Work begins on new Cunard ship
Construction has officially started on the new Cunard ship after the first piece of steel was cut at a ceremony in Italy today.
The first section of the ship, due to launch in 2022, is under construction at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia shipyard, near Naples.
The ship will be delivered in Monfalcone, Italy, once Fincantieri has finished construction.
Shipbuilding company Fincantieri also built Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.
Cunard said the vessel is being built “to meet the growing global demand in luxury cruising” and is “set to re-imagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique and exciting onboard amenities”.
Cunard president Simon Palethorpe (pictured) said: “After years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21st 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.”
The new ship’s interior designers will work alongside Fincantieri to put together the onboard experience.
Led by designer Adam D. Tihany, who designed the interiors for Seabourn Ovation and Encore, the team includes Simon Rawlings, of David Collins Studio; Terry McGillicuddy, of Richmond International; and Sybille de Margerie, from Paris-based interior design agency Sybille de Margerie.