Cunard’s flagship, Queen Mary 2, made a grand return to Liverpool on Wednesday evening, marking the 185th anniversary of the company’s first historic transatlantic voyage. The world’s only ocean liner docked at Liverpool Cruise Terminal at around 8pm on September 17.
The visit forms part of a 12-night British Isles voyage, which set sail from Southampton on September 14. Before arriving in Liverpool, the ship called at Cobh in southern Ireland and will continue her journey north to Oban, Scotland on September 19.
Liverpool, a city with deep ties to Cunard’s maritime legacy, is hosting a two-night celebration to commemorate the milestone. Events have been planned to highlight the cruise line’s long-standing relationship with the city, where Cunard’s first transatlantic crossing departed in 1840.
On Thursday, September 18, a formal civic welcome will take place at 4.30pm for Captain Tomás Connery and senior officers. The event recognises Cunard’s enduring connection with Liverpool, including its prestigious Freedom of the City status, awarded in honour of the company’s role in maritime heritage.
As part of the celebrations, both passengers and the public will enjoy exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Liverpool’s Grade II* listed Cunard Building. Visitors with tickets will have the chance to explore hidden features such as the original luggage room, first-class safe, and wood-panelled chambers.
Adding to the festivities, a pop-up market will be staged inside the Cunard Building’s Grand Arrivals Hall for the first time. More than 40 stalls featuring local food, crafts, and art will be available, alongside a smaller outdoor selection, weather permitting.
In collaboration with Liverpool Cruise Port, a special pyrotechnic display will accompany Queen Mary 2’s departure on Friday evening at approximately 8.30pm. The brief spectacle will light up the city’s iconic waterfront as the liner sails onward.
The return of Queen Mary 2 is more than a cruise stop; it is a symbolic moment linking Liverpool’s maritime past with its present-day cultural and tourism growth. The ship’s presence is expected to draw large crowds and contribute to the city’s thriving waterfront economy.
For Cunard, the anniversary is a reminder of its pioneering history. From the company’s first crossings in the 19th century to today’s modern voyages, the bond between Liverpool and the cruise line remains firmly anchored in tradition.
Queen Mary 2’s visit ensures that Liverpool’s residents and visitors alike can celebrate this legacy in style, with two days of events designed to honour both the city’s heritage and Cunard’s continuing story on the high seas.
