Cunard Four Queens Voyages 2028: Everything You Need to Know
On 16 May 2028, Liverpool will once again become the centre of the cruising world as Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth gather on the River Mersey for the first time in Cunard’s history.
While Cunard has staged spectacular fleet reunions before, this will be the first occasion that all four current Queens have ever assembled together. It’s a landmark event not only for the cruise line, but also for Liverpool, the city where Samuel Cunard founded the company back in 1840.
The last major gathering took place in 2015, when Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria met to celebrate Cunard’s 175th anniversary. More than one million people lined Liverpool’s waterfront to watch the ships arrive, making it one of the largest maritime celebrations ever held in the UK.
The 2028 Four Queens Celebration promises to be even bigger.
Not only will Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, complete the fleet for the first time, but the event also forms part of Liverpool’s celebrations marking 20 years since the city was named European Capital of Culture. The city is already planning a year-long programme of cultural, sporting and maritime events, with the Four Queens gathering expected to become one of its centrepiece attractions.
Whether you’re planning to sail on one of the celebration voyages or simply want to witness this extraordinary spectacle from Liverpool’s famous waterfront, this guide explains everything you need to know.
Why This Gathering Will Make Maritime History
Fleet reunions are incredibly rare.
Cruise ships spend most of the year operating all over the world, making it extremely difficult to bring an entire fleet together at the same place and time. For Cunard, whose ships regularly cross the Atlantic, explore Northern Europe, sail the Mediterranean and undertake world cruises, assembling all four Queens is an extraordinary logistical achievement.
The 2028 event is significant for several reasons.
It will be the first time Queen Anne joins her three fleetmates, creating the first ever gathering of the complete Cunard fleet.
It also marks Liverpool’s enduring relationship with Cunard, a partnership stretching back almost two centuries. Although the company is now headquartered elsewhere, Liverpool remains Cunard’s spiritual home, and every fleet reunion on the Mersey has become a major public celebration.
There’s another important milestone hidden within the programme.
Queen Mary 2 will become the first Cunard ship in more than 61 years to arrive directly into Liverpool from New York, recreating an historic Atlantic route not seen since RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage on 18 November 1966.
For Cunard enthusiasts, that transatlantic arrival is almost as historic as the Four Queens gathering itself.
Four Queens Celebration Timeline
The celebrations build throughout May, with each ship following its own unique itinerary before arriving on the River Mersey.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2 May 2028 | Queen Mary 2 departs New York for Liverpool |
| 2 May 2028 | Queen Anne departs Southampton on her Northern Europe cruise |
| 5 May 2028 | Queen Victoria departs Southampton on her British Isles voyage |
| 12 May 2028 | Queen Elizabeth departs Southampton via Le Havre |
| 16 May 2028 | All four Cunard Queens gather in Liverpool for the first time ever |
No matter which voyage you choose, every itinerary has been designed to place guests at the heart of this historic celebration.
Meet Cunard’s Four Queens
Every Cunard ship has its own personality, from the classic Atlantic crossings of Queen Mary 2 to the contemporary luxury of Queen Anne.
| Ship | Entered Service | Best Known For | Four Queens Voyage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen Mary 2 | 2004 | The world’s only ocean liner and legendary Atlantic crossings | New York to Liverpool Transatlantic Crossing |
| Queen Anne | 2024 | Cunard’s newest flagship with contemporary luxury | Northern Europe & Liverpool |
| Queen Victoria | 2007 | Traditional British cruising and elegant interiors | British Isles Voyage |
| Queen Elizabeth | 2010 | Refined Art Deco styling and destination-focused itineraries | Le Havre & Liverpool Celebration Cruise |
Each ship arrives in Liverpool via a completely different itinerary, giving guests several ways to experience this historic gathering.
Which Four Queens Voyage Is Right For You?
Cunard has created four different itineraries leading into the celebrations, ranging from a classic Atlantic crossing to British Isles and Scandinavian cruises.
No matter which voyage you choose, you’ll become part of one of the most memorable moments in Cunard’s long history.
The sections below compare every itinerary to help you decide which cruise best suits your travel style.
