PHOTO: Cunard’s new ship rendering. (photo courtesy of Cunard)
There is no shortage of future new cruise ships coming from Carnival Corporation, and now its Cunard brand has joined the list.
The company has signed a memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri S.p.A., Italy, to construct a fourth ship for the fleet in 2022.
“Cunard continues the legacy of our liners with the commissioning of a magnificent new ship,” said Josh Leibowitz, Senior Vice President, Cunard, North America, in a press release.
“It’s an especially fitting time with the recent 50th Anniversary of the beloved Queen Elizabeth 2 marking the occasion. We are proud to share Cunard’s enduring luxury liner experience with future generations to be enjoyed the world over.”
When the as-yet-unnamed ship will enter service in 2022, it will be the first time since 1998 that the brand’s fleet will consist of four ships. The new ship will join the existing Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth as part of Cunard’s plan to expand its recognition internationally.
Already in 2015, Cunard saw over a million celebrate the line’s 175th anniversary, and the company has since invested more than $172 million revitalizing the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.
Through 2018 and 2019, the brand is unveiling new itineraries and destinations as well as special event voyages. The line continues to offer additional bar, dining and entertainment options, plus brand partnerships.
READ MORE: Cunard Looking for Global Brand Recognition
More details about the new ship will be announced in 2018 up until its introduction, but it’s known it will measure in at 113,000 GRT and accommodate 3,000 guests. A new video showcases it below.
Historically, the new vessel will be the 249th Cunard-flagged since the company began in 1839, and it will be the first new Cunarder in 12 years time since the Queen Elizabeth launched in 2010.
Given its target size, it’s likely to be closer in classification to the 90,900-ton Queen Elizabeth than the 148,528-ton Queen Mary 2. That is to say, it will probably be more of a cruise ship with a shallower draft in nature than an ocean liner, or it is perhaps a hybrid of the two.
For more information, contact a travel agent, call 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
This post first appeared on TravelPulse.