Cape Town received a royal welcome on 10 April 2025, as the Queen Anne cruise ship docked for the first time at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
This moment marked a significant milestone for the city’s growing reputation as a major cruise destination.
The Journey of Queen Anne
Queen Anne, the newest member of Cunard’s illustrious fleet, made its way to Cape Town from Durban.
After its brief stay in the city, the ship is set to continue its journey towards Namibia on 11 April.
The arrival of Queen Anne follows the historic visits by Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria in April 2024, further strengthening Cape Town’s connection to luxury cruise tourism.
Welcoming the Queen Anne to Cape Town
Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and Official Spokesperson for Cruise Cape Town, expressed her excitement about Queen Anne’s arrival.
She highlighted the growing prominence of Cape Town and the Western Cape as key cruise destinations, noting that this visit is a testament to the efforts of local partners in supporting and developing the cruise industry.
“The economic benefits of cruise tourism are considerable.
The 2023/24 season alone contributed around R1.2 billion to the Western Cape’s economy, positively impacting local businesses, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall visitor experience,” Stander added.
Facts About Queen Anne
Queen Anne is set to make waves in the cruising world. Launched in May 2024, this ship can accommodate over 3,000 guests across 14 decks, with a dedicated crew of 1,225.
It stretches an impressive 322.5 meters long, stands 64 meters above the water, and has a top speed of 22 knots (around 40.7 km/h). Weighing 113,000 gross tons, Queen Anne is a marvel of design and luxury.
Named after Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, the ship also celebrates an era of cultural and artistic flourishing.
Interestingly, unlike most ships, Queen Anne was not christened by a traditional godmother but was named in honor of Cunard’s home city, Liverpool.
The official naming ceremony took place in June 2024, commemorating the city’s deep historical connection with Cunard, dating back to the company’s first transatlantic voyage in 1840.
A New Icon in Cape Town
The arrival of Queen Anne at the V&A Waterfront adds to the allure of Cape Town as a bustling port city and cruise tourism hub. If you happen to be in the area, keep an eye out for the majestic ship.