Inger Klein Thorhauge has many causes to be proud. She is the captain of the Queen Anne, Cunard’s first new ship in 14 years and the 249th vessel in Cunard’s historical past. She can be Cunard’s first feminine captain. Through the current voyage across the British Isles, Captain Thorhauge freed up time on her busy schedule for an interview for All Issues Cruise.
Q: Expertise advances continually. Queen Mary 2 entered service in 2004. It was constructed with forefront know-how. Queen Victoria was launched in 2007, adopted by Queen Elizabeth in 2010. Now we’re in 2024 and the launch of Queen Anne, twenty years after the arrival of QM2. What technological enhancements are constructed into Queen Anne?
A: Passengers on the Queen Anne will discover enhancements like Starlink web service and an improved collection of choices on their in-stateroom tv. There have been unbelievable advances on the engineering facet. Between the pods and the navigation methods, we now have exact satellite tv for pc positioning inside 4 meters! The navigation system may keep in mind positions the place the ship has been beforehand. The lighting onboard additionally powers down for power saving.
Q: Everybody is aware of the significance of the carbon footprint. Many passengers would wish to really feel they’re a part of the answer, not a part of the issue. What steps is Cunard taking with Queen Anne to scale back the ship’s carbon footprint?
A: The ship has the Superior High quality Air System (AAQS), cleansing carbon out of the exhaust. When the ship is in port it has the flexibility to make the most of shore-based energy connections, so the engines don’t have to run to energy the ship. Queen Anne additionally makes use of LFC biodigesters. They flip meals waste into water.
Q: Enhancements in consolation from the passenger’s perspective. Many Cunard passengers are repeat passengers. They’ve sailed on different Cunard ships and have their favorites. How will they discover the cabins on Queen Anne totally different from different Cunard ships?
A: Along with improved web connectivity and the upgraded TV program alternatives, passengers will uncover the loos have glass bathe doorways. Whenever you enter your cabin you insert your ship ID card right into a slot, turning on energy. Whenever you go away your cabin you retrieve your card, turning out the lights while you’re away.
Q: Some folks embrace change. Others don’t. You have been named Captain of the Queen Anne in March 2022. You’ve gotten been concerned because the ship was designed and constructed. Some options, just like the Commodore Lounge and the Queens Room, might be discovered on each ship. Others have distinctive areas, just like the Planetarium on QM2. What acquainted areas will passengers see on Queen Anne? What new options will they see?
A: Queen Anne has been constructed for the longer term, whereas respecting Cunard’s previous historical past. Company onboard the Queen Anne will take pleasure in acquainted favourite areas just like the Queens Room, Chart Room, Britannia Eating Room and the Commodore Lounge. The Britannia eating room has two tiers. Company at early or late seating will enter by way of deck 2 and visitors selecting Freedom eating enter on Deck 3. The Commodore Membership is about twice the dimensions, and the Royal Court docket Theater is on one stage, seating just below 1,000 visitors in snug chairs. The Vibrant Lights Society, a nightclub venue, is a brand new addition. The Pavilion is within the middle of the ship options swimming swimming pools and an enormous movie display, all below a retractable glass roof. There may be flexibility of areas. For instance, on different ships, you may encounter a full home while you present up for Afternoon Tea within the Queens Room. On Queen Anne, the Britannia Membership eating room is adjoining to the Queens Room, giving us the choice of seating visitors instantly as a substitute of asking them to attend. (I added this. It wasn’t a part of the interview.)
Q: How will the brand new ship carry out at sea? Each passenger is aware of Queen Mary 2 is an ocean liner. It’s a hull with a resort inside, as a substitute of a resort with a hull added round it, like another cruise ships. This provides the QM2 nice stability in tough seas, together with the flexibility to maintain shifting ahead throughout storms. Queen Anne is anticipated to have its first world cruise in 2025. What ought to passengers expect when it comes to stability?
A: She may be very steady. The ship is excellent. Queen Anne carried out properly in adversarial climate circumstances. The ship is barely shorter in peak than Queen Mary 2. (236 vs. 238 ft)
A: Will passengers have the identical spacious really feel of different Cunard ships? A veteran Cunard passenger, one who has taken the world cruise many instances on Queen Victoria, remarked Queen Anne is 100 ft longer than the Queen Victoria but carries 1,000 extra passengers. Will the ship really feel extra crowded?
A: I don’t really feel that’s the case. Queen Anne is about 100 ft longer than Queen Victoria; at 113,000 tons it’s 25% heavier and about 10% wider. There may be flexibility of house on the Queen Anne. The Pavilion is one instance. There are further smaller areas elsewhere. The Cabana Bar, Vibrant Lights Society and Sky Bar are examples. (Crimson kind are my phrases.)
Q: The naming ceremony in Liverpool is a trigger for celebration. What about different ports Queen Anne visits for the primary time? Cunard is an iconic luxurious model, distinctive within the business. On the World Cruise and different voyages, there shall be many ports the place the ship is making its inaugural go to. Will there be welcoming ceremonies in a few of them? How are passengers concerned?
A: When Queen Anne makes a maiden name in a port, there may be often an change of plaques. There may be usually a welcome on the pier. In some ports they plant a tree to honor the ship’s arrival. It’d characteristic music or native merchandise. Generally there are fireworks. Tugboats may precede the ship, spraying streams of water.
Captain Thorhauge is a busy particular person, but she took time to reply my questions, graciously and I appreciated her time very a lot!
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Cowl photograph: QUEEN ANNE AT SEA, CREDIT CUNARD