If you've been wondering why the traffic was a little slow on the freeways into town this week, it's likely because all eyes were on the shapely lines of the cruise ship tied up at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal.
With the signature black and white hull, and red funnel towering above the quayside, Cunard's Queen Anne made her maiden visit to Cape Town on April 9, stopping off in the Mother City on the final stretch of a 153-day world cruise.
The arrival of Queen Anne – which entered service in 2024 as the latest addition to Cunard's iconic fleet of ships and ocean liners – docked in the Mother City on April 10, marking a milestone for both the cruise line and the city's growing reputation as a global cruise hub.
Sailing in from Durban, the Queen Anne is the 249th vessel to carry the Cunard flag, joining the ranks of Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. But this visit is particularly notable: it's the first time Queen Anne has docked in Cape Town, following last year's historic moment when two Cunard ships – Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – were berthed in the 'Tavern of the Seas' at the same time.
"Wesgro extends a very warm welcome to Queen Anne," said Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro and spokesperson for Cruise Cape Town. "This occasion highlights Cape Town and the Western Cape's growing status as a premier cruise destination," adding that cruise tourism contributed an estimated R1.2 billion to the Western Cape economy in the 2023/24 season, supporting local jobs and small businesses across the province.
Time Out Cape Town was invited to step aboard for a tour, and we were sorely tempted to try and stow away for the last leg up the west coast of Africa!
It's not hard to see the attraction of a holiday aboard this supremely elegant ship. While Queen Anne can host over 3000 passengers (and 1225 crew!) across her 14 decks, a wander through the lounges, bars and balconies showcased a ship that never felt crowded. Far from the heaving throngs so often seen on mega-ships, Queen Anne was the picture of elegant luxury, from sipping cocktails in the Commodore Club to dining in the signature Japanese restaurant.
In fact, Queen Anne features no less than 15 restaurants and bars, from the elegant Queens Grill and Cabana cocktail lounge to Sir Samuel's grillroom. Fancy afternoon tea and champagne in the Carinthia Lounge? Coming right up, sir.
Designed with a blend of heritage and modern opulence, the ship's Grand Lobby spans three decks, while wellness fans are spoiled for choice with the Mareel spa and a top-deck wellness studio. With the ship sold out we sadly didn't get to glimpse any of the staterooms or suites, which were conceptualized by Paris-based designer Sybille de Margerie, who also worked on Mandarin Oriental Paris and Atlantis, The Royal Residences in Dubai.
Queen Anne departs for Namibia on April 11, but her first visit to the Mother City is a royal seal of approval for the city's rising star as a must-visit port for global cruise lines.
For R290 000 you can cruise to Antarctica from Cape Town!