Cunard Announces Three-Year Partnership with BFI for Queen Anne

Cunard is teaming up with the BFI to create a curated program for the Queen Anne, which launches next year, according to a press release.

Under the three-year partnership with the UK’s organization for TV and film, guests onboard Queen Anne will enjoy a selection of short films and blockbusters shown exclusively on the outdoor screen in The Pavilion, located on the top deck.

The BFI will be showing 10 films every month on the cinematic LED screen in this outdoor space. The specially selected films will also be shown in guests’ staterooms.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with the British Film Institute, with our shared dedication to providing immersive experiences aligning perfectly. We’re hugely proud of our long-standing affiliation with the silver screen, with some of Hollywood’s biggest names having sailed in style with Cunard – from Charlie Chaplin to Meryl Streep. As the first cruise line to host an onboard film premiere with the launch of The Greatest Showman on Queen Mary 2 in 2017, we are incredibly passionate about the power of timeless storytelling. We have dedicated spaces for film enthusiasts across the fleet, and our new ship Queen Anne will boast even more big-screen experiences for guests. Together with the BFI, we’ll strive to create unparalleled and unforgettable moments for film lovers.”

Francesca Vinti, BFI executive director of fundraising and enterprise, added: “We are thrilled to be working alongside Cunard on this partnership and are incredibly thankful for their support of the BFI and the BFI London Film Festival. We are excited to be able to reach audiences in new inventive ways with amazing films and look forward to collaborating with Cunard over the next three years.”

Cunard Announces Leadership Team For New Ship

Cunard has released the fourth instalment of Captain Inger Thorhauge’s Captain’s Log, announcing the senior team for Queen Anne’s maiden voyage.

In the latest instalment of her Captain’s Log series, Thorhauge shines a light on what’s been happening at the shipyard over the summer.

“Tens of thousands of tasks will be assigned and completed to create our new ship, Queen Anne, and, with less than a year to go before she is delivered to Cunard, work is continuing at a great pace at the shipyard near Venice.

 “Each time I board, I remind myself that at the heart of this immensely complex process, there are two basic requirements.

“The first, of course, is to build a safe and seaworthy ship to the highest achievable standards. The second, and just as much a priority as the first, is to create a hotel operation to give our guests sailing on board the most comfort and pleasure, making sure our ship and her crew create those lasting and unique memories synonymous with a Cunard voyage.”

“Together with colleagues there, I have been assembling the senior team who will be responsible for bringing Queen Anne into service next year, and to serve you on board our new Queen.”

The members of the senior team onboard the Queen Anne’s inaugural sailing include:

  • Deputy Captain Yuliyan Kostov;
  • Hotel General Managers Robert Howie;
  • Human Resources Manager Stuart Smart;
  • Chief Engineer Jon Cammish.

Cunard connects the entire fleet to shore power

Cunard’s new vessel Queen Anne will be able to connect to shore power (source: Cunard)

British cruise operator Cunard has taken a ‘significant step’ in reducing its emissions by providing the capability for its trio of current vessels and new vessel Queen Anne to connect to shore power when docking, where available


Queen Mary 2
Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth now have shore power capabilities while Queen Anne, set to launch in May 2024, will have the technology already installed.

Cunard president Katie McAlister said, “By adopting shore power technology, we are taking a significant step in our ongoing commitment to reducing emissions, minimising our carbon footprint, and fostering healthier port environments. The introduction of shore power technology aligns seamlessly with Cunard’s corporate vision and values, and we are proud to be able to take such a positive step.”

MSC Virtuosa connected to shore power Photo Credit Spacejunkie2 (Flickr)

Shore power technology enables docked ships to connect directly to a specially fitted land-based source, allowing cruise ships to switch off their engines and operate on electricity sourced entirely from the local electrical grid, reducing emissions and noise while at port. The ability for the ships to plug into local grids already exists at many key ports, including Queen Mary 2’s homeport at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and Queen Anne’s homeport in Southampton, England.