Cunard Line, the UK based upper emd of the market unit in Carnival Corporation & plc group and the Italian shipbuilder  and Fincantieri celebrated the start of construction on the 249th ship of the line.

The yet unnamed ship will be the second largest ship to fly the Cunard flag with an estimated gross tonnage of 113,000

The first section of the ship is under construction at Fincantieri’s Castellammare di Stabia ship yard. The shipbuilding group previously delivered Queen Victoria in 2007 and Queen Elizabeth in 2010 to Cunard.

The steel cutting ceremony marks the commencement of building works that will culminate in its delivery in Monfalcone, Gorizia, Italy, in 2022.

Of the occasion, Simon Palethorpe, President, Cunard said, “After years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21st century. The new ship is taking inspiration from the successes of our past, integrating the Cunard spirit with exciting new concepts and ideas that will provide a uniquely luxurious travel experience for our guests.”

With construction underway, the new ship’s interior designers will work alongside Fincanteri to deliver a one of a kind on board experience.

Led by globally acclaimed designer Adam D. Tihany, the award winning design team includes Simon Rawlings (David Collins Studio), Terry McGillicuddy (Richmond International) and Sybille de Margerie (Sybille de Margerie Paris).

Each brings experience from various world-class international hotels and resorts with the aim of delivering a new standard of Cunard luxury.

Cunard’s new ship is set to enter service in 2022 with bookings commencing next year.