SALM TEAM 
For cruise guests, the journey itself can be even more captivating than the destinations visited
Waking up to sunrise over a never-ending ocean, catching a game of paddle before a hearty breakfast and then getting lost in a new novel in the library. For more and more travelers, the true appeal of cruising lies in the journey itself, where the ocean is the destination, rather than the cities and ports along the way.
Cruise liners like Cunard’s Queen Anne, which will be arriving on South African shores in late January, offer a world of leisure, wellness, relaxation, dining and entertainment. For South African travelers, cruising from the southern tip of Africa offers numerous days at sea and a unique opportunity to fully appreciate what makes Cunard, and specifically Queen Anne voyages, so spectacular.
Carrying 2 996 guests and a crew of 1 225, Queen Anne is a perfect balance of traditional elegance and contemporary design, offering stylish, comfortable, and inspiring spaces. For the more introverted who may be seeking a peaceful retreat, cruises aboard the likes of the Queen Anne offer a host of tranquil moments, as well as an array of lively social experiences for the more gregarious traveler. With so much on offer, passengers can really decide how they spend their time.
Ocean action
For those looking for activities that work up a sweat, and perhaps wanting to balance some of the on-board indulgence, the ship offers outdoor decks with panoramic views, a full-sized paddle court, a putting green, shuffleboard and deck games. Queen Anne also has two swimming pools – one indoor under a retractable glass dome and one outdoor at the back of the ship. With views for days and the freshest of sea air, why not take a gentle walk along deck three. The Sky Bar and Observation Deck also provide an outdoor space to enjoy games, admire the ocean, or simply watch the horizon drift by. At the Cabana Bar, guests can unwind on sun loungers, enjoy delicious cocktails and even enjoy a game of giant chess.
Sea-soaked wellness
Wellness is at the heart of what Queen Anne offers guests, with yoga, meditation, and fitness classes taking place every day.
The tranquility of the Mareel Spa is guaranteed to leave behind any stress, with massages, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy, and holistic therapies on hand to relax, rejuvenate, and pamper. A fully equipped gym and instructor-led classes means you can hit the gym anytime you want, and don’t forget the salon services for your hair and nails.
After sunset fun
Evenings aboard Queen Anne can include The Royal Court Theatre with live dance, cabaret or classic theatre performances. Guests can also attend film screenings or open‑air movies under the stars, as well as more casual casino and pub‑style venues. Dancing and live music, especially in the Queens Room, sees big‑band nights as well as ballroom or Latin dancing. Elegant bars and vibrant lounges feature music and fun late into the night, while some may prefer a quite night cap looking at the stars.
Delicious dining
Dining aboard Queen Anne is varied and vibrant. The Britannia Restaurant offers a traditional sense of occasion with its grand staircase, mezzanine balcony, and five-course menus. For those seeking a more specialised experience, premium steaks and seafood is the specialty of Sir Samuels Steakhouse & Grill. Queen Anne offers specialty dining options, including Aji Wa, with a Japanese‑inspired menu; Aranya which serves Indian‑inspired dishes rich in aromatic spice blends and Tramonto, which features Mediterranean‑style cuisine often enjoyed in an al‑fresco, deck‑side setting.
Of course, no Cunard voyage would be complete without Afternoon Tea in the Queens Room. Every afternoon, white-gloved waiters serve sandwiches, scones, and pastries – a real experience of luxury at sea.
Exclusive elegance
For those looking for a more intimate and exclusive cruise liner experience, the Queens and Princess Grill suites offer priority boarding, a dedicated butler service, spacious and luxurious accommodation, private lounges, balconies and deck spaces and dedicated concierge service. Here the Princess Grill Restaurant offers exclusive gourmet dining with enhanced service for Princess Grill passengers, while the Queens Grill Restaurant provides top-tier, white-glove service and the most luxurious, refined dining experience for those in Queens Grill suites.
“For South African travelers, Queen Anne offers a rare opportunity to enjoy luxury, freedom and adventure at sea, where the journey becomes as memorable as the destination, if not more so,”
says Shaun McCarthy, Managing Director at Whitestar Cruise & Travel, Cunard’s South African representative. “The real appeal of Queen Anne lies in the freedom she provides. Guests can spend their days as they wish – energising, unwinding or somewhere in between.”
Cunard’s South Africa sectors are very popular and tend to sell out quickly, so early booking is encouraged. Following Queen Anne’s visit to Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Durban earlier this month, Queen Mary 2 returns to South Africa in April 2026, followed by Queen Victoria in April 2027. Two Queens again visit South Africa in 2028 as part of their World Voyages, with the return of Queen Anne and Queen Elizabeth.
For more information, or to enquire about the current availability on Queen Anne, please visit. https://whitestar.co.za/.
Diana Kinyanjui 
