Southampton, UK, 22 April 2026 – Cunard has announced that all four of its ships will come together in Liverpool for the first time on 16 May 2028, marking a significant moment in the cruise line’s history. Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne will meet on the River Mersey as part of a special event in the city where Cunard was founded in 1840.
The line said the gathering will be the first time its full fleet of four ships has assembled in one place. It described Liverpool as its spiritual home and said the event will offer a rare chance to see all four Queens together.
Queen Mary 2’s arrival in Liverpool on 16 May 2028 will also mark her first transatlantic crossing from New York directly to the city, according to Cunard. The company added that it will be its first eastbound arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than 61 years, since RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage on 18 November 1966.
Liverpool plans
Cunard said the 2028 event coincides with the 20th anniversary of Liverpool being named European Capital of Culture. The city is preparing a year-long programme of music, maritime and sporting events, with Cunard’s return forming a centrepiece of the celebrations, according to the release.
The last time Cunard ships gathered on the Mersey was in 2015, when three Queens came together for the brand’s 175th anniversary. Cunard said that event attracted more than one million spectators to the city and waterfront.
The 2028 gathering is expected by the line to draw significant crowds and global attention, with Liverpool marking the occasion through a waterfront celebration as the Four Queens meet and return home for the first time.
Voyage details
Cunard said guests will be able to take part in the occasion through a series of specially designed Four Queens Celebration voyages across the fleet. Queen Mary 2 will operate her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York to Liverpool before continuing with Transatlantic Crossings, Canada and New England voyages, and Caribbean itineraries.
Queen Anne will begin her 2028 season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria guests will witness the gathering from on board, with Queen Elizabeth sailing from Southampton to Le Havre before joining the Mersey celebrations and Queen Victoria arriving after a voyage around the British Isles.
Company comments
Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “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. It will be an unforgettable day for our guests, for the city, and for everyone who comes together to enjoy the spectacle from the shore.”
Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors. We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool, Cunard’s spiritual home.”
He added: “2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us – with the Four Queens’ visit, hosting Euro 2028 matches, and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Capital of Culture, we’ve got a brilliant programme of events and activities in store.”
Further details on Cunard’s 2028 voyage itineraries and booking dates will be announced soon.
Source: Official announcement by Cunard on 22 April, 2026
