Cunard’s Queen Anne is set to leave the fleet following its 2028–2029 World Voyage and will subsequently transfer to sister brand P&O Cruises. The ship will undergo an extensive refit, receive a new name and is scheduled to enter service with P&O Cruises in May 2029.
The transfer forms part of a wider restructuring of ships within Carnival Corporation’s portfolio. P&O Cruises’ Arcadia will complete its farewell season on August 21st, 2029, before moving to HAL-Holland America Line later that year. Following an overhaul under Holland America’s multiyear fleet renewal programme, the ship is expected to operate alongside the line’s Vista-class vessels, including Oosterdam, Zuiderdam, Westerdam and Noordam.
Queen Anne entered service in May 2024 as Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years. Its transfer after ~5 years therefore means that Cunard will part with its newest vessel while returning to a 3-ship fleet consisting of Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
For P&O Cruises, the acquisition will introduce a ship class not currently represented in its fleet. Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard, said the vessel would differ from P&O Cruises’ existing ships in terms of scale, onboard concept and itineraries. He explained that the decisions regarding both ships were based on a longer-term assessment of fleet composition and the areas in which individual vessels could best meet future guest demand.
Arcadia, an adults-only ship, joined P&O Cruises in 2005 but has connections to both Holland America Line and Cunard. The vessel was originally ordered for Holland America Line and was subsequently intended for Cunard before being reassigned to P&O Cruises while under construction. Its planned return to Holland America Line will therefore mark another change in brand allocation during its career.
Cunard will continue to operate with three Queens following the transfer. Queen Mary 2, the only ocean liner currently operating regular transatlantic services, is also scheduled for a major refurbishment next year, while the company intends to continue investing in its ships, service, itineraries and onboard experiences.
Before leaving Cunard, Queen Anne is scheduled to participate in the Four Queens gathering in Liverpool in May 2028 and will then embark on its final Cunard World Voyage in January 2029.
Existing published sailings on both Queen Anne and Arcadia are expected to operate as scheduled before their respective transfer dates. Further details, including Queen Anne’s new name, its initial P&O Cruises itineraries, Arcadia’s farewell programme and the opening date for sales, have yet to be announced.