Queen Anne ship captain can't wait to be back at Cunard's 'spiritual home' Liverpool

With 100 days to go until Cunard's new ship Queen Anne is officially named in Liverpool - the captain has spoken to the ECHO.

Captain Inger Thorhauge said she "can't wait" to be in the "spiritual home" of Cunard in the city. Captain Thorhauge will be in command when the 249th ship to sail under the Cunard flag arrives on the Mersey, on June 3.

The city, which has been chosen to host the lavish Naming Ceremony, is where Sir Samuel Cunard launched his transatlantic passenger service in 1840. Details of the major event are still under wraps, but Cunard bosses have promised a “spectacular and memorable” event on the city’s world-famous waterfront.

Cunard promises 'spectacular' Liverpool ceremony for new ship's naming

Antler's Ryanair-friendly cabin bag that's 'perfect for a couple of days away' reduced in sale

Speaking exclusively to the ECHO from on board her new ship, Captain Thorhauge said: "Since Captain Woodruff inaugurated the Cunard service from the city 184 years ago, Liverpool has meant so much to every Cunard Captain and having the opportunity to take a Cunarder – especially a Cunard Queen – to the company’s ‘spiritual home’ has become an aspiration for all Masters of Cunard ships.

"For me that opportunity first arose in 2016 when I had the privilege of taking Queen Elizabeth ‘home’ to mark the Centenary of the Cunard Building, one of the ‘Three Graces’ on the world-famous Pier Head from where so many Cunard ships have departed.

"What a day it was being in command of the second largest Cunarder ever built sailing up the River Mersey and being able to get alongside and berthing so close to such an iconic and stunning location. It was indeed a memorable day for me, and I know it was a terrific day for the guests and