The £26m Royal Daffodil ferry is set to officially enter service on Tuesday 3 November, marking an exciting new chapter for Mersey Ferries and Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront.
The new vessel will join the iconic Mersey Ferries fleet following a week of celebrations in September to mark its arrival, continuing more than 800 years of ferry history on the River Mersey.
Built in Birkenhead, the Royal Daffodil promises passengers a modern, accessible and comfortable experience, whether travelling to work, enjoying a sightseeing cruise or exploring Liverpool’s waterfront.
The £26m investment forms part of a wider transformation of public transport across the Liverpool City Region, which includes hundreds of new buses, a £500m train fleet, new railway stations and contactless ticketing.
Royal Daffodil To Begin Mersey Ferries Services
The Royal Daffodil will operate morning and evening commuter services, alongside the Liverpool Sightseeing Cruise, previously known as the River Explorer Cruise, and evening cruises.
Painted in the traditional red, white and black colours of Mersey Ferries, the new vessel combines the familiar appearance of the city’s famous ferries with contemporary facilities.
Passengers can enjoy a modern lounge, catering facilities, spacious open decks and panoramic windows offering spectacular views across the River Mersey and Liverpool skyline.
The ferry has also been designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, featuring an onboard lift, USB charging points, baby-changing facilities and dedicated cycle parking.
Mayor Steve Rotheram Celebrates New Royal Daffodil Ferry
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, welcomed the introduction of the new vessel, highlighting the importance of protecting the region’s maritime heritage.
He said:
“The Mersey Ferries are part of who we are as a city region. They’ve carried generations of people across the river, welcomed millions of visitors and become one of the most recognisable symbols of our home.
“I’m really proud that the Royal Daffodil is now ready to take her place in that centuries-old story. She’s a fantastic new vessel, built right here on the banks of the Mersey in Birkenhead, bringing our proud shipbuilding heritage together with the modern facilities passengers rightly expect.
“Whether you’re commuting, taking the kids out for the day or simply enjoying our iconic skyline, I hope people will make plenty of new memories on board for years to come.
“We’ve got a responsibility to protect these iconic ferries for future generations, and the Royal Daffodil is the next step in making sure that happens.”
Built In Birkenhead To Continue Merseyside’s Shipbuilding Heritage
The Royal Daffodil was constructed at the APCL Balaena shipyard in Birkenhead, formerly known as Cammell Laird.
Its construction represents another important milestone for the region’s shipbuilding industry, ensuring that a significant proportion of the £26m investment has remained within the Liverpool City Region.
The vessel brings together Merseyside’s proud maritime traditions with modern technology and passenger facilities, helping secure the future of one of the area’s most recognisable attractions.
With the Royal Daffodil entering service on 3 November, residents and visitors will have a new way to experience the River Mersey while enjoying a much-loved part of Liverpool’s heritage.
For more information about services, cruises and tickets, visit Mersey Ferries website.
