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Three Cunard Queens liners perform stunning riverdance

Xinhua, May 25, 2015 Adjust font size:

Thousands of people on Monday lined the banks of the River Mersey in Liverpool to witness what has been described as the global maritime event of 2015.

The three ocean liners from the world famous Cunard Line performed a stunning river dance to mark the 175th anniversary of the founding of the shipping company in Liverpool in 1840.

Flagship, Queen Mary 2, one of the world's largest ocean liners, sailed into the river in a convoy with her sister ships, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.

In front of the riverfront Cunard Building, home for many years of the shipping company, the three queens took their salute, blasting their ear-piercing horns in a 1-7-5 formation. Water canons sent a 50-meter-high fountain of water from harbour authority boats, and passengers aboard the liners waved towards the crowd.

Monday's salute was the highlight of three days of celebrations in Liverpool with the three Cunarders assembled for the first time ever together in the River Mersey.

The three captains spent months using maritime simulators to practice their complicated riverdance within the narrow confines of the Mersey, known for its strong underwater currents.

A carnival atmosphere dominated the shorelines both sides of the river with Liverpool determined to earn its place in maritime history with an event that will be remembered for generations.

The event resulted in major traffic as drivers headed to the waterfront, with many people arriving around dawn to ensure a prime viewing spot.

At the end of the riverdance the Royal Air Force paid its own tribute with a spectacular fly past by the Red Devil's display team, forming an arrowhead as they jets flew above.

It was the arrival of jetliners in the 1950s that spelled the end for ocean liners as the main way of travelling the world. More than half a century later, cruise liners are one of the fastest growing choices for travellers.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said the arrival of the three Cunard Queens has been nearly a year in the planning.

"Liverpool today shone under the international spotlight in what was an unforgettable moment in the city's history," the mayor said. Endit