Cunard is preparing for the official naming ceremony of the Queen Anne today, as the new ship makes her maiden call to Liverpool UK, Cunard's 'spiritual home.'
The event will feature performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and artists from the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. Hosted by musician Matt Willis and TV presenter Emma Willis, the ceremony will include a special performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and a DJ set by Craig Charles. The festivities will conclude with a grand fireworks display as the Queen Anne departs.
Arriving in Liverpool this morning as part of a round-Britain itinerary, the 3,000-passenger vessel's naming ceremony will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by evening entertainment from 8:30 p.m., with the ship setting sail at 10:15 p.m. Cunard's ships have a history of drawing large crowds in Liverpool, with notable events including the QE2’s maiden call in 1990 and the Three Queens’ royal rendezvous celebrating Cunard’s 175th anniversary in 2015.
This tradition of significant maritime events in Liverpool continues with the Queen Anne's naming ceremony, reinforcing the strong connection between Cunard and the city. The new vessel represents the latest addition to Cunard’s storied fleet, promising to uphold the luxury and heritage associated with the brand. The naming ceremony and associated festivities highlight the importance of this new ship and its role in the future of Cunard’s operations.