Cunard has confirmed plans for a landmark maritime event in 2028, with all four of its iconic ships set to gather in Liverpool for the first time in the company’s history.
On 16th May 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne will assemble on the River Mersey, creating a rare spectacle in the cruise line’s spiritual home. The occasion represents the first time the full Cunard fleet has come together in one place.
Liverpool holds deep historical significance for Cunard, which was founded in the city in 1840. The upcoming event is expected to draw significant global attention, building on the success of previous ship gatherings on the Mersey.
A similar moment took place in 2015, when three Cunard Queens met in Liverpool to mark the company’s 175th anniversary. That celebration attracted more than one million spectators to the waterfront, setting expectations high for an even larger turnout in 2028.
Historic Voyage And Citywide Celebrations
The 2028 event will also coincide with major celebrations in Liverpool, marking 20 years since the city was named European Capital of Culture. A year-long programme of cultural, sporting and maritime events is planned, with the arrival of Cunard’s fleet expected to serve as a centrepiece.
Queen Mary 2’s role in the event will be particularly notable. The flagship will complete her first ever transatlantic crossing from New York directly to Liverpool, marking Cunard’s first eastbound arrival on this route in more than six decades.
The last such crossing took place in November 1966, when RMS Sylvania docked at Princes Landing Stage.
Passengers across the fleet will be able to take part in specially designed Four Queens Celebration voyages. Queen Mary 2 will sail from New York into Liverpool before continuing her established programme of transatlantic crossings, Canada and New England itineraries, and Caribbean voyages.
Queen Anne is scheduled to begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool during the celebrations.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will join the Mersey gathering as part of their own itineraries. Queen Elizabeth will sail from Southampton via Le Havre, while Queen Victoria will arrive following a British Isles voyage that includes ports in Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales.
“Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time 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 the shore.”
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard
City Leaders Highlight Global Impact
Local leaders have emphasised the significance of the event for Liverpool and the wider region, both culturally and economically.
“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 really special moment here in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home.
“2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us – with the Four Queens’ visit, hosting Euro 2028 matches, and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Capital of Culture, we’ve got a brilliant programme of events and activities in store.
“We are looking forward to bringing people together once again and helping to deliver an experience that will be remembered long after the ships have sailed.”
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council
Councillor Harry Doyle added: “Cunard and its vessels are synonymous with Liverpool’s waterfront and our maritime history.
“A visit by one of their liners is always a magnificent spectacle, so to have all four in the city together will be a moment that will live forever in people’s memories and be a major part of our celebrations to mark the 20th anniversary of our year as European Capital of Culture.”
“The visit of all four Cunard Queens to Liverpool in May 2028 will be a truly landmark moment for our city region.
“It is a powerful tribute to Liverpool’s proud maritime heritage, our enduring relationship with Cunard, and our growing reputation as a welcoming world class destination.
“Events of this scale generate global attention and lasting economic and cultural benefits, and we look forward to showcasing the very best of the Liverpool City Region to visitors from across the world.”
Lord Hall, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership Board
Further details on Cunard’s 2028 itineraries and booking dates are expected to be released in due course.
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