MS Queen Anne Naming Ceremony
Liverpool Seafarers Centre Celebrates MS Queen Anne Cruise Liner Naming Ceremony
Liverpool Seafarers Centre had the honour of being present at the recent naming ceremony of Cunard's latest cruise ship, the 'MS Queen Anne.' The Chief Executive of the Centre, John Wilson, attended the event and described it as a truly magnificent occasion that adds to Liverpool's renowned maritime legacy.
John Wilson expressed his gratitude for the gesture of inviting the City of Liverpool and its people to serve as the Godparent to the 4th Queen. He extended well wishes to Cunard and the entire crew of MS Queen Anne, hoping for “successful and safe voyages upon calm seas.”
A large crowd gathered at Liverpool's waterfront to witness the official naming of Cunard's Queen Anne. Among the five women representing Liverpool at the ceremony were Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm and Olympic athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson. Liverpool was honored to be chosen as the godparent of this new addition to the cruise line's fleet.
The city's Pier Head became the stage for the event, where the stars had the privilege of pulling the lever that released a 12-liter bottle of Champagne, symbolically smashing against the side of the majestic Queen Anne, the 249th Cunard ship. The ceremony concluded with a captivating performance by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, accompanied by the renowned Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
With a weight of 113,000 tonnes, the MS Queen Anne can accommodate 3,000 guests across its 14 decks. Setting sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton on May 3rd, the ship made a stop in Liverpool as part of its journey around the British Isles.
Captain Inger Thorhauge highlighted the significance of the ceremony as a milestone for the company, representing a step into the future with advanced technology, modern features, and an array of dining venues and bars onboard. Liverpool holds a special place in Cunard's history, as it was the birthplace of the company and served as its headquarters for 128 years, from 1840 until 1967.