Cunard is hoping its three Queens celebrations in Liverpool will benefit the whole industry by putting the spotlight on cruise.
The line marked its 175th anniversary in Liverpool yesterday, with all three Cunard ships sailing on the Mersey for the first time in the company’s history.
Estimates suggested that more than 1 million people flocked to the streets of Liverpool, where Cunard was first based, to mark the occasion.
Angus Struthers, marketing director for Cunard, said: “We are the only cruise line who could command this kind of occasion in Liverpool.
“It’s a special moment in history for us as a company and it was only right we saluted the great city of Liverpool and our connections here. Liverpool played an important part in Cunard’s history and Cunard played an important role Liverpool.
“At the very least I hope this event highlights what a significant brand Cunard is. If we see a surge in bookings off the back of it, that’s a bonus.
“We only have three ships and we make up just 6% of the UK cruise industry; we are a small player but the spotlight is very much on the Cunard brand and that’s great.
“It’s not only good for our company, however, it’s great for the cruise industry because this is attracting attention from around the world.”
Struthers said more than 80 agents had been welcomed on board Queen Mary 2 on Sunday ahead of the celebrations and that key trade partners were hosted at an event for the arrival of the fleet.
“It is vitally important that more agents experience our brand and understand what makes it so special. We have to show agents what Cunard is all about
“Ship visits can be difficult because we only have three ships and for the early part of every year they sail off on world cruises. We need to make sure we make the most of it when we do have a ship in the UK and we will most definitely be doing more ship visits.”