Cunard's Queen Mary 2 to return to city in milestone crossing

The ocean liner will return to Liverpool to celebrate its 400th transatlantic crossing

Cunard’s flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 will return to Liverpool next week to celebrate its 400th transatlantic crossing.

The ship will make an overnight call at the port where the company famously started passenger services between Europe and North America in 1840.

Since then, Cunard ships have crossed the Atlantic every year, beginning with the paddle steamer Britannia, which departed Liverpool on 4 July 1840 bound for Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Boston.

Queen Mary 2 will arrive on the River Mersey next Friday and depart the following day bound for Cobh, Ireland.

The milestone voyage to Liverpool started in New York on 23 August.

'Special bond'

This call will also be the first by a Cunard ship in Liverpool since the naming ceremony of the line’s newest ship Queen Anne in June.

Cunard president Katie McAlister said the company was proud of its bond with the city.

“Cunard's 184-year connection with Liverpool is something truly special, woven into the history of both our company and the city," she said.

"We're incredibly proud of this bond and can’t wait for Queen Mary 2 to return, marking her 400th Atlantic crossing.

"It feels right to celebrate this milestone in the port where our transatlantic journey began."

The ship will arrive into port at 14:30 BST, with spectators expected to line vantage points at Formby from 12:30 and New Brighton and Crosby near the mouth of the river at 13:00.

The ship is set to depart at 23:59 BST on the Saturday.