When booking a cruise, people often focus on the ports. For me, the opposite is true. My favourite thing about cruising is, well, cruising. I want to be on board as the ship is moving across a body of water so vast and open, that I can’t see land in the distance and have to wonder where exactly the sky ends, and water begins.
My dream voyage is a Cunard Transatlantic crossing on their newest grand dame ocean liner, the Queen Anne. The ship embarked on its maiden crossing, a nine-night journey from Southampton to New York, in January this year and sets sail for a 108-night World Voyage, in January 2026, to ports as diverse as Hamburg, Honolulu and Hong Kong. You can join part of the trip or do the whole thing.
The Art Deco inspired designs of the Dining Room echo Cunard’s storied history. Photo: Courtesy of Cunard
The ocean liner takes Cunard’s trademark art deco designs (prominent on the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) and modernizes them with gorgeous jewel tones. When I had a chance to pop on board for a sneak peek of the ship in England, I immediately began to picture my adventure. I’ll stay in one of the gorgeous Queens Grill Suites, of course, where I’ll look forward to my Penhaligon’s toiletries, dedicated butler, and exclusive access to the Queens Grill restaurant. Occasionally, I’ll venture out to one of the international dining venues on board: Maybe pub snacks from double Michelin-starred Chef Michael Roux at The Golden Lion, Japanese cuisine in Aji Wa, prime cuts and seafood at Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse & Grill, or Indian fare at Aranya. And while I don’t yet own the gown that I plan to wear for photos on the stunning Grand Lobby staircase, (or the money that will allow me to purchase a piece of Banksy art from the on-ship gallery), I’m optimistic those will arrive in time for the trip.
Evenings might find me in the 835- seat Royal Court theatre (enjoying David Pugh’s production of Pride and Prejudice (Sort Of)) or in the Bright Lights Society speakeasy where signature cocktails accompany cabaret acts. And I fully intend to spend time in Mareel Wellness & Beauty, the 1,300 square metre spa and top-deck yoga studio.
On a cruise like this, there’s time for all of it, but I could just as easily do nothing at all. So, don’t be surprised if you most often find me stretched out on a chaise on the deck, book in hand, happily floating along.