There’s going to be a huge celebration on the waterfront this Monday as royalty returns to the Mersey.

We’re no stranger to welcoming some of the world’s most impressive ships to our shores, but this Monday 23rd July, the Queen Elizabeth returns for her 7th visit and to celebrate a very special anniversary. With confetti cannons, live music and flags at the ready, we’ll be celebrating the 80th anniversary since the Mersey welcomed Cunard’s colossal second Mauretania during it’s official launch from Cammell Laird, in 1938.

The biggest ship in England at the time, the second Mauretania set sail for New York on her maiden voyage less than a year later and joined the legendary Cunard fleet, transporting passengers in the lap of luxury, all around the world. Just imagine who different our waterfront looked 80 years ago?

Cunard’s Mauretania leaving Liverpool 80 years ago

Known as the ‘Spiritual Home of Cunard’, Liverpool is ready to welcome fellow Cunard liner, the stunning Queen Elizabeth on Monday with a proper Scouse welcome. Fans are expected to line the waterfront from 7am, as far along the coast as Formby and New Brighton, right down to the Cruise Liverpool Terminal at Princes Dock, where the ship with berth at around 8am.

More than 2000 passengers are expected to disembark and explore our city throughout the day before returning on-board ready to watch the Sail Away Show from their balconies and decks from 4:30pm. We’re inviting you to join us on the waterfront and be part of something truly special as the queen of the waves bids farewell to the city once more.

Here’s 6 Things you need to know about the Cunard and Queen Elizabeth celebrations…..

1 – Where & When

The QE will arrive in Liverpool, sailing up the Mersey around 7:15am on Monday 23rd July 2018 and will set sail again at 5:30pm. Get yourself down to Princes Dock to get the best view and don’t forget to bring the kids and the dog too! A great, family atmosphere is guaranteed.

2 – Sail Away Show Times

In true Liverpool tradition there will be Sail Away Show at Princes Dock from 4:30pm including live music and confetti before the ship sails at 5:30pm

3 – Who’s Performing

From 4:30pm you will see and hear the likes of The Secret Ukelele Band and Liverpool Soprano, Joanne Dennis, perform live before the confetti cannons send the QE on her way to Dublin.

4 – Why is this visit special?

Built by the famous Cunard Shipping Line, the Queen Elizabeth makes her 7th visit to the city to celebrate 80 years since the second Mauretania was completed at Cammell Laird in 1938. Imagine how different our beautiful waterfront looked back then!

5 – Why you should see the QE for yourself

The Queen Elizabeth is a colossal ship. Carrying more than 2000 passengers and 1000 staff across 12 decks, the youngest of the three queens has 5 restaurants, a theatre, a spa, a full gym, five hot tubs and two swimming pools on board! To set sail on the Queen Elizabeth it would set you back somewhere in the region of £2,999!

6 – Be Part of Something Special

It’s always a special occasion when a Cunard ship returns to it’s spiritual home of Liverpool. On 28th July 1938 the official launch of the second Mauretania, the largest ship ever to be built in England at the time, took place on our very own River Mersey. The QE visit will pay homage to Cunard, it’s incredible history and the adventures we’re yet to take!

To find out more about the ships visiting Cruise Liverpool in the coming months, head to www.cruise-liverpool.comto check out the Cruise Call or follow@CruiseLpoolon Twitter for regular updates.

Are you coming down to Princes Dock to greet or wave off the Queen Elizabeth? We want to hear your QE stories, have you sailed on her? Send your pics and stories to us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and we’ll share the best on our socials.

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