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UK-based cruise company Cunard Line formally took delivery of a new cruise ship from Italian builder Fincantieri in a ceremony in Venice on Friday, April 19.
Queen Anne is the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard banner and the third vessel in the company's fleet to be built by Fincantieri. It will now head for Southampton, from where it will depart on its seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said that, with Queen Anne's delivery, it will be the first time since 1999 that the company will have four ships in simultaneous service.
The 114,000-tonne ship has 14 decks that include accommodation spaces for up to 3,000 guests. Other onboard facilities include restaurants, fitness centres, spas, beauty salons, and a film theatre.
Queen Anne's official naming ceremony will be held in Liverpool on June 3.
