Page 659 - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Coverage Book 2023-24

04 June 2024

Cunard Queen Anne Named in Dazzling Ceremony in Liverpool

Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne was centre stage as the luxury cruise
line hosted a spectacular naming ceremony in its spiritual home of
Liverpool
4 June 2024
Cunard’s newest ship Queen Anne was centre stage as the luxury cruise line hosted
a spectacular naming ceremony in its 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.

On-stage proceedings were hosted by Busted musician Matt Willis and TV presenter
Emma Willis.

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.

Queen Anne made her maiden call to Cunard’s spiritual home at around 7am, ahead
of an impressive naming ceremony that marked a new chapter in the luxury cruise
line’s 184-year history.

The ceremony opened with a one-of-a-kind performance by the Royal Liverpool
Philharmonic Orchestra, which captivated the audience’s senses through powerful
yet delicate melodies.

The City of Liverpool was then 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.