River Mersey prepares for arrival of three famous ocean liners

The famous Cunard shipping line is celebrating its 175th anniversary in May by sending its three ocean liners to Liverpool, the company's founding home before it moved to its current base in Southampton.

Cunard's flagship cruise ship Queen Mary 2, along with Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, will all sail to the River Mersey for a "Royal Rendezvous," an event expected to attract millions of sightseers to the riverbanks during a national holiday weekend in May.

The event is being described as the world's most spectacular maritime gathering.

Cunard revealed Monday that the complex marine operations plan is well underway. A specially-created computer program using a sophisticated simulator is being used to plot the positions of the ships and their maneuvres in the tidal River Mersey.

Captain Chris Booker, chairman of the Liverpool Pilotage Association and senior river pilot for the event, said: "Our river simulator and the input we are receiving from the Cunard captains is invaluable in helping us plan and prepare for this event. It promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone involved and spectating on May 25."

The three ships will arrive at the Mersey over the late May bank holiday weekend as part of a special anniversary voyage, carrying 6,000 passengers from 28 countries and regions.

Cunard's Commodore Christopher Rynd said: "With the unique backdrop of Liverpool's world-famous waterfront, and the capacity on both sides of the Mersey to accommodate tens of thousands of spectators, this will be a most spectacular gathering of the three Queens. I'm excited by the prospect of bringing the fleet to its spiritual home."

During the event, an organization called The Colour Project will display a 'Sea of Faces' light projection on the famous Pier Head buildings along Liverpool's waterfront, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hundreds of people who live in the city will be featured in the projections as part of three nights of shows scheduled to coincide with the arrival of the three Cunard queens.

Creative director Carl Miller said: "This is a great opportunity to explore the spirit of Liverpool, its heritage and culture, along with highlights from the extensive history of Cunard."

Liverpool assistant mayor and cultural leader, Wendy Simon, said excitement was already in the air over the arrival of the Cunard queens, "Not just in the city, but across the UK and the rest of the world. The Colour Project work will light up one of the most recognisable waterfronts in the world and will add another dimension to what is set to be an unforgettable weekend."

The Colour Poject, one of British leading video mapping and design companies, will behind the light show.

Additionally, on July 4, the Queen Mary 2 will reenact the first transatlantic crossing made by Cunard steamer, the Britannia, in 1840 as a tribute to American Independence Day. It will be the first time transatlantic passengers will embark on a journey from Liverpool since 1968.