Cunard has been forced to delay the delivery of new ship Queen Anne due to supply chain issues.

The sold out maiden cruise, a seven-night sailing from Southampton to Lisbon, on January 4, 2024 has been put back until May.

Passengers have been automatically transferred to a new seven-night maiden voyage by the 3,000-passenger ship from Southampton on May 3, 2024, visiting La Coruna and Lisbon.

A Cunard spokesperson said: “Due in part to unforeseen events that have occurred in recent years, the shipbuilding industry, like other industries, has faced numerous challenges including energy shortages and global supply chain constraints.

“As a result, our new ship Queen Anne will be arriving slightly later than expected.”

The ship’s new maiden season will include cruises from Southampton to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canary Islands and Norwegian fjords.

The cruises go on sale on December 6 for Cunard World Club loyalty scheme members and on general sale the following day.

Cunard sister brand P&O Cruises has also pushed back the maiden voyage of new ship Arvia from December 9 to 23 due to external issues.