The UK port of Liverpool has enjoyed a series of spectacular celebrations thanks to visits from two luxury cruise liners marking milestone events. With the celebrations pulling crowds of over 20,000 people at a time, Liverpool was definitely the place to be for those wishing to see off the month of May with a bang!
Cunard marks 100 year anniversary of illustrious RMS Aquitania
Cunard’s MS Queen Victoria was the first vessel to grace Liverpool waters when she cruised into the Merseyside port late last month. With three long blasts of her impressive siren, Queen Victoria marked 100 years to the day that the celebrated RMS Aquitania embarked on her maiden voyage to New York City. The Aquitania boasts status as one of most successful liners the world has ever seen, enjoying a 36 year career during which she carried 1.2 million passengers, sailed three million miles and served in both World War I and II. Following in the footsteps of her predecessor, Queen Victoria sailed up The River Mersey and was welcomed into the Liverpool Cruise Terminal by hundreds of thrilled Liverpool locals. The celebrations continued well into the night with an on-board civic reception followed by a spectacular fireworks display. The festivities were all the more poignant due to the fact that the Aquitania’s maiden voyage festivities were hastily cancelled due to the sinking of Liverpool’s RMS Empress which resulted in the loss of 1012 lives. Thankfully, the 2014 celebrations were drama free and left everyone elated and in good spirits!
Ruby Princess makes debut Liverpool call
Hot on the heels of Queen Victoria was Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, making her maiden call to Liverpool on May 29. The visit marked the first of four Liverpool port calls that the premium Grand-class vessel will make throughout the course of the summer. With the deck space for over 3000 passengers and a total weight in excess of 113,000 tons, the Ruby Princess is truly a sight to behold. Celebrations were in full swing for the ship’s arrival, including a lively USA themed Princes Dock Street Party. The megaliner took leave of the port with yet another dazzling fireworks display that lit up Liverpool skies. To find out more about the chance to embark on a luxury cruise aboard MS Queen Victoria or Ruby Princess, check out the fantastic deals on offer at Cruise 1st.
