Queen Anne Docks in Darwin on Her Maiden World Voyage
Words & Photos by Mel Brautigam
Thereβs something truly breathtaking about seeing a grand cruise liner glide into Darwin Harbour, and yesterday was no exception as the magnificent Queen Anne arrived for an overnight stay. This luxury ocean liner, the latest addition to Cunardβs prestigious fleet, was originally set to overnight in Brisbane but was rerouted due to Queensland’s Cyclone Alfred. The unexpected change gave Territorians a rare opportunity to witness this luxury masterpiece up close, while her guests got to tour Darwin and the Top End.
Today, we had the privilege of stepping aboard Queen Anne, Cunardβs 249th ship, for an exclusive tour of her world-class facilities. Having departed from her homeport in Southampton on 3 May 2024, this elegant vessel is currently on her 107-day maiden World Voyage, showcasing a seamless blend of timeless luxury and modern innovation.
With a passenger capacity of 2,996 and a crew of 1,225, Queen Anne stretches an impressive 322 meters in length, housing a variety of refined dining options, high-end shopping, and sophisticated entertainment venues. From the striking Art Deco-inspired design to the Grand Lobbyβs three-story staircase and sculptural mural that shifts throughout the day, every detail has been curated to enhance the guest experience.
During our visit, we met Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge for the traditional Maiden Voyage plaque exchange, marking Queen Anneβs first-ever stop in Darwin. Captain Thorhauge, a trailblazer in the industry, made history as the shipβs first female captain. With over 25 years of experience with Cunard, she leads not only with expertise but also with a commitment to sustainable practices – ensuring that Queen Anne operates with water-saving and recycling measures.
Onboard, guests are spoilt for choice. Dining ranges from elegant fine dining to an Artisansβ Foodhall, where chefs prepare dishes in front of you. For entertainment, the Royal Court Theatre offers world-class performances, from Broadway hits to Cunardβs own in-house productions. Wellness lovers can unwind at the shipβs wellness studio, beauty salon, or pool club, while luxury shopping and exquisite bars provide the perfect retreat at sea.
With a build cost of approximately US$600 million, Queen Anne is truly a floating masterpiece. Her blend of classic Cunard heritage with contemporary luxury ensures a journey unlike any other.
Thank you to the team at Port Darwin who allowed me to visit and enjoy a mouth-watering 3 course, 5 star lunch.
