Thousands Witness Cunard’s Queen Anne Naming Ceremony

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 4, 2024 01:30 AMNews
Share:
A cruise ship of Cunard
A cruise ship of Cunard. Source: HS Spender, Unsplash

Thousands gathered on Liverpool's waterfront to witness the official naming of Cunard's new ship, Queen Anne. The event, held at the city's Pier Head, featured local celebrities including Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm and Olympic athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Representing Liverpool, they helped christen the 249th Cunard ship by releasing a 12-litre bottle of Champagne to smash against its side.

 

The ceremony, which also featured a performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, was a significant moment for the city. Mel C expressed her pride in representing Liverpool, mentioning her family's history of working at the docks. She was joined by other prominent Liverpool women, highlighting the city's strong community spirit.

 

The Queen Anne, a 113,000-tonne ship accommodating 3,000 guests across 14 decks, began its maiden voyage from Southampton on May 3. Captain Inger Thorhauge described the ceremony as a milestone, emphasizing the ship's modern features and new technology. Liverpool, once Cunard's headquarters from 1840 to 1967, remains the company's spiritual home.

 

Victoria Summers, head of housekeeping and a Liverpool native, shared her pride in being part of the crew, continuing her family's legacy with Cunard. Summers first joined the company over 30 years ago and expressed her excitement about sailing into Liverpool on the new ship.

 

Local couple Sandra and John Boggan from Bebington, Wirral, chose the tour specifically to sail in and out of Liverpool. They praised the Queen Anne as a "beautiful ship" with high specifications, reflecting on their long history of sailing with Cunard.

 

Susan Smith and Rosie Dunning, who visited the Pier Head to see the ship, were amazed by its size. Smith remarked on the impressive scale of the Queen Anne, having only seen smaller ships before. The event rekindled Liverpool's historical connection with Cunard, dating back to the first transatlantic crossing in 1840.

 

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, highlighted Liverpool's significance as the company's spiritual home. She praised the enduring relationship between the city and Cunard, celebrating the official naming of Queen Anne on Liverpool's waterfront. The five Liverpool icons chosen for the ceremony exemplified the city's influence on global culture.

 

Andrew Lewis, chief executive of Liverpool City Council, echoed these sentiments, calling the event an incredible honor for the city. He reaffirmed Liverpool's cherished relationship with Cunard, marking a memorable day in the company's storied history.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM