We met Cunard's new ship Queen Anne in Liverpool

It was an honour to be invited to Liverpool for the naming ceremony of the new Cunard cruise ship Queen Anne. The day started bright and early for me as I headed to Liverpool. First stop, Panoramic 34, for a glass of Laurent Perrier and a typically Cunard afternoon tea. We were then taken up to the 34th floor, where we got our first sneak peek of new Cunard cruise ship, Queen Anne! She is the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name and the fourth Queen to join Cunard’s current fleet. She is the first new ship to join the fleet in 14 years, joining the iconic Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

I was overcome with excitement as we made our way down the pier. Before the ship set sail, we enjoyed entertainment hosted by Emma and Matt Willis. We had music from Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, dancing from Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and an incredible performance from renowned Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli. It really got the buzz going, and I definitely heard one or two people whispering about who the Godparent would be! But we didn’t have to wait long before that was announced.

The Godparent for Queen Anne is the city of Liverpool, which is something I’ve never heard done before by any of the major cruise lines. On behalf of the city, the luxury cruise line has selected five distinguished scouse icons as representatives to officially name Queen Anne. These women were chosen for their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level.

They are all proud Liverpudlians: Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool legend Jayne Casey and British Olympic heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thomson. These icons, joined by President of Cunard Katie McAlister and female Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge, officially named the ship by continuing the seafaring tradition of smashing a bottle of champagne against the side! 

A shower of delicate confetti fell, a huge cheer went up and the tones of Queen Anne’s horn sounded. The hairs on my arms stood up on end. Goosebumps! This was a moment I will never forget in all my life. We could see all the passengers and crew lining up around the bow of the ship on the top deck to watch the show. A spectacular firework display signalled new Cunard cruise ship time to leave the Mersey. What a day, what a ship! 

Call Panache Cruises on 0161 513 8200 if you want to learn more about Cunard cruises.