Cunard's Queen Anne Transferring to Another Cruise Line

P&O Cruises announced today that Cunard will be transferring one of its ships into the P&O fleet in 2029. Both P&O Cruises and Cunard are under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, so are sister brands.

Queen Anne, the newest ship in the Cunard fleet, will be joining the P&O Cruises fleet following the completion of her 2028-2029 World Voyage. She will then undergo extensive reimagining and be renamed, before entering service with P&O in May 2029.

In a related move, Holland America — another Carnival Corporation line — announced today that P&O’s ship Arcadia will be transferring into its fleet, also in 2029.

“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,” said Carnival UK, P&O Cruises, and Cunard President Paul Ludlow.

“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 went on to say that the exit of Queen Anne from the Cunard fleet will give the line a “more closely unified fleet” that’s centered around the three ships that were existing in the fleet before Queen Anne debuted: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth. And indeed, Queen Anne has quite a different aesthetic from the other three Queens in the Cunard family. Its more modern design, contemporary dining venues, and updated layout are a bit of a departure from the more traditional interiors and venues found aboard the three previous ships.

Cunard is also planning significant renovations for its flagship, Queen Mary 2. “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.”

Queen Anne will play an important role in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 prior to completing her final world cruise.

Further details of celebrations marking her final season with Cunard will be announced at a later date, as will more information on the ship’s reimagining, new name, onboard experience, and first season sailing with P&O Cruises.

All currently published voyages before the transfer date are scheduled to operate as planned.