Cunard unveils historic Four Queens celebration in Liverpool | News
Luxury cruise brand Cunard has announced a milestone event that will see all four Cunard ships converge in Liverpool for the first time.
On May 16, 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne will unite on the River Mersey in what promises to be one of the most memorable events in Cunard’s modern history.
The event marks the first time the entire fleet of four has ever been assembled, and it will take place in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home, where the company was founded in 1840. It offers a rare opportunity 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 brand’s 175th anniversary, attracting more than a million spectators to the city and waterfront. The 2028 meeting builds on that legacy, which is expected to attract fans and global attention, with Liverpool marking the moment in its own signature style with a waterfront celebration as the Four Queens meet and return home together for the first time.
Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool on May 16, 2028 also marks 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, since RMS Sylvania docked at Princes Landing Stage on November 18, 1966.
The Four Queens event coincides with celebrations marking 20 years since Liverpool was declared European Capital of Culture. The city is preparing a year-long program of music, maritime and sporting events, with Cunard’s return at the center of the festivities.
Guests will have the opportunity to be part of this historic unique 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 festivities before continuing on her famous Transatlantic Crossings, voyages to Canada and New England, and longer Caribbean itineraries.
Queen Anne begins her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including the spectacular overnight stay in Liverpool.
Guests of Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will experience the spectacle on board the ships as they join the River Mersey and sail together as part of the festivities. Queen Elizabeth sails from Southampton to Le Havre before taking part in the celebrations on the River Mersey, while Queen Victoria arrives after a scenic tour of the British Isles, visiting Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: “Bringing our four queens together for the first time on the Mersey 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 shore.”
Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “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 very special moment here in Liverpool, the spiritual home of Cunard.
“2028 will be a very exciting year for us – with the visit of the Four Queens, the hosting of Euro 2028 matches and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture, we have a brilliant program of events and activities in store.
“We look forward to bringing people together again and helping to create an experience that will be remembered long after the ships have sailed.”
More details about Cunard’s 2028 itineraries and booking dates will be announced soon.
For more information about Cunard and its World Voyages program, or to book a trip, travelers can contact their travel advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.
