Queen Anne’s arrival in Southampton has been delayed ahead of her maiden holiday voyage.

Cunard’s latest cruise liner was scheduled to arrive in her home port for the first time this Saturday however the date has now been pushed back to Tuesday, April 30, while the ship undergoes final touches ahead of her seven-night maiden voyage to La Coruna and Lisbon.

She will berth at Mayflower Terminal at 3pm on April 30.

Thousands of spectators were expected to descend around the port for the arrival of the ship this weekend, with a flotilla of vessels no longer joining the festivities to meet Queen Anne on her arrival, though boats are invited to join the cruise liner as she travels up from Southampton Water to the port. 

Upon arrival in Southampton, Queen Anne will receive an official blessing and plaque exchange ceremony – which was originally scheduled for Monday, April 29.

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Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, previously said: “The arrival of Queen Anne marks the dawning of a new era of luxury ocean travel.

Daily Echo:

“As our first ship in 14 years, she is the next in a fine line, and we’re excited at the prospect of so many crafts, and spectators, gathering to welcome Queen Anne into her home port.

“This is a truly momentous occasion that will go down in maritime history.”

Queen Anne will depart on her maiden voyage as planned on Friday, May 3.

Over the course of her maiden season, Queen Anne will sail to the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Canary Islands, and the Norwegian Fjords.

The cruise liner will travel to 60 destinations in 16 countries.

Looking ahead to Queen Anne’s arrival in Southampton, Lorna Fielker – leader of Southampton City Council – stated the vessel’s homecoming built on the city’s ‘proud maritime tradition.’