Cunard names City of Liverpool and Spice Girl Mel C godparents of Queen Anne

Cunard names City of Liverpool and Spice Girl Mel C godparents of Queen Anne
Edited by Travel Weekly


    Cunard has announced the City of Liverpool as Godparent of its newest ship Queen Anne – represented by Liverpool icon Spice Girl Mel C – in recognition of the long-lasting bond with the line’s spiritual home.  

    Liverpool was the birthplace of Cunard with its first transatlantic crossing departing 184 years ago in July 1840, and it was the company’s headquarters for 128 years. 

    On behalf of the City of Liverpool, the luxury cruise line selected five distinguished Liverpool icons to represent the city and officially name Queen Anne. 

    All proud Liverpudlians, they are Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur Natalie Haywood, Liverpool music and cultural legend Jayne Casey, and British Olympian heptathlon athlete Katarina Johnson-Thomson. 

    These distinguished women were chosen for their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level.   

    “Liverpool is the spiritual home of Cunard, and we are therefore delighted and feel it very fitting that the City of Liverpool is the godparent to Queen Anne,” Cunard president Katie McAlister said.

    “It’s testament to the enduring relationship that connects Cunard and the city in which it was founded to the present day when we officially named our new ship on the Liverpool Waterfront, in front of the Cunard Building.

    “We are equally delighted to have our five chosen Liverpool icons represent the city in the ceremony. All remarkable in their own right, they have inspired generations and collectively capture the essence of the city that has shaped global culture.”

    Queen Anne naming ceremony 

    Tens of thousands of people were expected to gather along the waterfront to witness the time-honoured naming ceremony, a tradition believed to bestow good fortune upon the new vessel.  

    The proceedings were to open with a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra before event hosts, Matt and Emma Willis, take to the stage to oversee the ceremony. 

    The icons will join Cunard President, Katie McAlister, and Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge for a special naming ceremony, where they will officially introduce the most beautiful ship at sea to its spiritual home, continuing the seafaring tradition by smashing a bottle of champagne against the 249th ship to carry the Cunard name. 

    “It’s an incredible honour for the City of Liverpool to be chosen as the Godparent of Queen Anne,” Liverpool City Council chief executive, Andrew Lewis, said.

    “This city shares a treasured bond with Cunard dating back to 1839 when we were the original home of the world-famous line. The naming ceremony was a magnificent showpiece that once again cast Liverpool into the limelight, and we are so proud to be forever entwined with Queen Anne as she sails the world. We will always cherish our long-standing relationship with Cunard.”

    Formal proceedings will conclude with a stunning performance by operatic superstar Andrea Bocelli, including his iconic song Time to Say Goodbye. 

    Feature image: Cunard names City of Liverpool Godparent of Queen Anne, represented by Mel C (second from right.

    Latest News

    • Destinations

    Scenic Rim provides luxury escapes to the countryside this Winter

    Warm up in winter with luxury escapes to the countryside in the Scenic Rim, including a wood-fired hot tub under the stars, mountains, lakes, and farmstays. There are various packages awaiting travellers looking for a quick getaway from the busy city. Moogie House, Glamping & Pod Accommodation – Lake Moogerah Guests can escape to the […]

    • Aviation

    Air Tahiti Nui launches special edition surfing magazine

    Flagship carrier Air Tahiti Nui, has launched a special edition magazine, Horue, to celebrate the special connection between Tahiti and surfing. A notion common to several Polynesian languages, “horue” expresses the depths of the ocean which the hollows of a great wave allows us to catch a glimpse of. Detailing the history of surfing in […]

    • Attractions
    • Hotels

    Capella Sydney partners with Whale Watching Sydney to launch a new Family Moments package

    Capella Sydney has partnered with Whale Watching Sydney to launch a new Family Moments package designed for families seeking a blend of luxury accommodation and adventure during the whale-watching season.  Capella Sydney, just 400m from Sydney Harbour, blends heritage and contemporary design with world-class accommodation and dining experiences, along with a wellness centre featuring a […]

    • Cruise

    Norwegian Cruise Line expands collection of European cruisetours

    Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the expansion of its European collection to provide more choice, value, and destinations. The new NCL additions are available in 11 ports through November 2025 and combine select sailings with multi-day immersive land exploration for a seamless cruise holiday experience. Lisbon, Portugal has just been added to the collection of […]

    • Hotels

    Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji reopens following renovation

    The Sheraton Resort and Spa, Tokoriki Island, Fiji, has welcomed back guests to rediscover the beauty of this exhilarating haven after a multi-million-dollar renovation at the venue. The resort offers 101 guest rooms tailored for travellers seeking an island paradise getaway. They can choose between ocean-front views or secluded retreat rooms nestled within lush gardens. […]

    • Tour Operators

    Explore Worldwide launches upgraded collection for 2025

    Leading small group adventure specialist, Explore Worldwide, has announced its new upgraded collection comprising 18 new tours across four continents. The upgraded collection includes destinations such as Turkey, Jordan, Peru, Vietnam, Botswana and Morocco. They all have the key ingredients of a typical Explore holiday with small groups, an expert tour leader, unforgettable experiences, and […]

    • Food & Beverage
    • Hotels

    TV chef Manu Feildel tries his hand at Bistro Red Lion

    Who says Sydney’s dining scene is on the ropes. Despite promising to “never, ever” open a restaurant again, TV chef Manu Feildel is now on pans at a 196-year-old pub in Sydney’s inner west. Owned by the Laundy family, the Red Lion pub will soon be home to Bistro Red Lion by Manu which will […]

    • Aviation

    Scoot winter sale on economy and ScootPlus tickets

    Aussies looking for their next international adventure can take advantage of Scoot’s Winter sale deals on their Economy and ScootPlus tickets to popular destinations. They are offering discounted economy flights to a range of favourite destinations, including: Athens (from $405 SYD/ $395 MEL/ $399 PER) Osaka (from $335 SYD/$325 MEL/$319 PER) Koh Samui (from $330 […]

    • Attractions

    Sydney International boat show delivers four days of family fun

    Families looking forward to a winter weekend adventure can take to the Sydney International Boat Show for an assortment of boating, sailing, and marine experiences from 1 to 4 August. Returning for its 55th year, the show is the highlight of the international boating events calendar and a popular day for the entire family. Guests […]

    • Hotels

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart set to open in the second half of 2024

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart is set to open in the second half of 2024 within walking distance to the CBD, waterfront and Salamanca Place. The new hotel promises to be a standout addition to the city’s hospitality landscape. The new DoubleTree by Hilton Hobart, together with Fragrance Group Limited, will offer guests a blend of […]