The luxury line Cunard has outlined plans for an unprecedented assembly of its entire fleet, with Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Anne scheduled to converge on the River Mersey on May 16th, 2028. The occasion will mark the first time that all four vessels have assembled together, taking place in Liverpool, the port long associated with the company’s origins in 1840.
The gathering follows an earlier convergence in 2015, when three ships met on the Mersey to commemorate the company’s 175th anniversary, an event that drew significant public attention to the waterfront. The forthcoming assembly is expected to build on that precedent, with the city preparing a programme of events to accompany the arrival and departure of the fleet.
The entry of Queen Mary 2 into Liverpool will carry additional significance, as it is intended to complete her first direct transatlantic crossing from New York to the city. This voyage will also represent the first eastbound Cunard arrival from New York to Liverpool in more than 6 decades, recalling the era when liners regularly connected the two ports.
The event coincides with commemorations marking 20 years since Liverpool held the designation of European Capital of Culture. Municipal authorities are preparing a series of cultural and maritime activities, with the arrival of the Cunard fleet positioned as a central feature within the wider programme.
Passengers will be able to participate through a selection of dedicated voyages across the fleet. Queen Mary 2 is scheduled to arrive from New York before continuing her established transatlantic and regional itineraries, while Queen Anne will include Northern European sailings incorporating an overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will join the assembly following their respective voyages, allowing passengers on board to witness the gathering from the water.
Company leadership indicated that the assembly of the four vessels in Liverpool would represent a significant moment in the line’s modern history, reinforcing the longstanding connection between the fleet and its historic home port. City representatives likewise conveyed that the simultaneous arrival of the ships would constitute a notable occasion for residents and visitors, forming part of a broader calendar of major events planned for 2028. Further details regarding itineraries and booking arrangements are expected to be released in due course.