06 October 2026: Cunard’s Queen Anne will transfer to P&O Cruises in May 2029 after completing her 2028/29 World Voyage, while P&O Cruises’ Arcadia will transfer to Holland America Line after a farewell season ending on 21 August 2029.
Queen Anne will continue operating for Cunard through her final World Voyage before undergoing an extensive reimagining and receiving a new name ahead of her P&O Cruises debut. Arcadia, meanwhile, will complete a farewell season with P&O Cruises ending on 21 August 2029.
Queen Anne to Introduce New Ship Class for P&O Cruises
Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard president Paul Ludlow said the decision reflects a long-term review of how each ship can support future demand and the direction of the two brands.
Queen Anne’s contemporary design, range of dining and entertainment options and flexible public spaces were cited as qualities that align with the P&O Cruises holiday experience. Following the planned reimagining, the ship will introduce a new class to the P&O Cruises fleet and broaden the range of onboard experiences and itineraries available to guests.
Details of the ship’s new name, redesigned onboard experience and inaugural P&O Cruises programme will be released at a later date.
Cunard Fleet to Centre on Three Ships
Queen Anne will remain part of Cunard’s programme until 2029. Before her transfer, she is scheduled to take a central role in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and will begin her final World Voyage as a Cunard ship in January 2029.
Following Queen Anne’s departure, Cunard’s fleet will centre on Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
Ludlow said: “This decision does not change our commitment to Cunard or its future.”
The company said it will continue investing in Cunard’s ships, service, itineraries and guest experiences. A major upgrade of flagship Queen Mary 2 is also planned for 2027. The release describes Queen Mary 2 as the world’s only ocean liner providing regular transatlantic service.
Further details of events marking Queen Anne’s final season with Cunard will be announced in due course.
Arcadia Farewell Season to End in August 2029
Arcadia will conclude more than two decades with P&O Cruises through a special farewell season, with her final programme for the line ending on 21 August 2029.
The ship will then transfer to Holland America Line, remaining within the Carnival Corporation family. Details of Arcadia’s farewell season and the date on which those sailings will go on sale are due to be announced separately.
Existing Voyages to Operate as Planned
All currently published Queen Anne and Arcadia voyages scheduled before their respective transfer dates will operate as planned.
Queen Anne’s 2028/29 World Voyage will therefore remain part of her final Cunard programme, while Arcadia will continue her published P&O Cruises sailings ahead of the farewell season and subsequent transfer.
Further information on Queen Anne’s reimagining, new name, onboard product and first P&O Cruises itineraries will be shared at a later date.
Source: Official Carnival Corporation / Cunard Press Centre release on 06 October 2026, Valencia
