Plan ahead to join the celebrations as Cunard marks a major milestone next year. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of Cunard’s Aquitania on May 30, 1914, the modern-day cruise ship Queen Victoria will make an overnight call in Liverpool. This will be the first two-day visit by a Cunard vessel to the line’s historic “home port” in nearly 50 years.
“The maiden voyage of Aquitania is still something to be proud of and something to celebrate 100 years later and we intend to do that in true Cunard style on the actual day of the anniversary,” said Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line.
At the time of her debut, Aquitania was the largest passenger liner afloat and she remains celebrated as one of the most beautiful liners ever built. She enjoyed an exceptionally long career with Cunard — 36 years — and was the only major liner to serve in both World Wars. Her total miles sailed, around three million, and her lengthy service were surpassed only by Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth 2.
The modern Queen Victoria will arrive in Liverpool on May 30 as part of a 13-day Around the British Isles cruise (May 23–June 5, 2014). The ship will overnight in Liverpool before visiting South Queensferry, Invergordon, Kirkwall, Greenock, Dublin, Cobh and St. Peter Port, and then returning to Southampton on June 5.
If you want to be part of the centenary observance, consider booking early. The extended call in Liverpool offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s maritime heritage and join Cunard in honoring a vessel that helped define an era of ocean travel.