In 2015 three Cunard cruise ships ‘danced’ on the Mersey in the Three Queens spectacular – now the iconic cruise line is to go one better with all four Cunard ships coming to the river at the same time. Tony McDonough reports

 

All four Cunard cruise ships are to appear on the Mersey all the same time in a spectacular follow up to the Three Queens event 11 years ago.

In 2015 Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria sailed up the Mersey for the event to mark Cunard’s 175th anniversary. It was estimated more than 1m people lined the banks of the River to see the three vessels perform a ‘dance’.

Now Cunard has announced that on May 16, 2028, it will go one better with all four of its vessels – adding the recently-built Queen Anne – will appear on the Mersey at the same time in another tribute to the company’s “spiritual home”.

Cunard was founded in Liverpool in 1840 by Samuel Cunard flourished thanks to the growing appetite for transatlantic travel in the new high-speed age of steam. However Southampton grew in importance and in 1919 Cunard shifted its prestigious New York route to the Hampshire port.

Its administrative headquarters remained at the Cunard Building (one of the famous Three Graces and now home to Liverpool City Council) until 1967 when that too was relocated to Southampton.

A severe blow had already been dealt to Liverpool in November 1966 when RMS Sylvania left Princes Landing Stage and became the final vessel to depart for New York from the city. The service had merely been “suspended” but it has never been reinstated.

However, Cunard’s emotional connection to the Mersey and to the city has endured. And in a nod to the old transatlantic routes, Queen Mary 2 will travel from New York to Liverpool for the Four Queens event.

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.”

 

 

This event will mark the first time the full fleet of four has ever assembled. It will also help Liverpool mark another anniversary. In 2028 the city will remember its year as European Capital of Culture in 2008.

The city is preparing a year-long programme of music, maritime and sporting events, with Cunard’s return forming a centrepiece of the celebrations.

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Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council, added: “Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors.

“We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool. 2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us.

Queen Anne begins her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including the overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth will sail from Southampton to Le Havre while Queen Victoria will arrive following a scenic voyage around the British Isles.

John Mawer, general manager UK for Global Ports Holding, operator of Liverpool Cruise Port where Queen Mary 2 will berth, told LBN the occasion would be a “proud moment for Liverpool”.

“To welcome all four Queens to the River Mersey for the first time is truly historic, and it will once again place Liverpool firmly in the global spotlight.

“Liverpool Cruise Port is looking forward to hosting these iconic ships and working closely with our partners across the city to deliver an unforgettable celebration for residents, visitors and cruise guests alike.

“Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool will also mark her first ever transatlantic crossing from New York directly to the city, as well as Cunard’s first eastbound arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than 61 years.

“Liverpool Cruise Port will then host a trans Atlantic embarkation following the event, celebrating historical ties from the birthplace of passenger shipping and showcasing the ports renewed capacity for homeport operations.”