Cunard’s new ship will take “inspiration from the successes of our past” while integrating “exciting new concepts and ideas”, according to the line’s president, as Cunard celebrated the steel cutting for its fourth ship.

The as yet unnamed ship is set to enter service in 2022, with bookings commencing next year.

Following a ceremony in Italy, Cunard president Simon Palethorpe said: “After years of planning and design, we are delighted to see building works commence on our newest ship. The 249^th Cunarder will be our fourth luxury liner for the 21^st 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.”

Palethorpe continued: “Steel cutting is a momentous occasion. Like when a paper dream turns into a tangible reality. There are four key elements to the process of a new ship – research, understanding the building process, design and trust in the shipbuilder.”

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

Castellammare shipyard director Gilberto Tobaldi added: “We are very proud to be embarking on this next chapter of Cunard’s history with the start of the build of their newest ship and we look forward to working with the Cunard and Carnival UK teams over the next months.”

Cunard is working with a host of designers to create the interiors for the ship, including creative director Adam D Tihany.

Cunard also announced the commissioning of a unique sculpture crafted from the first piece of metal cut for the new ship. Sculptor Sam Shendi will complete the work, which will be displayed on board.

Shendi said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Cunard team and to be given the challenge of creating a sculpture from the first piece of steel cut for their new ship is such a unique opportunity.

“It would be exciting for any artist to be part of such a long history and know that their artwork will travel the world on the ship connecting guests from all corners of the globe.”

The name of the ship will remain “a top secret” until closer to the launch, said Palethorpe, but he concluded, “the new ship will take the most-loved elements of current Cunard queens, but will add something new”.