Luxury cruise line Cunard has announced a landmark moment in its history, with all four of its ships set to come together in Liverpool for the very first time. On May 16, 2028, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and Queen Anne will unite on the River Mersey, creating what is expected to be a truly memorable occasion for the brand and cruise enthusiasts around the world.

This will mark the first time Cunard’s full fleet assembles in one place. While Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria previously gathered in 2015 to celebrate the company’s 175th anniversary, the 2028 event will be the first to include Queen Anne, making it a complete Four Queens moment in Cunard’s spiritual home.

Liverpool holds a special place in Cunard’s history, being the city where the company was founded in 1840. The upcoming gathering is expected to attract global attention, much like the 2015 event that drew over one million spectators to the waterfront. The city is preparing to celebrate the occasion in its own style, with a large-scale waterfront event as the ships arrive and depart together.

Adding to the significance, Queen Mary 2 will make her first-ever transatlantic crossing from New York directly to Liverpool, marking Cunard’s first eastbound arrival from New York to the city in over 61 years, since RMS Sylvania docked at Princes Landing Stage on November 18, 1966.

The Four Queens event will also be part of Liverpool’s wider celebrations, marking 20 years since the city was named European Capital of Culture. A year-long lineup of music, maritime, and sporting events is planned, with Cunard’s return expected to be one of the highlights.

Guests will be able to experience this special moment through dedicated Four Queens Celebration voyages. Queen Mary 2 will sail from New York to Liverpool before continuing her transatlantic and other itineraries. Queen Anne will begin her season in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, including an overnight stay in Liverpool. Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will also join the gathering, arriving as part of their respective voyages across Europe and the British Isles.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said:

"Bringing our four Queens together on the Mersey for the first time will be a rare and incredibly special moment for Cunard. Liverpool is where our story began, and returning with the full fleet is a powerful celebration of that bond. It will be an unforgettable day for our guests, for the city, and for everyone who comes together to enjoy the spectacle from the shore."

Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:

"Welcoming the four Cunard Queens at the same time will be an extraordinary occasion for our city, our residents, and our visitors. We are incredibly proud of our rich maritime heritage, and this promises to be a really special moment here in Liverpool, Cunard's spiritual home.

2028 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for us - with the Four Queens' visit, hosting Euro 2028 matches, and the 20th anniversary of Liverpool Capital of Culture, we've got a brilliant program of events and activities in store.

"We are looking forward to bringing people together once again and helping to deliver an experience that will be remembered long after the ships have sailed."

Further details about Cunard’s 2028 voyages and booking timelines are expected to be announced soon.

Japan is strengthening its cultural tourism appeal with a focused outreach to Middle Eastern audiences through the Anime & Manga Spot Summit & Expo, held in Tokyo’s vibrant district of Ikebukuro. The initiative highlights the growing trend of “anime tourism,” where fans travel to real-world locations featured in their favourite shows.

Popular titles like Detective Conan and Doraemon have long resonated with audiences in the Arab world. This connection has led to a rise in fans visiting Japan to experience these fictional worlds in real life, turning entertainment into travel inspiration.

The Expo, launched in 2024 and expanded in 2025, collaborates with regional prefectures to showcase anime-linked destinations through workshops, merchandise, and live performances. In Akita Prefecture, known for inspiring settings from Fisherman Sanpei, visitors can explore scenic landscapes and the renowned Yokote Masuda Manga Museum, one of the world’s largest manga archives.

Further south, Yamagata Prefecture features the city of Shinjo, associated with Hunter x Hunter. Visitors can explore themed spots like Café Nokurasi and Hanaya Hanaten, which bring elements of the series to life.

In Niigata City, fans can dive deeper into the craft at the Niigata Manga Animation Museum and Niigata Manga House, offering interactive experiences including voice acting and animation workshops.

Meanwhile, Miyagi Prefecture draws visitors to Ishinomaki, home to the Ishinomori Manga Museum, celebrating classics like Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009. The city has also adapted to international tourism, with several restaurants offering halal options for Middle Eastern travellers.

Toyama Prefecture’s cities of Takao and Himi are key highlights, linked to creators Fujiko F. Fujio and Fujiko A. Fujio, known for iconic works like Doraemon. Attractions such as the Fujiko F. Fujio Hometown Art Gallery and Doraemon-themed trails allow fans to immerse themselves in the origins of these beloved stories.

As anime continues to influence global travel trends, the Anime & Manga Spot Summit & Expo positions Japan as a must-visit destination for fans, blending storytelling, culture, and tourism into one immersive experience.

The Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has announced a revision in visa, legalisation, and consular service fees for Indian applicants, which will come into effect from April 27, 2026. The updated fee structure will apply to all applications submitted through the embassy and its authorised centres across India until further notice.

The revised charges cover a wide range of visa categories, including tourist, non-immigrant, SMART visas, and long-term residency options. Along with visa applications, the update also includes fees for document legalisation and passport-related services.

Under the new structure, visa fees vary based on category and duration. Transit visas are priced at ₹2,500, while a single-entry tourist visa will cost ₹3,000 and a multiple-entry option is set at ₹13,500. For non-immigrant visas, the fee stands at ₹7,000 for single entry and ₹13,500 for multiple entry, while a five-year multiple-entry long-stay visa is priced at ₹30,000.

SMART visas, aimed at long-term stays, have also been revised. A one-year multiple-entry visa will cost ₹30,000, increasing to ₹60,000 for two years, ₹90,000 for three years, and ₹1,20,000 for four years. The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa is now priced at ₹1,40,000, while the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is set at ₹30,000.

In addition to visa fees, the embassy has updated charges for consular services. Document legalisation is now priced at ₹1,400 across categories. Passport services include ₹3,000 for a five-year ordinary passport, ₹4,000 for a ten-year passport, ₹550 for emergency passports, and ₹300 for passport endorsements.

“The new rate of visa fees, legalization fees and consular service fees will be effective from 27 April 2026 onwards at the Royal Thai Embassy and the Royal Thai Consulates-General in India until further announcement,” the embassy said.

Applicants are advised to follow the revised fee structure while submitting their visa or consular service requests through official channels.