MERSEY Ferries passengers will be given a “unique” opportunity for a close-up look at Cunard’s new Queen Anne Cruise liner during her maiden trip to the city.

The Queen Anne ship will arrive on the Mersey soon after sunrise on Monday, June 3, 2024 during an introductory ‘lap of honour’ voyage around the British Isles.

The 113,000-tonne liner will visit Liverpool for a special naming ceremony at Cunard’s spiritual home. Huge crowds are expected to greet the liner and to watch famous tenor Andrea Bocelli lead a stellar cast at Pier Head to celebrate the visit.

A special Mersey Ferries Queen Anne cruise sold out in record time however visitors are still able to buy tickets for cross-river services that will offer fantastic river views of the state-of-the-art liner.

Visitors will be able to hop aboard one of Mersey Ferries Direct Cross-River services, operating between Seacombe Terminal and Pier Head, to witness the festivities from the River Mersey.

The service, which lasts 20 minutes for a round trip, will sail past the Queen Anne while she sits in a central river position ahead of the main event, giving passengers the chance to enjoy a close-up look at the mighty new liner, which is more than the length of three football pitches.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Portfolio Holder of Transport for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (2023/24), said: “We’re excited to welcome the Queen Anne to the River Mersey and be a small part in, what we hope to be, an exciting and enjoyable occasion.

“From its unique vantage point on the river, Mersey Ferries is offering passengers the chance to have a once in a lifetime experience while they enjoy Cunard’s Queen Anne naming ceremony.

“Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis and, with high numbers of people expected to take up the opportunity, we’re asking everyone to plan ahead.

“Train stations, buses and Mersey Ferries Terminals are expected to be very busy, with Mersey Tunnels also expected to receive heavy traffic; we want everyone to have a fun experience, so encourage everyone heading toward the area to check their travel arrangements and plan ahead when deciding how to get home.”

To give people as many opportunities as possible to see the incredible new ship, Mersey Ferries has extended the Cross-River service on June 3 2024 until 7.30pm.

Mersey Ferries daily River Explorer Cruise will also be running throughout the day, with visitors encouraged to take earlier cruises, starting from 10am at Pier Head to avoid disappointment.

For travel planning advice and the most up to date information, please visit the Merseytravel website at Cunard Queen Anne Naming Ceremony Travel Advice | Liverpool City Region | Merseytravel.