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Cross the Atlantic on the World’s Last Ocean Liner
For many travellers, this is the headline voyage of the entire Four Queens programme.
Rather than simply sailing to Liverpool, Queen Mary 2 will recreate a chapter of Cunard’s history by becoming the first Cunard ship in more than 61 years to sail directly from New York to Liverpool. The last eastbound Cunard arrival from New York took place in November 1966, when RMS Sylvania berthed at Princes Landing Stage.
It’s a fitting tribute to Cunard’s heritage. Before air travel transformed transatlantic journeys, Liverpool was the gateway between Britain and North America, with Cunard’s famous liners regularly crossing the Atlantic.
Guests begin with six relaxing days at sea before arriving in New York, giving plenty of time to experience everything that makes Queen Mary 2 unique. From afternoon tea in the Queens Room to planetarium shows, elegant gala evenings and traditional ocean liner service, the crossing is every bit as much a destination as New York itself.
The return crossing follows Cunard’s historic eastbound route across the Atlantic before arriving directly into Liverpool for the Four Queens celebrations. For many Cunard enthusiasts, witnessing Queen Mary 2 sail up the Mersey after crossing from New York could become one of the defining maritime moments of the decade.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship | Queen Mary 2 |
| Departure | 2 May 2028 |
| Duration | 16 nights |
| Itinerary | Southampton • 6 days at sea • New York • 6 days at sea • Liverpool (overnight) • Southampton |
| Best for | Ocean liner enthusiasts, Atlantic crossings and Cunard traditionalists |
Discover Northern Europe Before Liverpool
If you’d rather combine the Four Queens celebrations with a classic European cruise, Queen Anne’s 16-night itinerary is an outstanding choice. Cunard’s newest Queen visits several of Northern Europe’s most fascinating cities before arriving in Liverpool for the celebrations.
After departing Southampton, the ship calls at Hamburg, one of Europe’s great maritime cities, before continuing to Aarhus in Denmark, the medieval island town of Visby in Sweden, the beautiful archipelago city of Stockholm, and finally Oslo, Norway’s stylish waterfront capital.
Several relaxing sea days provide plenty of time to enjoy everything Queen Anne has to offer, from elegant restaurants and lounges to world-class entertainment and spa facilities.
The highlight comes towards the end of the cruise, when Queen Anne spends an overnight stay in Liverpool, allowing guests to fully experience the atmosphere surrounding Cunard’s historic fleet reunion before sailing back to Southampton.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship | Queen Anne |
| Departure | 2 May 2028 |
| Duration | 16 nights |
| Itinerary | Southampton • Hamburg • Aarhus • Visby • Stockholm • Oslo • Liverpool (overnight) • Southampton |
| Best for | Scandinavian cities, longer cruises and experiencing Cunard’s newest ship |
Cruise Around the British Isles
If dramatic coastlines, historic cities and spectacular scenery appeal more than overseas destinations, Queen Victoria’s British Isles voyage is an outstanding choice.
This carefully planned itinerary showcases some of the very best of the UK and Ireland, beginning with visits to Edinburgh, Aberdeen, the Scottish Highlands via Invergordon, and Kirkwall in Orkney. Scenic cruising around the Isle of Mull is followed by calls at Killybegs in County Donegal, Belfast, and Holyhead on the Isle of Anglesey.
Unlike the other celebration voyages, Queen Victoria doesn’t remain alongside in Liverpool. Instead, guests enjoy a memorable sail-past of the city and the assembled Cunard fleet, offering a unique perspective of the celebrations before the ship continues south towards Southampton.
For travellers looking to combine one of Cunard’s classic regional itineraries with this historic event, it’s an excellent option.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship | Queen Victoria |
| Departure | 5 May 2028 |
| Duration | 15 nights |
| Itinerary | Southampton • Edinburgh • Aberdeen • Invergordon • Kirkwall • Scenic cruising Isle of Mull • Killybegs • Belfast • Liverpool (sail-by) • Holyhead • Southampton |
| Best for | British Isles sightseeing, Scottish scenery and a traditional cruise itinerary |
Sail to Liverpool via France
Not everyone has two weeks available for a cruise, and that’s where Queen Elizabeth’s six-night celebration voyage comes into its own.
