Cunard's Queen Anne to join P&O Cruises in 2029 as Arcadia moves to Holland America

Carnival Corporation will transfer ships between three of its brands, moving Cunard's newest ship to P&O Cruises and an older P&O ship to Holland America Line. Cunard's Queen Anne will leave the fleet in spring 2029 after completing a world cruise, and will be "reimagined and renamed" before joining P&O Cruises in May 2029.

P&O Cruises' Arcadia will retire from the brand on 21 August 2029 after a farewell season. She will then transfer to Holland America Line, where she will be refitted and renamed for service with the US-based operator.

"These decisions reflect a careful, long-term view of our portfolio and where the individual strengths of each ship can best support guest demand and the future direction of our cruise lines," said Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK, P&O Cruises and Cunard.

What do the two ships bring?

Queen Anne entered service in May 2024 as Cunard's first new ship since 2010. She measures 114,188 gross tons, is 1,058 feet long and carries 2,956 passengers. Before leaving Cunard she will take part in the Four Queens celebration in Liverpool in May 2028 and then sail her final world cruise. Her arrival adds nearly 1,000 berths to P&O Cruises and takes its fleet to eight ships.

Arcadia was built by Fincantieri and launched in April 2005. She measures 83,781 gross tons, is 952 feet long and has capacity for 2,094 passengers. Holland America Line currently operates 11 ships. Its president, Beth Bodensteiner, said the ship "will be a natural fit for the fleet and an extension of the evolution program."

Holland America Line also plans updates to its Vista-class ships, starting with Oosterdam in autumn 2027 and Zuiderdam in April 2028. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is due for an upgrade in April 2027 that adds suites and renovates wellness areas, shops and public spaces.

This story is part of the Maritime Briefing of 7 October 2026.