British luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a world-first event as all four of its ships will come together on the River Mersey in Liverpool.
On 16 May 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne will unite for the first time ever, creating what is set to be one of the most memorable moments in Cunard’s modern history.
The landmark occasion will see the full fleet assemble in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home, where the company was founded in 1840. It will offer a rare and historic opportunity for thousands of spectators to see all four Queens together in one place.
The last time Cunard ships gathered on the Mersey was in 2015, when the three Queens came together to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary. That event attracted more than one million spectators to Liverpool and its waterfront.
The 2028 gathering is expected to build on that legacy, drawing huge crowds and worldwide attention as Liverpool stages a major waterfront celebration to welcome the Four Queens home.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool on 16 May 2028 will mark her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York directly to the city. It will also be Cunard’s first eastbound arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than 61 years, since RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage on 18 November 1966.
The Four Queens event will take place as part of celebrations marking 20 years since Liverpool was named European Capital of Culture. The city is preparing a year-long programme of music, maritime and sporting events, with Cunard’s return set to be one of the standout highlights.
Liverpool’s deep-rooted connection with Cunard makes the occasion especially poignant, combining the city’s maritime heritage with a globally significant moment for one of the world’s most iconic cruise lines.
Guests will have the opportunity to be part of this historic once-in-a-lifetime moment through a series of specially designed Four Queens Celebration voyages across the Cunard fleet:
- Queen Mary 2 will offer her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool, arriving at the heart of the celebrations, before continuing with her renowned Transatlantic Crossings, Canada and New England voyages, and longer Caribbean itineraries.
- Queen Anne begins her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including the spectacular overnight stay in Liverpool.
- Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria guests will experience the spectacle from on board the ships as they join the River Mersey gathering and sail together as part of the celebrations. Queen Elizabeth will sail from Southampton to Le Havre before joining the River Mersey celebrations, while Queen Victoria will arrive following a scenic voyage around the British Isles, visiting Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:
“Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard. Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond. It will be an unforgettable day for our guests, for the city, and for everyone who comes together to enjoy the spectacle from the shore.”
Image Credit: Cunard
