The Cunard Queen Mary 2 is returning to Liverpool next week

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will return to Liverpool next week, celebrating a significant milestone – her 400^th transatlantic crossing. 

The iconic ocean liner will make history once again, with an overnight call at the port where Cunard started passenger services between Europe and North America in 1840.  Since then, Cunard ships have crossed the Atlantic every year, beginning with the paddle steamer Britannia, which departed Liverpool on 4 July 1840 bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston. 

Queen Mary 2 will arrive on the Mersey on Friday 6 September and depart on Saturday 7 September bound for Cobh, Ireland. Her historic voyage to Liverpool started in New York on 23 August where she commenced her 400^th crossing of the Atlantic, arriving in her homeport of Southampton on the morning of 30 August. Following her arrival, she will set sail this afternoon on a British Isles cruise.

The visit marks Queen Mary 2’s eighth call at Liverpool and is expected to draw large crowds along both sides of the Mersey.  This call will also be the first by a Cunard ship in Liverpool since the spectacular Naming Ceremony of the line’s newest ship Queen Anne which took place in front of 50,000 spectators at Pier Head in June.

Cunard President Katie McAlister said:

“Cunard’s 184-year connection with Liverpool is something truly special, woven into the history of both our company and the city. We’re incredibly proud of this bond and can’t wait for Queen Mary 2 to return, marking her 400th Atlantic crossing. It feels right to celebrate this milestone in the port where our transatlantic journey began in 1840, and where our newest ship, Queen Anne, was named by the city of Liverpool in June. I’m excited to be back in the city and by the waterfront.”

A special event on board Queen Mary 2 will honour the Liverpool partners who were instrumental in delivering Queen Anne’s Naming Ceremony.  

Queen Mary 2 is due alongside at Liverpool Cruise Terminal (LCT) at 1430hrs on Friday 6 September. Spectators are expected to line vantage points at Formby (1230) and New Brighton and Crosby near the mouth of the river (1300). The ship will depart at 2359hrs on Saturday 7 September. All timings subject to change.

Find out more information about Cunard and the Queen Mary 2 here.