The keel-laying ceremony for Cunard’s fourth ship has been held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy.

Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge began the event by welding two coins to a block that will be fitted to the 18-deck vessel, named Queen Anne, which is due to launch in early 2024.

Queen Anne’s maiden voyage to Lisbon departing from Southampton on January 4, 2024, has already sold out.

Inger Klein Thorhauge welds the coins ahead of the keel-laying ceremony in Marghera, Italy

Carnival UK president Sture Myrmell said: “Over the last three years world leading designers have worked with master shipbuilders to design the ship that reinforces our position as a world famous luxury brand.

“To mark the keel-laying milestone, a unique Queen Anne coin has been commissioned to sit alongside an original coin from Queen Anne’s reign.

“The coins have been embedded into the ship by the fabulous Inger Klein Thorhauge.”

Picture: Keel is moved into place at the Marghera shipyard where Queen Anne is being built. Christopher Ison © 

He added: “Over the next year the teams will continue to work together refining Cunard’s signature experience that we’re already famed for alongside a collection of dining, bar and entertainment choices that will be made extra special by our crew and their white star service.”

Myrmell also thanked Fincantieri for its “dedicated and commitment” to excellence. “Queen Anne will be enjoyed by many generations to come and we’re really looking forward to welcoming her into our fleet,” he said.

Pictured (from left): Antonio Quintano, Marghera shipyard director; Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge; and Carnival UK’s Sture Myrmell press the button to move the keel