The latest in a long line of Cunard cruise ships visited Liverpool’s waterfront on Sunday as thousands of members of the public came from all over the country to witness what would be a moment in history. The city is regularly visited by different ships on most days but that day would be seen as different as the Queen Anne as it was known was the newest ship created by a company which had a long history with regard to the city it’s self.
A full-time table of events had been planned to ensure that all visitors to the city were kept entertained and informed about what was going on through out the area. This included live music by various bands as well as other acts at George Parade in the city centre.
Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm and Olympic athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson were among five women to represent Liverpool at the ceremony as the city was made the godparent of the cruise line’s newest ship.
The stars took to the stage at the city’s Pier Head and pulled the lever which released a 12-litre bottle of Champagne to smash against the side of Queen Anne, the 249th Cunard ship. There was wide media coverage of the event from organisations all over the world as after the naming ceremony, the ship would be setting sail on cruises where it would be travelling all over the world.
The ship arrived in the city at just after 5am and people who were up that early were treated to a lively display in which there were fountains of water cascading down from different ships surrounding the main vehicle. This was extremely vivid and eye catching and is likely to stay in people’s memories for a very long time.
The 113,000-tonne ship, which houses 3,000 guests and has 14 decks, set off on its maiden voyage from Southampton on 3 May and has stopped off in Liverpool as it travels around the British Isles.
Captain Inger Thorhauge said the ceremony marked a “milestone” for the company as it moved into the future with new technology, more modern features and more dining venues and bars onboard.
The Cunard company was born in Liverpool with its maiden journey departing 184 years ago in July 1840. The company’s headquarters was situated there for 128 years meaning that people who live in the area have a strong affiliation to the company and the many, many different ships that have been built and have departed.
The Queen Anne forms part of a fleet which includes a staggering 249 ships which have sailed to all four corners of the world. This ensures that people will be extremely familiar with the brand its self and know many facts about its history and where it came from.
The naming ceremony was an extremely inclusive event as the venue its self is extremely accessible for those with disabilities. There was a diverse crowd who came from all over the world to witness the event and take part.
The actual naming of the ship was conducted by the general public as the people in the crowd were told what to say and they repeated it to name the ship. This may be seen as a break in tradition of what happens normally when a ship is named as many people were expecting to see the king or queen at the event.
Travelling by cruise ship is an extremely popular form of transport by people from all over the world, with many cruises being all inclusive and a great way to see different areas of the world that they might not have been to before. They can however be expensive meaning only those who enjoy a good standard of living or those who have a good job can afford them.
