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Fincantieri Cuts Steel on New Cunard Ship
Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has cut the first steel for
British-American cruise line Cunard's newest ship to start
construction on the 249th ship of the luxury cruise line, marking
an exciting moment in the company's 179-year history.
The yet unnamed ship will be the second largest ship to fly the
Cunard flag, and is set to reimagine the luxury cruise experience
with an array of unique and exciting on board amenities.
The first section of the ship is under construction at
Fincantieri's Castellammare di Stabia ship yard. The shipbuilding
group previously delivered Cunard's popular and world-renowned
Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010.
The steel cutting ceremony is a keystone-event in the life of
Cunard's new ship, marking the commencement of building works
that will culminate in its delivery in Monfalcone, Gorizia,
Italy, in 2022.
Of the occasion, Simon Palethorpe, President, Cunard said, "After
years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building
works commence on our newest ship. The 249th Cunarder will be our
fourth luxury liner for the 21st century. The new ship is taking
inspiration from the successes of our past, integrating the
Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will
provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests."
Gilberto Tobaldi, Shipyard Director, Fincantieri (TBC) added, "We
are very proud to be embarking on this next chapter of Cundard's
history with the start of the build of their newest ship and we
look forward to working with the Cunard and Carnival UK teams
over the next months."
Cunard used the auspicious occasion to announce the commissioning
of a unique sculpture, masterly crafted from the first piece of
metal cut for the new ship. Acclaimed sculptor Sam Shendi will
complete the work, which will be displayed on board the ship for
Cunard's guests to enjoy. Shendi is an Egyptian-born, British
sculptor and uses contemporary industrial material, steel,
stainless steel, aluminium and fibreglass to create his
figurative work.
Shendi said, "I'm really looking forward to working with the
Cunard team and to be given the challenge of creating a sculpture
from the first piece of steel cut for their new ship is such a
unique opportunity. It would be exciting for any artist to be
part of such a long history and know that their artwork will
travel the world on the ship connecting guests from all corners
of the globe."
With construction underway, the new ship's interior designers
will work alongside Fincanteri to deliver a one of a kind on
board experience.
Led by globally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany, the award
winning design team includes Simon Rawlings (David Collins
Studio), Terry McGillicuddy (Richmond International) and Sybille
de Margerie (Sybille de Margerie Paris). Each brings experience
from various world-class international hotels and resorts with
the aim of delivering a new standard of Cunard luxury.
Oct 13, 2019
