Queen Anne during her sea trials after departing the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice

Queen Anne News and events

Queen Anne naming ceremony update

As Queen Anne's naming ceremony on 3 June 2024 approaches, discover more details about what promises to be a spectacular event.

4 min 11 Apr 2024

Cunard

Author

We are so excited for Queen Anne’s inaugural season, starting with her historic maiden voyage, sailing on 3 May. This sold-out voyage will include a wonderful lineup of entertainment and celebratory moments planned in keeping with our rich tradition of magnificent inaugural sailings.

Just a few weeks later, departing on 24 May, Queen Anne sails her maiden British Isles voyage, a 14-night sailing from Southampton, including the official naming ceremony of our new Queen.

The ceremony promises to be a spectacular event in our spiritual home of Liverpool. From early morning on 3 June, as the world’s media awaits Queen Anne’s arrival into the Mersey, all eyes will be on Liverpool Pier Head, which will be alive with activity in the lead up to a dazzling ceremony set to start from 4pm.

Much-loved TV personalities Emma and Matt Willis will host this incredible event, and we’re proud to announce that the distinguished Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts will be joining our hosts on stage, with a unique, one-of-a-kind celebratory performance.

Later in the evening, we’ll be keeping the celebrations going as we’re joined by more special guests on stage who will keep the waterfront audience on their feet until what’s likely to be one of Queen Anne’s biggest sail away parties ever.

Queen Anne guests sailing on this voyage will be invited to watch the ceremony from a dedicated viewing area ashore in the heart of the action. Of course, guests may prefer to join in the celebrations on board as the event is broadcast live throughout the ship.

Special guests for the voyage itself include legendary musician Midge Ure and West End and Broadway star Rachel Tucker, who will be performing live, whilst former World Champion boxer Frank Bruno and Olivier award-winning actress Celia Imrie will be hosting captivating Insight talks. A number of other guest speakers are set to enlighten you with their knowledge of the rich heritage and natural wonders of the British Isles.

The day after Queen Anne’s naming ceremony, guests will also be treated to a dazzling celebration dinner to commemorate the occasion.

For anyone who won’t be on board for either the maiden voyage or the naming voyage, and who can’t join us in Liverpool, be sure to follow our social channels for updates. We’ll be posting throughout Queen Anne’s inaugural season from the heart of the action as this incredible new chapter for Cunard begins.