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Work begins on new Cunard ship

Construction has officially started on the new Cunard ship after the first piece of steel was cut at a ceremony in Italy today.

The first section of the ship, due to launch in 2022, is under construction at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia shipyard, near Naples.

The ship will be delivered in Monfalcone, Italy, once Fincantieri has finished construction.

Shipbuilding company Fincantieri also built Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

EDITORIAL FREE TO USE IMAGE - Simon Palethorpe, President of Cunard speaking at the Fincantieri ship yard in Naples, Italy where Cunard has cut the first steel of their new, as yet un-named, ship which will launch in 2022. The start of construction on the 249th ship of the luxury cruise line, marks an exciting moment in the company’s 179-year history. Cunard's fleet includes Queen Mary 2, the world's only ocean liner in service, plus Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. Picture date: Friday October 11, 2019. Photograph by Christopher Ison © 07544044177 chris@christopherison.com www.christopherison.com

Cunard said the vessel is being built “to meet the growing global demand in luxury cruising” and is “set to re-imagine the luxury cruise experience with an array of unique and exciting onboard amenities”.


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Cunard president Simon Palethorpe (pictured) said: “After years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21st century.

Having worked with Fincantieri in the past, we are also aware of their ship building process. We have created a design that we love and most importantly we believe our guests will love too.

“The design of our newest ship will take the most popular elements of the Three Queens (existing ships) and blend them with a forward looking, modern take on the Cunard experience.”

The new ship’s interior designers will work alongside Fincantieri to put together the onboard experience.

Cunard steel cutting, Italy, October 2019

Led by designer Adam D. Tihany, who designed the interiors for Seabourn Ovation and Encore, the team includes Simon Rawlings, of David Collins Studio; Terry McGillicuddy, of Richmond International; and Sybille de Margerie, from Paris-based interior design agency Sybille de Margerie.

The line has commissioned Egyptian-sculptor Sam Shendi to make a sculpture which will be displayed on the ship.

Shendi uses contemporary industrial material, steel, stainless steel, aluminium and fibreglass to create his figurative work.

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