Win your place in history aboard the new Mersey Ferry
A public competition has opened for a unique opportunity to be among the first passengers to sail aboard the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years.
The voyage will form part of a wider programme of events marking the arrival of the £26m Royal Daffodil - ahead of its planned introduction into passenger service later this autumn.
Built in Birkenhead on the banks of the Mersey, the new publicly owned ferry represents a major investment in the future of one of the Liverpool City Region’s best-loved and most recognisable icons.
Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said:
The arrival of the Royal Daffodil is a proud moment for Wirral and for everyone who has played a part in bringing this fantastic vessel to life, including the skilled workforce at Cammell Laird's APCL Balaena shipyard here in Birkenhead.
For centuries, the Mersey Ferries have been woven into the fabric of life on both sides of the river, connecting generations of communities and creating cherished memories for residents and visitors alike.
This special launch cruise offers people a unique chance to be part of this history and to experience the next chapter of the ferries' story before the Royal Daffodil fully enters service.
The new Royal Daffodil honours our maritime heritage while looking firmly to the future, and I know people across Wirral will share in the excitement of welcoming her to the Mersey.
The ballot is open from Wednesday 12th Augustuntil Tuesday 1 September and is free to enter. For more information and an entry form see: Competition to win tickets to Royal Daffodil's First Public Cruise
The competition winners will be among the first passengers to step aboard and experience the Royal Daffodil’s new interiors and facilities, with musical entertainment and commemorative gifts also planned as part of the special celebration.
The Royal Daffodil is the first new Mersey Ferry to be commissioned in more than six decades and has been designed to secure the future of the service for generations to come.
Alongside its role on the world-famous River Explorer Cruise and commuter services, the new vessel has been designed to offer an enhanced experience for special events and functions.
Its arrival marks the latest chapter in the long history of Mersey Ferries, which stretches back more than 800 years and has seen the service become one of the most enduring symbols of the region.
The Royal Daffodil has been built at the APCL Balaena (formerly known as Cammell Laird) shipyard in Birkenhead, continuing the region’s proud tradition of shipbuilding and ensuring that a significant part of the investment has been kept within the city region.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
As a kid in the summer holidays, I’d often get the bus into town with my brothers, hop on the ferry and head over the water to places like New Brighton which, to this day, is still my favourite spot in our region.
I know I’m far from alone in having that connection. For generations of families, the Ferry Cross the Mersey has been part of growing up here - whether it was a day out, the daily commute or simply seeing those famous boats making their way across the river.
Those ferries have served our region brilliantly for decades. With the Royal Daffodil, we’re investing £26m to make sure that proud tradition continues for generations to come – with a brand-new ferry built right here on the banks of the Mersey.
The new ferry is a £26 million investment, not just in public transport, but in the future of our region - and it’s owned by the 1.6 million people who call it home. So, it’s only right that local people should be among the very first passengers to travel aboard and be part of a small piece of history.
This is a rare opportunity to be a part one of the first sailings of the new Royal Daffodil and I can promise passengers that they that they will be wowed from the moment they step aboard. I hope, years from now, they’ll look back on the memories of that journey with the same pride and affection that I have for mine.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
The Mersey Ferries are a vital part of our transport network for commuters, a gateway to our world-famous waterfront for visitors, and one of the most recognisable symbols of our city region.
The Royal Daffodil represents an exciting new chapter for this iconic service and, because it belongs to the people of the Liverpool City Region, it's only right that members of the public should be among the first to experience it.
This is a special opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-generation moment and to step aboard a vessel that will serve residents and visitors for decades to come.
Bringing together city region leaders, partners, stakeholders and Mersey Ferries supporters, the entry into service celebrations will showcase the ferry’s role in connecting visitors with the region’s world-famous waterfront and attractions, boosting tourism and reflecting the pride, heritage and ambition that continue to define the city region.
The Royal Daffodil is currently undergoing testing and crew training on the river ahead of its planned introduction into passenger service in October. The September celebration cruise forms part of a wider programme of launch activities for the vessel.
Painted in Mersey Ferries’ historic red, white and black colours, the new ferry features a contemporary main-deck lounge, modern bars, and spacious open-plan decks where passengers can relax and enjoy stunning views across the River Mersey.
The vessel has also been designed with versatility in mind, with dedicated event spaces that transform the ferry into a unique venue for conferences, corporate functions, and private celebrations, offering an iconic setting on the waterfront.
Accessibility is also a top priority throughout the design. A fully accessible interior includes a dedicated lift providing easy access to the upper deck, ensuring all passengers can enjoy the ferry’s facilities and panoramic views.
