fennell, along with unique products from partnerships with Garrard fine jewelry, Chapel Down wines, and other high-end brands. These offerings are complemented by Harding+'s 'Reloved' brand, featuring a selection of pre-loved luxury goods, emphasizing sustainability alongside luxury.
Queen Anne's dedication to creating a memorable retail journey is further exemplified by its layout, resembling an art gallery more than a traditional shopping venue. An 'Experience Lounge’ allows passengers to engage with the products, learning about their origins and characteristics, enhancing the personal connection to the items they purchase. Adding to the retail allure is a dedicated shopping host, a pioneering role on the Queen Anne designed to provide guests with a personalized, welcoming shopping experience, supported by a comprehensive daily program of retail events.
The ship's retail adventure is as dynamic as its itinerary, with collections changing based on the seasons and destinations the Queen Anne visits. This adaptable approach ensures that the onboard retail experience remains fresh and exciting, reflecting the diverse locales the ship explores. From its heritage collection inspired by Cunard’s archives to the debut Queen Anne collection, the offerings aboard are as inclusive as they are luxurious.
Beyond the innovative retail experience, Queen Anne promises an array of onboard amenities and its itinerary is equally impressive. After being christened in Liverpool, the ship will journey through Europe, visiting destinations from the Mediterranean's warm shores to the majestic Norwegian Fjords. With stops in historic cities and scenic ports, the Queen Anne’s maiden season offers guests not only a journey through beautiful landscapes but also a voyage through the luxury of time and tradition.