China's Second Domestically Built Large Cruise Ship Enters Final Assembly Stage

China's second domestically built large cruise ship has reached a major milestone as it enters the final assembly stage at a shipyard. The vessel, which will have an impressive capacity of 2,996 passengers and 1,225 crew members, is being constructed by the renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for Cunard Line, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation.

This new ship, named Queen Anne, will be the third Cunard cruise ship built in Italy and the second largest in the company's fleet. As the construction nears completion, Queen Anne is scheduled to depart Italy for its homeport in Southampton, England in the coming days. The ship's inaugural revenue cruise is set to embark on May 3, marking the beginning of its service.

Cunard Line has a rich history and tradition, and the naming ceremony for Queen Anne is planned to take place on June 3 in Liverpool, which has been Cunard's historic base of operations. This event will celebrate the addition of this magnificent vessel to the Cunard fleet.

Queen Anne represents one of the last pre-pandemic orders for Carnival Corporation, as the company looks to adopt a more measured pace of growth in the future. The completion of this ship signifies Carnival's commitment to expanding its fleet and offering exceptional cruise experiences to its customers.

Why this matters: The entry of China's second domestically built large cruise ship into its final assembly stage showcases the country's growing capabilities in the shipbuilding industry. This development is significant for both China's maritime sector and the global cruise industry, as it demonstrates China's increasing self-reliance in constructing large, modern cruise ships.

As Queen Anne prepares to set sail, Cunard Line eagerly awaits the ship's arrival in Southampton and the commencement of its maiden voyage. The addition of this impressive vessel to Cunard's fleet reinforces the company's position as a leading provider of luxury cruise experiences. With its spacious accommodations, state-of-the-art amenities, and the signature Cunard service, Queen Anne is poised to offer unforgettable journeys to its passengers as it embarks on its inaugural season.

Key Takeaways

• China's 2nd domestically built large cruise ship enters final assembly.
• The new Cunard Line ship, Queen Anne, has a capacity of 2,996 passengers.
• Queen Anne is the 3rd Cunard ship built in Italy and 2nd largest in fleet.
• Queen Anne's inaugural cruise is set for May 3, with naming ceremony on June 3.
• Queen Anne's completion showcases China's growing shipbuilding capabilities.