Countdown to new Cunard ship begins as first steel is cut

Cunard and our ship building partners, Fincantieri, are today celebrating the start of construction on our 249^th ship, marking an exciting moment in our company’s 179-year history with a steel cutting ceremony in Italy. 

Take a look for yourself…

The shipbuilding group, Fincantieri, previously delivered our popular and world-renowned Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010. This steel cutting is a key event in the life of our new ship, marking the start of building works that will finish with its delivery in Monfalcone, Gorizia, Italy, in 2022. Here’s a snap shot of our story so far…

Our currently unnamed ship, which is being built to meet the growing global demand in luxury cruising, is set to reimagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique and exciting on board amenities.

Simon Palethorpe said, “After years of planning and design, we’re delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249^th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21^st 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.”

Mr Gilberto Tobaldi, Shipyard Director, Fincantieri added, “We are very proud to be embarking on this next chapter of Cunard’s history with the start of the build of their newest ship and we look forward to working with the Cunard and Carnival UK teams over the next months.”

Marking the moment with a special sculpture

We’ve used the auspicious occasion to announce the commissioning of a unique sculpture, masterly crafted from the first piece of metal cut for the new ship. Acclaimed sculptor Sam Shendi will complete the work, which will be displayed on board the ship for our Guests to enjoy. Shendi is an Egyptian-born, British sculptor and uses contemporary industrial material, steel, stainless steel, aluminium and fibreglass to create his figurative work.

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.”

Now that construction is underway, the new ship’s interior designers will work alongside Fincanteri to deliver a one of a kind on-board experience. 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 brings experience from various world-class international hotels and resorts with the aim of delivering a new standard of Cunard luxury.

Keep an eye out as we share more about the new ship including some pictures from the event!