, /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard is excited to announce the as Godparent of its newest ship in recognition of the long-lasting bond with its spiritual home. was the birthplace of Cunard with its first transatlantic crossing departing 184 years ago in , and it was the company's headquarters for 128 years. The love and affection the people of still have for all things Cunard is clear – never more so than when a Cunard ship arrives on the Mersey.
This is highlighted by two of the largest crowds ever to gather for a maritime event – a million people for QE2 in 1990 and over a million for the Three Queens Salute in 2015. This was also the year when Cunard was awarded the honor of The Freedom of the City. On behalf of the , the luxury cruise line has selected five distinguished icons* to represent the city and officially name .
These distinguished women, who embody the heart and future of , just as does for Cunard, have been chosen for their significant contributions to culture at a local, national or international level. All proud Liverpudlians, they are Spice Girl and author Melanie C, broadcaster and community leader Ngunan Adamu, local restaurant entrepreneur , music and cultural legend , and British Olympian heptathlon athlete . Tens of thousands of people are expected to gather along the waterfront to witness the time-honored naming ceremony, a tradition believed to bestow good fortune upon the new vessel.
The proceedings will open with a performance by the Royal Liverpool Philha.