Cunard Queen Anne's Grand Naming Ceremony Location Revealed
Cunard Cruise Line Unveils Royal Spectacle
New Ship Queen Anne's Grand Naming Ceremony to be Held at Liverpool's Iconic Waterfront
Get ready for a royal maritime spectacle on June 3 as Cunard welcomes its fourth queen to the iconic fleet.
In a dazzling display of maritime splendour, Cunard's newest ship, Queen Anne, is set to steal the spotlight during its spectacular Naming Ceremony at Liverpool's renowned Mersey waterfront. Scheduled for Monday 3 June 2024, this momentous event will unfold amidst a celebratory 'lap of honour' voyage around the British Isles, promising an unforgettable experience for passengers and spectators alike.
Renowned British pop culture power couple, Matt Willis of Busted fame, and his TV presenter wife, Emma, have been chosen as the hosts for this grand spectacle. In a recorded message, the duo teased what guests can expect from the event, adding an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.
Queen Anne's arrival on the Mersey, shortly after sunrise, marks the pinnacle of an exclusive 14-night British Isles Festival Voyage. The itinerary, commencing from Southampton on 24 May, features maiden calls to Edinburgh, Invergordon, Greenock, Belfast, and Liverpool – the birthplace of Cunard's pioneering transatlantic service in 1840.
The festivities planned for Queen Anne's arrival include a special salute to Liverpool, where the iconic Cunard Building stands proudly as the centrepiece of the Three Graces. The ship's Naming Ceremony will be the highlight of a day filled with celebration, drawing tens of thousands of spectators to vantage points along the river and live-streaming globally, ensuring the world's eyes are fixed on Cunard's Liverpool event.
Guests on the 14-night voyage will be treated to exclusive celebrations at Liverpool's Pier Head, with surprise performances from an impressive lineup of entertainers, turning the iconic Cunard Building into the heart of the festivities.
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, expressed the brand's deep connection with Liverpool:
“Cunard has an incredible bond with the city of Liverpool. It is where our founder Sir Samuel Cunard began his Transatlantic line in 1840, so what better place to officially name our new ship than somewhere that holds so many special memories. Queen Anne is the next in a fine line for our brand and she will be bursting with breath-taking moments around every corner, evolving our core values of luxury, sophistication, and glamour. Liverpool is known the world over as Cunard’s spiritual home and we are all so excited for the city to see Queen Anne up close on her maiden call.”
Matt and Emma Willis shared their excitement, saying:
“We’re delighted to be part of such a fantastic occasion and can’t wait to join everyone in Liverpool for an exciting and action-packed day, full of surprises and celebrations. Mersey waterfront will be brought to life on 3 June, as world famous entertainers are set to put on a spectacular show. It's going to be a day to remember, and we can’t wait to welcome the fourth Queen to the iconic Cunard fleet.”
As Queen Anne nears completion in Italy, the anticipation builds for the grand event that will undoubtedly become a treasured memory for Cunard and Liverpool, further solidifying the bond between the brand and its spiritual home. For those seeking more information or the latest updates, visit www.cunard.com.