Sailing from Southampton, the itinerary includes a visit to Le Havre, providing an opportunity to explore Normandy or join an excursion into Paris, before returning across the English Channel to Liverpool.
Although it’s the shortest itinerary of the four, guests still become part of the historic fleet gathering as Queen Elizabeth joins the other Queens on the River Mersey during the celebrations.
For anyone wanting to experience the atmosphere of the Four Queens event without committing to a longer voyage, this is likely to be the most accessible option.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ship | Queen Elizabeth |
| Departure | 12 May 2028 |
| Duration | 6 nights |
| Itinerary | Southampton • At sea • Le Havre • At sea • Liverpool • Southampton |
| Best for | Short breaks, first-time Cunard guests and experiencing the Four Queens event |
What Can You Expect in Liverpool?
Although the full programme hasn’t yet been announced, the Four Queens Celebration is already shaping up to be one of the UK’s biggest public events of 2028.
Liverpool is treating the gathering as one of the highlights of its 20th anniversary celebrations as European Capital of Culture, with the city planning a year-long programme of music, culture, sport and maritime events. The arrival of all four Cunard Queens is expected to become one of the centrepieces of those celebrations.
If the 2015 gathering is anything to go by, visitors can expect a festival atmosphere across the waterfront.
When three Cunard Queens met in Liverpool for the company’s 175th anniversary, more than one million people packed the city’s waterfront. The event featured live entertainment, giant public viewing areas, extensive media coverage and a spectacular backdrop as the ships gathered on the River Mersey. Hotels filled months in advance, public transport operated at capacity and Mersey Ferries became some of the most sought-after viewing platforms in the city.
While the official programme for 2028 hasn’t yet been confirmed, it’s reasonable to expect many of those celebrations to return, potentially including:
| Expected celebrations | Likely? |
|---|---|
| Live entertainment along the waterfront | Very likely |
| Large public viewing areas | Very likely |
| Additional Mersey Ferry sailings | Likely |
| Food and drink festivals | Likely |
| Maritime displays and exhibitions | Likely |
| Special museum events | Likely |
| Waterfront lighting and evening entertainment | Possible |
| Fireworks or drone display | Possible (not yet confirmed) |
As soon as Liverpool City Council and Cunard announce the official programme, we’ll update this guide with confirmed events.
Where Are the Best Places to Watch?
One of the biggest advantages of Liverpool is that much of the waterfront is open to the public, meaning you don’t need to book a cruise to enjoy the spectacle.
The Pier Head will almost certainly become the focal point of the celebrations, offering some of the closest public views of the Cunard fleet. Nearby, the Royal Albert Dock provides another excellent location, combining waterfront viewpoints with restaurants, cafés and museums.
Those looking for a higher viewpoint may find hotels and rooftop bars overlooking the Mersey particularly attractive, while the Museum of Liverpool and surrounding promenade should also provide excellent vantage points.
Perhaps the most memorable experience, however, could be from the water itself. During previous Cunard celebrations, Mersey Ferries played an important role, giving passengers incredible views of the ships from the river. While additional services for 2028 haven’t yet been announced, they would not be a surprise given the anticipated demand.
Wherever you decide to watch from, arrive early. With crowds potentially exceeding the one million people seen in 2015, Liverpool is expected to be exceptionally busy throughout the celebrations.
Should You Cruise or Watch From Shore?
There’s no wrong answer, but the experience will be very different depending on how you choose to take part.
Watching from Liverpool’s waterfront gives you the chance to soak up the atmosphere alongside hundreds of thousands of other spectators. You’ll see all four ships together against the city’s famous skyline and enjoy whatever entertainment Liverpool organises as part of its celebrations.
Sailing aboard one of the Four Queens voyages, however, places you at the heart of the event. Instead of watching from the shore, you’ll experience the arrival from the deck of a Cunard Queen, take part in onboard celebrations and enjoy gala evenings, special entertainment and the unique atmosphere that only comes with being part of maritime history.
