The new £26m Royal Daffodil ferry set out on its maiden voyage on 22 Sep 2026 following a naming ceremony celebrating the 800-year history of the Mersey Ferries. Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram was joined by Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics Keir Mather, presenter Claire Sweeney and other guests for the traditional ceremony, which included a ceremonial bottle broken against the hull and a tugboat salute on the River Mersey as the vessel was welcomed into the fleet. The ferry was built at Wirral's Cammell Laird shipyard, now named Balaena Birkenhead. Painted in the service's historic red, white and black colours, it features a contemporary main deck lounge, modern bars, spacious open plan decks and adjustable panoramic windows offering views of Liverpool's waterfront. Royal Daffodil's first public cruise takes place on Saturday, carrying passengers selected through a free ballot. Steve Rotheram said the investment was about keeping one of the region's great symbols alive for another generation, noting that the vessel was built using local people and capability on the banks of the Mersey. Keir Mather described the project as delivering better accessibility and modern facilities while continuing the legacy made famous by Gerry and the Pacemakers. Cllr Liam Robinson of Liverpool City Council and Cllr Paula Basnett of Wirral Council both said the ferry would support tourism, local businesses and the visitor economy. Following the naming ceremony, Royal Daffodil will undergo final preparations before entering full service, with passenger operations expected to begin in early autumn.