The keel-laying ceremony for Cunard’s new ship Queen Anne has been held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard in Italy.

As is tradition, the ceremony began with Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge welding two coins to a block that will be embedded into the ship. A unique Queen Anne coin was commissioned for the occasion and was welded alongside an original coin from Queen Anne’s reign in the early 1700s.

Carnival UK president Sture Myrmell said: “Over the last three years world leading designers have worked with master shipbuilders to design the ship that reinforces our position as a world famous luxury brand.

“Over the next year the teams will continue to work together refining Cunard’s signature experience that we’re already famed for, alongside a collection of dining, bar and entertainment choices that will be made extra special by our crew and their white star service.”

Queen Anne will be Cunard’s fourth ship and its maiden voyage to Lisbon – due to depart from Southampton on January 4, 2024 – has already sold out.