Carnival Corporation & plc announced that this is the moment Cunard's luxury new ship Queen Anne set sail on her historic seven-night maiden voyage to Lisbon amid a spectacular fireworks display. Queen Anne, the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag, set sail just after 9 pm local time as thousands of spectators gathered on the shores to watch the departure from vantage points across the city and along Southampton water. Guests on board the 3,000-guest, 113,000-ton ship are set to enjoy a spectacular sail away party, with celebrations continuing throughout the voyage, including a special Maiden Gala Evening and performances from tenor Russell Watson.

Cunard's beautiful new ship set sail for a seven-night sailing to Lisbon via La Coruna, on May 3 and then the Portuguese city of Lisbon on May 7. She will then depart for a 14-night voyage to the Canary Islands.