Cunard’s newest ship, the Queen Anne, was named during a ceremony in Liverpool with performances from Andrea Bocelli and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
The ceremony, hosted by Matt Willis and Emma Willis, celebrated Liverpool as Cunard’s spiritual home where its first trans-Atlantic crossing took place 184 years ago
The Queen Anne arrived in Liverpool on June 2 for the naming ceremony, which featured the City of Liverpool as godparent and five “Liverpool icons” on stage to represent the city, the company said, including former Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu and local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural icon Jayne Casey and Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
The event concluded with the traditional smashing of a Champagne bottle against the ship and a performance by Andrea Bocelli of two of his iconic songs, including “It’s Time to Say Goodbye.”
The ship will now proceed on its maiden cruise which includes visits to Belfast and Cork.
Cunard president Katie McAlister said: “I would like to thank our Liverpool Icons, these amazing women, for representing the city and taking part in this historic ceremony and to all of the people of Liverpool for once again opening your hearts and welcoming Cunard and Queen Anne.”
