Cunard to Build New Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line has announced that it has ordered a new 92,000-ton liner, to be named “Queen Elizabeth,” scheduled to enter service in the autumn of 2010.

Cunard, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc signed an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of the new 2092-passenger ocean liner, which will be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard at an all-in cost of approximately $700 million.

The vessel will be the second largest Cunard liner the company has ever built. The new ship follows a long line of famous Cunard liners stretching back to the company’s inception as the first operator of a timetabled transatlantic service 167 years ago.

Queen Elizabeth will offer the very best of Cunard’s values and traditions, blended with every conceivable modern luxury that today’s discerning travelers expect. Through her opulent public rooms and impeccable service, the new ship will reflect the grandeur which has been associated with Cunard ships.

Queen Elizabeth will fly the Red Ensign with her home-port Southampton, as is the case with the other ships in the Cunard fleet. The agreement is subject to approval by the board of directors of Carnival Corporation & plc. Design details and initial itineraries will be announced in due course.