Cunard Line to make maritime history in Liverpool in 2015 as the company celebrates 175th anniversary

Cunard Line, operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World^®, is pleased to confirm two special events in 2015 to be held in its spiritual home of Liverpool, England, in celebration of the company's 175th anniversary. 

First, Cunard will celebrate its historic anniversary in style with the first-ever three Queens meeting on the Mersey on 25 May 2015 by flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

 Then, on 4 July 2015, Queen Mary 2 will sail from Liverpool to recreate the original Transatlantic Crossing on 4 July 1840 of Cunard’s Britannia from Liverpool to Halifax and Boston.

Cunard established the first scheduled service across the Atlantic in 1840, and every year since then Cunard vessels have crossed and re-crossed the Atlantic without fail. 

On 24 May 2015, Queen Mary 2 will arrive at the Liverpool Cruise Terminal for an overnight stay.  The next morning, her sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will also arrive on the Mersey, creating an unprecedented three Queens Royal Rendezvous spectacle in Liverpool.  The three ships will be close to the famous Cunard Building on the Pier Head, Cunard’s headquarters from 1917 to 1967, for a once-in-a-lifetime event that will make maritime history.

When QE2 arrived on the Mersey for the first time in 1990, more than a million spectators turned out to see her.  The 15 visits made there by Cunard Queens since then have always received a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the people of Liverpool.  Having three Queens together on the Mersey is an event that will live long in the memories of all who witness it.  Details of the cruises that feature the Liverpool calls will be announced shortly.

Then, on 4 July 2015 -- 175 years to the day when Cunard’s Britannia departed from Liverpool on her maiden transatlantic voyage -- Queen Mary 2 will also sail from there to the New World on a 10-day voyage calling at Halifax, Boston and New York.  For the first time in over 50 years, passengers will be able to board a Cunard ship in Liverpool and sail for the United States.  Details of the voyage will be announced shortly.

“Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard.  Until 1967, the company was based in Liverpool, and it was from Liverpool that Cunard's first Transatlantic Crossing was made,” said David Dingle, CEO, Cunard Line.

“We are therefore delighted to celebrate our 175th anniversary in 2015 with two historic events in Liverpool: a meeting of our fleet of Queens on the Mersey in May 2015 and a repeat of the original Transatlantic Crossing to Halifax and Boston on 4 July 2015.  We look forward to announcing more details over the coming months,” Dingle added.

The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, added, "To have the three Cunard Queens back in their spiritual home on our beautiful waterfront will be nothing short of majestic.  This will be an un-missable spectacle that will attract worldwide attention and draw massive crowds.

It is particularly fitting given our plans to bring the Cunard Building back into use as a Cruise Liner Terminal, so I am absolutely delighted by this news.  Liverpool is once again making its mark as a great maritime destination."

For more information about Cunard or to book a voyage aboard flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria or Queen Elizabeth, contact your Travel Agent, call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-728-6273, or visit www.cunard.com.

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About Cunard Line
Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travellers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment. Today, Cunard offers the only regularly scheduled Transatlantic liner service and continues the legacy of world cruising which it began in 1922.

About Sir Samuel Cunard
On 21 November 1787 Samuel Cunard was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  After seeing an out-of-date advertisement in The Times newspaper, Samuel travelled to England and won the contract from the British Admiralty to carry the Royal Mail. In 1839 he established the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company - known from the outset as the Cunard Line - and the service began on 4 July 1840 when Britannia left Liverpool for Boston.  And in every one of the 173 years since Cunard ships have crossed and re-crossed the Atlantic, in peace and war, without fail. By the time of his death in 1865 Samuel Cunard had created a legend in maritime history and had received a Baronetcy from Queen Victoria.  And over 900 ships, across 139 associated companies, have proudly flown the Cunard flag.  Some of these ships have been the most famous in history: Mauretania, Aquitania, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and QE2, while today’s fleet – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – are not only the largest ever built for the company, they are the most famous sailing today.  Queen Mary 2 is the largest, longest, tallest, widest and grandest ocean liner ever built and is the only ocean liner in the world today as well as being the fastest passenger ship afloat.
World’s Leading Cruise Lines
Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.  Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.