Cunard’s three ships will be sailing into Liverpool for the three Queen’s salute soon, there’s lots of excitement over Cunard using Liverpool’s port again. It’s encouraged the resurgence of pride that the city felt about the regeneration of its historic waterfront.
Cunard’s three largest vessels will sail into Liverpool for the 175th anniversary of the inauguration of its transatlantic service from Liverpool on May 24th – 26th 2015 (which you can read about here.)
Why does Cunard have such strong links to Liverpool?
Cunard cruise line was founded in Liverpool in 1838. Their head office is part of ‘The Three Graces’ and is one of the landmarks on the world heritage listed Pier Head in Liverpool (the other two of the ‘Graces’ being the Royal Liver Building and the Port of Liverpool Building). Cunard’s head office then remained in the city for 129 years until the company moved office in 1967.
In 1990 more than a million spectators turned up to watch QE2 sail into port. The fifteen visits made by Cunard Queens since then have also all received a warm welcome by the people of Liverpool. Three Queens together on the Mersey will be a once in a lifetime event and is sure to be a memory kept close to the hearts of those who witness it.
Cunard’s three ships (the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria) will meet in The River Mersey for an event that is going to make maritime history.
The 175th Anniversary celebration will end the spectacular maritime theme of the first transatlantic crossing. Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will recreate the original voyage of Britannia when it departed from Liverpool to America in July 1840.
Following this event, the international Mersey River Festival will take place on the Pier head and Albert dock sites for people from all ages to attend!
Here are a few key facts about the event in Liverpool:
- The event will have five viewing zones along the length of areas that stretch from the Echo arena at Kings Dock and Princes Dock
- Volunteers will be on hand to share information about the ships to the audience
- An international food market will be held in the town from May 22nd- 26th
- A platform will be available to those who are disabled at the pier head joined by a wheelchair zone, these spaces will be limited and are on a first come first serve basis.
Will you be visiting Liverpool for the once in a life time event?
Let us know in the comments below…
