Cunard flagship bound for Liverpool as part of historic milestone
Liverpool will host Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 next Friday (September 6) in an overnight stop as part of celebrations of her 400th transatlantic crossing.
The iconic ocean liner will depart Cunard’s spiritual home the following day, Saturday, September 7.
Cunard began passenger services between Europe and North America in 1840.
Since then, Cunard ships have crossed the Atlantic every year, beginning with the paddle steamer Britannia, which departed Liverpool on July 4, 1840, bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston.
Queen Mary 2’s historic voyage to Liverpool began in New York on August 23, where she commenced her 400th crossing of the Atlantic.
She arrived in her home port of Southampton on August 30, when she began a British Isles cruise.
She will depart Liverpool on September 7, heading for Cobh, in Ireland.
The visit marks Queen Mary 2’s eighth call at Liverpool and is expected to draw large crowds along both sides of the Mersey.
This call will also be the first by a Cunard ship in Liverpool since the spectacular Naming Ceremony of the line’s newest ship, Queen Anne, which took place in front of 50,000 spectators at the Pier Head in June this year.
Cunard President, Katie McAlister, said: “Cunard’s 184-year connection with Liverpool is something truly special, woven into the history of both our company and the city.
“We’re incredibly proud of this bond and can’t wait for Queen Mary 2 to return, marking her 400th Atlantic crossing.
“It feels right to celebrate this milestone in the port where our transatlantic journey began in 1840, and where our newest ship, Queen Anne, was named by the city of Liverpool in June.”
She added: “I’m excited to be back in the city and by the waterfront.”
A special event on board Queen Mary 2 will honour the Liverpool partners who were instrumental in delivering Queen Anne’s Naming Ceremony.
Queen Mary 2 is due alongside at Liverpool Cruise Terminal at 1430hrs on Friday, September 6.
Spectators are expected to line vantage points at Formby (1230) and New Brighton and Crosby, near the mouth of the river, (1300).
The ship will depart at 2359hrs on Saturday, September 7. All timings are subject to change.
