Cunard | Queen Anne Naming Ceremony | June 2024

A proud and momentous day in Cunard history. We named our newest ship, Queen Anne, at a spectacular naming ceremony in our spiritual home of Liverpool.

Tens of thousands of people gathered at Liverpool Waterfront to witness the historic celebrations, which featured performances from iconic Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and more.

Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing, 184 years ago in May 1840, and was the company’s headquarters for 128 years. The love and affection the people of Liverpool still have for all things Cunard is clear – never more so than when a Cunard ship arrives on the Mersey.

The City of Liverpool was named as Queen Anne’s Godparent in recognition of the long-lasting bond with its spiritual home.

Five Liverpool icons were invited on stage to represent the city, including former Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.

These distinguished women, who embody the heart and future of Liverpool, just as Queen Anne does for Cunard, were chosen because of their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level.

The iconic smashing of the Champagne bottle against the ship signified this historic moment and wished the vessel and its crew good fortune on its future voyages.

To top the bill, operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli ended the event with an unforgettable performance.