QE2 Opens Liverpool's New Cruise Liner Terminal Today

The QE2, once the grand dame of the Cunard fleet, celebrates her 40th birthday opening Liverpool's new cruise liner terminal today. The formal opening, in the presence of HRH the Duke of Kent, will be attended by UK government ministers and Carol Marlow, President of Cunard Line.

The terminal will allow the world's great cruise ships, up to 350-meters long, to berth on the Mersey on a regular basis. A total of 23 vessels, with more than 25,000 cruise passengers, are already confirmed over the next 18 months - a period during which Liverpool will also celebrate being European Capital of Culture 2008.

The terminal, an extension of Princes Dock, was built at a cost of £19 million and includes top class visitor facilities.

Celebrations of the opening are scheduled to include a reception aboard the QE2 and a concert, for guests and QE2 passengers, at Liverpool Cathedral, featuring popular British soprano Lesley Garrett, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Band of the Royal Scots Guards.

If you are in Liverpool, head for the Mersey in the evening to see the QE2 depart amid a spectacular firework display.

Check out the Liverpool Travel Guide for more about The Beatles hometown.

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