Cunard’s Four Queens to sail into Liverpool in 2028

British luxury cruise operator Cunard is preparing for an unprecedented event that will bring together all four of its iconic ships in one location for the first time ever. Scheduled for 16 May 2028, the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne will assemble on the River Mersey in Liverpool. This historic gathering is set to become one of the most remarkable moments in Cunard’s recent history.

Liverpool, the birthplace of Cunard in 1840 and its spiritual home, will host this fleet reunion. The occasion will offer a unique opportunity to witness all four “Queens” together, a sight not seen before. The last similar event on the Mersey took place in 2015 when three Cunard ships convened to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary, drawing over one million visitors to the city’s waterfront. The 2028 convergence aims to build upon that success, attracting considerable crowds and gaining international attention as the ships return to Liverpool with a distinct celebratory atmosphere.

Of particular note is the Queen Mary 2’s arrival, which will mark several firsts. It will be her inaugural transatlantic journey from New York directly to Liverpool, representing Cunard’s first eastbound arrival from New York to the city in more than six decades—the last being the RMS Sylvania docking in November 1966. This event also coincides with Liverpool’s 20th anniversary as European Capital of Culture. The city plans to mark the milestone with a year-long series of cultural, sporting, and maritime festivities, with Cunard’s fleet reunion positioned as a highlight.

In addition, guests will be given the chance to participate in this exceptional occasion through specially arranged voyages across the Cunard vessels. The Queen Mary 2 will commence with her groundbreaking transatlantic trip to Liverpool before continuing on various traditional routes. Queen Anne will kick off her 2028 season touring Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool. Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will join the festivities from the water, with routes beginning in Southampton and a scenic British Isles voyage, respectively, allowing passengers to experience the event firsthand.

Cunard President Katie McAlister expressed enthusiasm about the event, stating, “Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard. Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond.” Liverpool City Council Leader Liam Robinson emphasized the significance for the city, highlighting the event alongside other major happenings scheduled for 2028, such as Euro 2028 matches and the Capital of Culture anniversary. He said, “Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors.”

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Culture, underlined the deep connection between Cunard and Liverpool’s maritime traditions, calling the four-ship arrival “a moment that will live forever in people’s memories.” Lord Hall, Chair of the Liverpool City Region Destination Partnership Board, described the event as a “powerful tribute to Liverpool’s proud maritime heritage” and noted the lasting economic and cultural benefits expected from such a globally significant occasion.

Further information regarding Cunard’s 2028 itineraries and booking details will be released in due course, as anticipation builds for this landmark arrival in Liverpool

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