For dedicated Cunard fans, there’s little doubt that being onboard will provide the ultimate experience. For everyone else, Liverpool’s waterfront is likely to offer one of the greatest free public spectacles the UK will see in 2028.
Is It Worth Booking Early?
For most cruises, leaving your booking until later can sometimes produce a good deal. This voyage is likely to be the exception.
The Four Queens Celebration is a genuine once-in-a-generation event, and demand is expected to be significantly higher than for a standard Cunard sailing. Thousands of loyal Cunard guests, maritime enthusiasts and first-time cruisers are expected to want to experience the historic gathering.
Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred departure date, cabin location and dining time, while also taking advantage of any early booking incentives available at the time.
If you’re hoping for a balcony cabin overlooking the Mersey or want to travel in the exclusive Princess Grill or Queens Grill accommodation, booking as soon as possible is strongly recommended.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Planning to experience Cunard’s historic Four Queens celebration in Liverpool? Here are a few useful tips to help you make the most of it:
- Book early: The most popular cabins, especially balcony cabins and Grill suites, are likely to sell well in advance because this is the first gathering of all four Cunard Queens.
- Think carefully about the voyage: Queen Mary 2 offers the strongest maritime history angle, Queen Anne includes an overnight stay in Liverpool, Queen Victoria focuses on the British Isles, and Queen Elizabeth provides the shortest option.
- Reserve Liverpool accommodation now: More than one million people attended Cunard’s last major Mersey gathering in 2015, so hotels and apartments near the waterfront could become extremely expensive or sell out completely.
- Arrive early if watching from shore: The Pier Head, Royal Albert Dock and waterfront promenades are likely to become crowded several hours before the ships assemble.
- Watch for official announcements: Liverpool’s programme is still being developed, so keep checking for confirmed viewing areas, road closures, waterfront entertainment and any special Mersey Ferry sailings.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Cunard Four Queens event?
The four Cunard Queens are scheduled to gather in Liverpool on 16 May 2028, creating the first-ever meeting of the entire Cunard fleet.
Which Cunard ships will be there?
The event will feature Queen Mary 2, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
Can I see the Four Queens without booking a cruise?
Yes. Thousands of people are expected to watch from Liverpool’s waterfront, including areas around the Pier Head and Royal Albert Dock.
Which voyage spends the most time in Liverpool?
Both Queen Mary 2 and Queen Anne include an overnight stay in Liverpool, giving guests the longest opportunity to enjoy the celebrations.
Is Queen Victoria staying overnight in Liverpool?
No. Queen Victoria is scheduled to make a sail-by of Liverpool as part of her British Isles itinerary before continuing her voyage.
Will these cruises sell out?
Demand is expected to be exceptionally strong due to the historic nature of the event. Booking early gives you the widest choice of cabins and the best chance of securing your preferred itinerary.
Further Reading
Planning to make the most of your visit to Liverpool? These guides can help you organise every part of your trip.
If you’re arriving by air, start with our Liverpool Airport Transfers Guide to compare trains, buses, taxis and private transfers into the city centre.
Once you’re in Liverpool, our Liverpool Travel Guide covers where to stay, getting around, attractions and practical travel advice, while the Mersey Ferries Guide explains how to enjoy one of the city’s most famous waterfront experiences.
Want to discover more of Liverpool’s musical heritage? Our The Beatles Story Guide and Liverpool City & Beatles Tour Bus Guide explain the best ways to explore the city’s legendary connections with the Fab Four.
If you’d like to see more of the city, our Liverpool Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Guide compares the sightseeing routes and helps you decide whether a bus tour is worth it.
Travelling from elsewhere in the North West? Our Manchester to Liverpool by Train Guide explains the quickest routes, ticket options and journey times.
Finally, if you’re planning a wider cruise holiday, don’t miss our upcoming Liverpool Cruise Port Guide, where we’ll explain everything you need to know about embarking from Liverpool, cruise terminal facilities, parking, nearby hotels and the cruise lines that sail from the city.
Last Updated
July 2026
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