Last month, Sienna and I had the privilege of attending an exclusive marketing event aboard Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Anne. This was the first-ever event held by Cunard dedicated entirely to marketing – and it did not disappoint!

Arriving in Southampton

After a short drive to the port of Southampton, the majestic Queen Anne came into view. No photo could truly capture her elegance and scale – seeing her in person was simply breath-taking. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by Cunard’s friendly team and escorted to the Bright Lights Society, a vibrant new venue designed for immersive and interactive shows.

Here, we were welcomed with an elegant spread of pastries, tea, coffee, and fresh juice before settling in for the morning’s presentations.

Insightful Marketing Conference

The conference began with an engaging session led by David Jones, Global Marketing & EMEA Sales at Cunard, followed by an inspiring Q&A with Iain Ballie, AVP – EMEA Sales.

Both sessions offered a fascinating insight into Cunard’s evolving brand strategy and their ambitious approach to modern marketing. We came away feeling inspired, full of new ideas to explore and apply within our own business.

Exploring the Queen Anne

Following the conference, we were treated to a guided tour of the Queen Anne. The ship is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design. We explored many of her key spaces, including the Grills Restaurant, Britannia Club Restaurant, the Library, Spa and Gym, and several other beautifully designed areas that perfectly blend heritage with modern luxury.

A Memorable Lunch at Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse

To complete the day, we enjoyed an indulgent three-course lunch at Sir Samuel’s Steakhouse.

Our meal began with a jumbo lump crab cake, followed by a perfectly cooked fillet steak with triple-cooked chips and sauce au poivre, and finished with a delicious sherry trifle. The menu offered so many tempting choices – it was a challenge to decide!

Even better, we had the pleasure of dining alongside David Jones and Iain Ballie, continuing our marketing discussions over an unforgettable meal.

Farewell to a Queen

As the day drew to a close, we said goodbye to the iconic Queen Anne with full hearts and plenty of inspiration. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain insights into Cunard’s evolving brand vision, and experience first-hand the luxury and innovation that define the Queen Anne.

We left Southampton feeling motivated and grateful for such a memorable and insightful experience – and, of course, eager to bring some of that Cunard inspiration back to our own marketing journey.

Book Your Own Cunard Experience with Ocean World Travel

If you’ve been inspired to experience Cunard’s legendary White Star Service for yourself, we’d be delighted to help make it happen.

Here at Ocean World Travel, a family-run business with over 30 years of cruise expertise, we offer a personal touch on every booking. Enjoy champagne and chocolates with every Cunard cruise reservation from Southampton, plus an exclusive Ocean World Travel discount – our way of saying thank you for choosing us.

We’re ready to help you plan your dream Cunard cruise aboard the Queen Anne or any of Cunard’s iconic fleet.

📞 Call us today on 02380 714790 to start your journey in style or contact us now.