Liverpool is set to host a truly historic maritime moment in May 2028, as all four Cunard Queens – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne – come together on the River Mersey for the very first time.
The event, taking place on 16 May 2028, will mark an unprecedented gathering of Cunard’s entire fleet in the city where the company’s story began in 1840. It presents a rare opportunity for residents, visitors and maritime enthusiasts to witness all four ships assembled in one place, reinforcing Liverpool’s enduring connection to one of the world’s most iconic shipping lines.
The occasion builds on the legacy of Cunard’s previous visit in 2015, when three Queens arrived on the Mersey to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary, drawing crowds of over one million people to the waterfront. The 2028 event is expected to attract similar global attention, forming a key highlight in Liverpool’s cultural calendar.
In a significant milestone for the city, Queen Mary 2 will arrive via her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool. This will also mark Cunard’s first eastbound transatlantic arrival into Liverpool in more than six decades, since the RMS Sylvania called at Princes Landing Stage in 1966.
The Four Queens gathering coincides with Liverpool’s celebrations marking 20 years since it was named European Capital of Culture. A year-long programme of events is planned across the city, spanning music, maritime and sport, with the Cunard fleet’s return set to be a centrepiece moment.
Passengers across the Cunard fleet will also be able to take part in the celebrations through a series of specially curated voyages. Queen Mary 2 will sail from New York to Liverpool before continuing her transatlantic and international itineraries, while Queen Anne will include an overnight stay in the city as part of her Northern European programme. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will join the Mersey gathering following voyages through Europe and the British Isles.
Ruth Wood, Chief Executive of Mersey Maritime, said:
“This is a landmark moment not just for Liverpool, but for the UK maritime sector as a whole. The coming together of Cunard’s Four Queens on the River Mersey is a powerful celebration of our region’s rich maritime heritage and global reputation. It also highlights the strength and vibrancy of our maritime cluster today, showcasing Liverpool as a world-class destination for maritime business, tourism and culture.”
Further details on voyages and public celebrations are expected to be announced in due course.
