On Friday, February 28th, Cunard's newest vessel Queen Anne made an inaugural entry into Sydney Harbour (NSW Australia) as part of its first world voyage.
The ship experienced a 2-hour delay, resulting in a reduced onshore audience as many Sydney residents had already commenced their daily routines.
Despite the adjusted schedule, the passengers were afforded clear views of Sydney's iconic landmarks, including the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. The vessel remained docked at the Overseas Passenger Terminal overnight, allowing for a full day in port before its scheduled departure at 5:00 p.m. the following evening.
This arrival coincides with a strategic shift in Cunard Line's operations within Australia. The 2024-2025 season marks the conclusion of Queen Elizabeth's homeporting in Australia, a program that has been in place since late 2019. Post-2025, Cunard will no longer base a ship seasonally in the country; instead, Australian ports will be included as segments within the line's global itineraries.
The cessation of the homeporting program has been attributed to factors such as increasing operational costs, unfavorable exchange rates, and a limited market segment aligning with Cunard's traditional cruising style. These considerations have influenced the company's decision to adjust its deployment strategy in the region.
Queen Anne's maiden world voyage commenced from Southampton UK on January 9th, 2025, featuring a transatlantic crossing, a Panama Canal transit, and visits to various ports across the Americas, Australasia, Asia, and the Mediterranean. The Sydney call represents a significant milestone in this extensive 107-night itinerary.
This development reflects Cunard's evolving engagement with the Australian cruise market, transitioning from a localized operational model to incorporating the region within its broader global cruise offerings.