The London traffic seemed to slog even slower than usual. The ride seemed never-ending. The anticipation was palpable. I was on a bus with fellow media, making our way from London’s Leicester Square to Southampton, England, to be among the first to step aboard Queen Anne, the first new cruise ship from Cunard Line in 14 years, just as it joined its sister royalty — Queen Mary II, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria — in plying the globe’s waters. With a capacity for 2,996 guests and measuring 1,058 feet in length, Queen Anne sails itineraries in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, Western Europe and the Canary Islands.

A one-night stay was not nearly enough time to even scratch the surface of the majestic new ship, but I did my best to fit in as much as possible, including a late lunch and breakfast at The Lido and Kings Court, dinner in the Princess Grill, a Broadway adaptation in Royal Court Theatre, and cocktails at The Pavilion and Commodore Club. And, of course, sneaking away for relaxation at Mareel Wellness & Beauty was a must at any itinerary length. The ship’s “oasis of calm” invites spa-goers to invest in “whatever wellness means to you.”

A funny aside, as I’m lucky to have even made my spa appointment. When I boarded Queen Anne, I made my way to my stateroom to review the onboard schedule, orient myself with the ship and plan my afternoon itinerary. I read over the various sessions and panels on offer, deciding I’d head to the Commodore Club to catch a conversation with the ship’s designers that started at 4 p.m.

© Cunard Line

At that moment, I glanced at my phone, which read 3:45 p.m., and quickly got myself together and out the door. I sat in a nearly empty Commodore Club until 4:05 p.m. perplexed and, admittedly, slightly peeved, before deciding I’d go to registration to figure out what was going on. Heading just a few decks down, I looked at my phone as I exited the elevator and it read 3:05 p.m. I was instantly confused. My iPhone seemed to be switching time zones every few decks, so I quickly adjusted my phone settings and still stopped by registration to double-check the time. Luckily, it was 3:05 p.m., so I was able to eat fish and chips (I was in England, after all) before actually making it to that fascinating discussion on the ship’s design and ensuring I was on time for my appointment at Mareel.

As our time on the ship just preceded Queen Anne’s first official sailing with passengers, not all services and amenities were operating at full capacity. However, I was lucky enough to be able to arrange a 50-minute treatment, and the spa was willing to do either a facial, a massage or a combination of both during that time. Since I knew I might be short on time post-treatment and pre-dinner, I opted to book just a massage and avoid the facial, which may have left product in my hair. As it was my first trip away post-baby and with a quick turnaround and busy travel schedule, the massage was just what I needed. It was a standard yet relaxing Swedish massage, and the therapist was eager to share more about the ship and Mareel Spa.

And there’s a lot to share. For starters, the spa décor is gorgeous, modern and calming. Think colors that evoke the sea, striking lighting installations that double as artwork, and glimmering mosaics.

© Cunard Line

The aesthetic and the treatments find inspiration in the waters and are designed to indulge and soothe. On board Queen Anne, Mareel Spa boasts a steam bath, sauna, a cold room, Himalayan salt sauna, a thermal pool and thermal loungers. For treatments, options run the gamut, with passengers even able to experience cryo-body therapy at sea, using cooling and thermo-shock to eliminate toxins and firm skin. Skincare choices include micro-needling and biotech facials. The ancient practice of cupping can relieve pain, or guests can try the latest technology in treatments like leg compression. Check your sailing’s schedule for wellness workshops.

The Wellness Experience will be available for booking and will take place in a private Wellness Suite. A massage is followed by time spent in the suite’s shower, sauna and relaxation before a complimentary smoothie and nutritious fare from the Wellness Café menu.

Teaming up with Harper’s Bazaar, three Harper’s Bazaar Wellness at Sea programs offer curated treatments, healthful cuisine, master classes and a selection of ELEMIS products across a three-day schedule.

The Pavilion Wellness Studio, new to Queen Anne, boasts views of the ocean and allows cruisers to participate in unique fitness sessions with a view like no other. There’s also a state- of-the-art fitness center, a spin class studio, personal trainers and a salon.

As I sit here recounting all the wellness experiences on board, it’s clear my time on Queen Anne barely scratched the surface of the ship’s myriad offerings. Hmmmm, seems like another, longer visit is in my future. For now, I’ll savor the memories.