Liverpool’s record-breaking cruise season will reach a high-water mark next week when the city welcomes the iconic Queen Mary 2 to the Mersey.
The 149,000-tonne vessel – the largest ocean liner ever built – will be on full view on Tuesday, 16 July whilst moored in front the city’s World Heritage waterfront.
The QM2 was last seen in its spiritual home in 2015 when 800,000 people came to see her and her sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth for Cunard’s 175th anniversary celebrations.
Since that time QM2 has had a full re-fit and boasts 10 dining options on board, four swimming pools, a theatre and the first planetarium at sea.
During the ship’s historic call to Liverpool 300 passengers will join her as part of a transatlantic voyage to New York via Reykjavik and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The visit will mark a highlight for the team at Liverpool Cruise Terminal who are now half-way through their most successful season ever.
This year will see 86 ships carrying 165,000 passengers and crew members arrive in Liverpool. The season is expected to boost the local economy by £12m, with Liverpool City Council in the final stages of planning for a brand new Cruise Terminal, which will be able to take the next generation of super cruise liners.
At the halfway point of this 2019 season, the terminal has so far welcomed 37 ships, 55,000 passengers and 25,000 crew members. There have been seven new ships visiting Merseyside for the first time and two new cruise lines have chosen the terminal for future visits.
This year, Richard Branson’s Virgin Voyages have announced it will be bringing its first ocean liner Scarlett Lady to Liverpool in 2020.
The QM2 is expected to make port at midnight on Monday, 15 July and be in Liverpool until 8pm the following day.
There will be a host of sail away celebrations from 7pm including a spectacular quayside concert featuring local spoken word artist Lynsey Price, Liverpool’s very own Town Crier and a sensational programme of live entertainment. A colourful confetti show will signal the ships departure at 8pm. This FREE family fun event bidding QM2 a fond farewell can be enjoyed from Princes Parade.
You can find out more about Liverpool Cruise Terminal at: www.cruise-liverpool.com/
