Cunard Line’s luxury cruise ship MS Queen Anne arrived in the Maldives on Saturday, becoming the largest cruise ship ever to call at the country.

The vessel docked with 2,669 passengers and 1,250 crew members on board. Cunard holds historic significance in the Maldives as the first cruise operator to bring a cruise ship to the country.

A special ceremony was held to mark the ship’s maiden voyage to the Maldives. Representatives from Maldives Immigration, Maldives Association of Yacht Agents (MAYA), and Maldives Ports Limited presented commemorative plaques to the vessel. Controller General of Immigration and Commissioner of Police (Rtd) Ahmed Faseeh attended the event.

Maldives Immigration stated that clearance services for all passengers and crew were arranged by a dedicated team that travelled to Seychelles to complete necessary formalities prior to the ship’s arrival in Maldivian waters.

Measuring 323 metres in length and 36 metres in width, the MS Queen Anne has 14 decks. On board are 15 restaurants serving international cuisine, a state-of-the-art theatre for musical and dramatic performances, as well as gym and fitness facilities among other amenities.

Cruise tourism has seen steady activity this year, with five cruise liners having already called at the Maldives. A sixth vessel is scheduled to arrive on Sunday.