Cunard’s “outstanding levels of service” would be retained, Mr Powell insisted. “Everything is based on a foundation of Cunard’s White Star service, our signature experiences such as gala evenings, our afternoon teas and a celebration of what makes Cunard so special across the four Queens. She’ll be the perfect complement to the existing fleet.

“That’s what our guests love but, importantly, many people who haven’t sailed with Cunard before are fascinated and interested in having a holiday experience of this type. What unites them is they are discerning in their tastes, they enjoy luxury travel experiences, they enjoy seeing the world in style, they enjoy discovering new things to do and they enjoy being treated as an individual. We have a very unique offering.”

Mr Powell said that, despite similarities of the Grand Lobby with other modern ships’ atriums, such as Saga, Cunard would retain its uniqueness. Queen Anne was “designed with distinction”, he added.

“We’ll continue to focus on this idea of a sense of occasion and of travelling in style, and to deliver that sense of escape on board, a sense of choice and variety.”

Royal connections

Cunard’s current fleet consists of the grand liner Queen Mary 2, introduced in 2004, Queen Victoria (2007) and Queen Elizabeth (2010). At 113,000 gross registered tons, Queen Anne will carry more passengers – 3,000 – than the 2,691 on the much bigger QM2 and around 2,000 on the other two ships.