Cunard has commenced construction of its 249th ship, holding a steel cutting ceremony at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia shipyard in Italy last Friday [11 October, 2019].
The first piece of steel cut will be used as a sculpture displayed on the new ship and marks a landmark moment in the company’s 179-year history. The as-yet-unnamed ship will be the second largest to fly the Cunard flag, and is set to reimagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique amenities.
Fincantieri will construct the first section of the new ship, expected to join Cunard fleet in 2022. The shipbuilding group previously delivered Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.
“After years of planning and design, we are thrilled to see the building process begin for our newest ship,” said Josh Leibowitz, SVP Cunard North America. “The new ship will be the fourth in our fleet, taking inspiration from our past, integrating the Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests.”
Sculptor Sam Shendi will craft a unique sculpture from the first piece of metal cut from the new ship. Known for using contemporary industrial metal, steel, stainless steel, aluminium and fibreglass to create his work, Shendi will commission the work for guests on board to view and enjoy.
Cunard’s new ship is set to enter service in 2022 with bookings available next year. With construction underway, Creative Director and globally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany will work alongside Fincantieri to deliver a new standard of Cunard luxury. The design team also includes Simon Rawlings of David Collins Studio, Terry McGillicuddy of Richmond International and Sybille de Margerie of Sybille de Margerie Paris.
Lead image: Josh Weinstein, President of Carnival UK Ltd, Gilberti Tobaldi, Shipyard Director from Fincantieri and Simon Palethorpe, President of Cunard push the button starting the machine to cut the first piece of steel.
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