One person I spoke with told me, “This is the best day of my life!”

I am inclined to agree. but the QE2 Lap of Honour for Cunard’s 150th anniversary in 1990 still still takes some beating.

Today is the Morning After.

Now, to look back to yesterday.

Even ‘though I had booked my place at the official naming ceremony, a privilege extended to all passengers on board Queen Anne, I still had a choice, stay on board or stand for hours on end at the naming ceremony in the seatless area set aside specially, a prospect that I had grave misgivings about.  At first, I was reluctant to leave the comfort of the ship, recalling that I have always found the prospect of exploration a little daunting to begin with.  The big event wasn’t until 4 p.m., but it occurred to me to take the Mersey Ferry to Seaforth on a round trip, which made a point of providing every photographic opportunity.  Being 75 years of age, I was eligible for a small discount, and the 50-minute return crossing was extremely well worth the “investment.”  

The young commentator enthusiastically did her best with some bits of not quite accurate information.  And a live singer entertained with Beatles songs.  I would not have missed this for the world. Now, it was time to seek something to eat as I only had my usual breakfast to keep me going.  After taking photographs from the upper level of the Mersy Ferry terminal, I found a mobile food outlet offering scouse with fries.  This I enjoyed on a waterside public bench.  Another such stall was selling pancakes.  I was led into delicious temptation with a sugar-free pancake with something that represented lemon juice and genuine sliced banana. 

I bought some Queen Anne Liverpool memorabilia at a dedicated pop-up stall.

Refreshed, and with a bottle of water, I made my way to the standing room only designated area and immediately found somewhere to sit with no objection from those around.  It wasn’t until later that I discovered that I had settled nicely in the V.I.P. area!  The vantage point was not brilliant, but I was able to see better than I had hoped and had uninterupted views of the ship now in position for its official naming,

Nobody knew who had been chosen to name Queen Anne. This had been a closely guarded secret right up to the very moment the button would be pressed to release the balthazar of champagne against the bow of the ship.  Speculation suggested Princess Anne (for obvious reasons) as well as Sir Paul McCartney.  Actually and unexpectedly, it was the City of Liverpool and its population who became the godparents.  I detected a bit of an oh s*☆t moment as the crowds cheer seemed muted and confused. 

13.00 hrs 4/6/24. Britannia Restaurant.   Table 406.

It has been suggested that a member of the Royal Family may have been scheduled to name the ship.  However (and I may be misinformed), when a general election is called, Royal Family members have to abstain from public engagements to ensure political impartiality.   But nothing was going to spoil my day. I was there, enjoying the celebrations at which no expense was spared. The Cunard branded stage and surrounding flags would have sat well at Glastonbury!

There were crowds, but I don’t think as large as those at Cunard’s 175th anniversary Three Queens event in 2015.  I do hope that I’m around for a Four Queens spectacular wherever in the world that might be.

The balthazar of champagne crashed inside the bow –  Thus, I missed it!    

Tickertape exploded from strategically placed canisters flooding the area with rectangular coloured strips of paper, some of which are  now in my collection! 

I met up with table companions Anne, Marianne Jackie, and Kath at different times during the afternoon, and eventually walked with Ann(e) slowly back to Queen Anne in good time for an excellent Beatles tribute act in the Royal Court Theatre where I grabbed a seat in the second row.

There was just time for dinner in the Britannia Restaurant, although I passed on the dessert so as not to miss the fireworks display.  

I had bought memorabilia in Liverpool during the day.  But by the time the evening was over, I was exhausted. I slumped into bed, fell asleep straight away, and dreamed that had been pulled-over for drunk driving!   Where on earth did that come from?!!

Today, we cross an almost calm Irish Sea to Cobh.

Alistair Greener’s lecture,  “The Triumph and Tragedy of the Lusitania was comprehensive, enlightening, and very interesting.  I hadn’t really appreciated that in Edwardian times, Cunard was struggling against fierce competition from elsewhere, including the Germans as well as White Star. and that both express liners Lusitania and Mauretania would put Cunard back to the forefront of passenger ships for years to come. 

Many thanks for reading, David, 18.38 hrs seated on the Promenade Deck, about to change for a special naming ceremony Gala Dinner.   I intend to add further details of yesterday’s events as I collect the information.