The Cunard Queen Anne ship will be at six different points throughout the regionThe Cunard Queen Anne naming ceremony on the River Mersey, LiverpoolThe Cunard Queen Anne naming ceremony on the River Mersey, Liverpool(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)

The arrival and departure times for the Queen Anne ship at Liverpool have been confirmed. The Albert Dock is set to welcome Queen Anne back to her spiritual home for the first time since her spectacular naming ceremony at the Pier Head.

The return to the River Mersey on Bank Holiday Monday, May 26, marks the start of global celebrations across the Cunard fleet to celebrate this year’s 185th Anniversary of the line’s first transatlantic crossing leaving Liverpool in 1840.

Her arrival is expected to attract huge crowds to vantage points on both sides of the river as Liverpool prepares to host the LFC Premier League Champions Parade later that day.

The ship is due alongside at Cruise Port Liverpool by midday, where she will form a magnificent backdrop to the parade celebrations when the Reds’ motorcade reaches the waterfront.

Fireworks as Cunard's Queen Anne sailed from Liverpool last yearFireworks as Cunard’s Queen Anne sailed from Liverpool last year(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

Queen Anne is expected at the following points and times as she advances towards the berth on Monday, May 26th:

  • Mersey Bar: 0915
  • Formby: 0945
  • Crosby: 1015
  • New Brighton: 1045
  • Seacombe: 1100
  • Cruise Port: 1200

Queen Anne’s return to the River Mersey marks the start of the global celebrations stretching right across the Cunard fleet in line with the 185th anniversary of the line’s first transatlantic crossing.

The ship, dedicated to the city of Liverpool last June, remains alongside overnight. The following day, Tuesday, May 27, the Cunard will be honoured when HRH The Princess Royal makes a visit to the ship.

Cunard's Queen Anne leaves the Cruise Terminal on the River Mersey, Liverpool, Merseyside after her official naming ceremony . Picture date: Monday June 3, 2024Cunard’s Queen Anne leaves the Cruise Terminal on the River Mersey, Liverpool(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

After this, a Sea of Glamour photographic exhibition curated by photographer and film-maker Mary McCartney will open at the Royal Liver Building.

The exhibition features 185 images charting the Cunard timeline and some of the many milestones in its unique maritime history and bond with the city of Liverpool. The final image will be of the five Liverpool icons chosen to represent the city at the Queen Anne Naming.

Mary McCartney said: “Curating Sea of Glamour for Cunard has been such a brilliant project for me as a photographer.

Emma and Matt Willis hosted Cunard's Queen Anne naming ceremony in LiverpoolEmma and Matt Willis hosted Cunard’s Queen Anne naming ceremony in Liverpool(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)

“To delve into 185 years of photographic history, I had the privilege of exploring not only Cunard’s iconic legacy but also the real, heartfelt moments shared by its guests on board.

“As I went through the archives and read the stories submitted by passengers from all corners of the world, I was struck by the strong sense of community and connection that Cunard has fostered over the years. I loved seeing the personal submissions – moments of joy, connection and family milestones.

“As I reflected on these stories, I was reminded that glamour isn’t only found in images of royalty or Hollywood stars, but in the shared experience of all Cunard passengers.”

This majestic vessel will leave a visual marker on the already iconic Bank Holiday weekend, Liverpool is set to enjoy.