Liverpool will welcome Cunard’s newest liner, Queen Anne, back to her spiritual home next week for the first time since her spectacular naming ceremony at Pier Head.
The ship will return to the River Mersey on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 May, marking the beginning of Cunard’s global celebrations for the 185th anniversary of its first transatlantic voyage, which departed Liverpool in 1840.
Crowds are expected to gather along both banks of the Mersey to witness Queen Anne’s arrival, which will coincide with the LFC Premier League Champions Parade later that day. The ship is due to dock at Cruise Port Liverpool by 12:00, forming a stunning backdrop to the waterfront celebrations as the Reds’ motorcade arrives.
Dedicated to the city of Liverpool during her naming ceremony last June, Queen Anne will remain docked overnight. The following day, Tuesday 27 May, Cunard will be honoured with a special visit from HRH The Princess Royal, officially launching the 185th anniversary festivities.
That same day, a new photographic exhibition titled Sea of Glamour, curated by acclaimed photographer and filmmaker Mary McCartney, will open at the Royal Liver Building. The exhibit showcases 185 images capturing Cunard’s storied timeline and its enduring connection with Liverpool. The final photograph highlights the five Liverpool Icons who represented the city at Queen Anne’s naming ceremony.
Queen Anne, the newest of Cunard’s four active Queens, is visiting Liverpool as part of a Round Britain voyage. She will arrive from Glasgow and set sail again on the evening of 27 May, heading to Dublin and Cobh, Ireland, before returning to Southampton on 1 June.
Reflecting on her work with Cunard, Mary McCartney said:
“Curating Sea of Glamour for Cunard has been an incredible experience. Exploring 185 years of history through photographs gave me the chance to celebrate both the brand’s iconic legacy and the deeply personal moments shared by its guests.
What stood out most were the stories of connection, family, and celebration—true glamour found not just in royalty or celebrities, but in the real lives of Cunard’s passengers.”
Spectator Information – Queen Anne Arrival Times (Monday 26 May):
- Mersey Bar: 15.45
- Formby: 16.15
- Crosby: 16.45
- Cruise Terminal: 17.45
The arrival of Queen Anne has changed and it is now due on the River Mersey later this afternoon. Queen Anne is scheduled to depart Liverpool at 23:45 on Tuesday 27 May.
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