Royal Daffodil Competition: 68 Winners to Sail, Liverpool 2026

Key Points

• A total of 68 prize winners will be awarded four complimentary tickets each for the very first public celebration trip of the Royal Daffodil on 26 September 2026 at 11:30am
• The contest is completely free to join and closes at 10am on Tuesday 1 September 2026, with winners informed on 2 September 2026
• The Royal Daffodil is a £26 million diesel-electric ferry which has been constructed in Cammell Laird’s APCL Balaena shipyard in Birkenhead
• The ferry boasts modern bars, expansive open plan decks, a modern main-deck lounge and full accessibility with a lift from the lower to the upper deck
• Mersey Ferries have applied for a license for serving alcohol and playing music on the boat
• It is anticipated that the ferry will commence passenger services from October 2026 following sea trials and crew training
• Steve Rotheram, the Mayor of Liverpool City Region, stated that the ferry was “owned by the 1.6 million people who live here”
• Wirral Council Leader, Councillor Paula Basnett described it as a “proud day for Wirral”

Liverpool (Liverpool standard) August 18, 2026 – The competition, launched by Mersey Ferries and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will award 68 winners four tickets each to the First Public Cruise on the new Royal Daffodil at 11:30am on Saturday 26 September 2026, departing from the Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal at Pier Head, Liverpool.

As reported by Wirral Today, 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 voyage.

The ballot opened on Wednesday 12 August 2026 and runs until Tuesday 1 September 2026, with entry free of charge. Winners will be contacted by email and text on Wednesday 2 September 2026.

For more information and an entry form, the public is directed to visit the Mersey Ferries competition page or the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority website.

How Significant Is the Royal Daffodil for Mersey Ferries?

The Royal Daffodil represents the first new Mersey Ferry to be commissioned in more than 60 years, marking a major milestone for the iconic river service.

Built at Cammell Laird’s APCL Balaena shipyard in uk/local/birkenhead/">Birkenhead at a cost of £26 million, the diesel-electric vessel has now been officially handed over to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

As reported by ITV News Granada, the Royal Daffodil is painted in Mersey Ferries’ traditional colours of red, white and black, and will feature a contemporary main-deck lounge, modern bars and spacious open-plan decks offering views across the River Mersey.

The vessel is designed for multi-purpose use and can also become a venue for conferences, corporate functions and private celebrations on Liverpool’s waterfront.

What Features Does the New Royal Daffodil Ferry Include?

Accessibility has been a priority throughout the design, with a fully accessible interior including a dedicated lift providing easy access to the upper deck.

According to reporting by Birkenhead News, Mersey Ferries has submitted a licensing application to Wirral Council for permission to serve food, drinks and alcohol on board, as well as to play live and recorded music.

The proposed opening hours of the ship are from 7:20am to 3am Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3am at the weekend, with alcohol service proposed from 11am to 3am seven days a week.

As reported by Liverpool Business Services, the ferry combines the heritage of an iconic service with modern technology, backed by Mayor Steve Rotheram’s commitment to modernising the Mersey Ferries fleet.

What Have Local Leaders Said About the Royal Daffodil?

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said in a statement: “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.”

He added: “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.”

Councillor 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.”

When Will the Royal Daffodil Enter Regular Passenger Service?

The Royal Daffodil is currently undergoing testing and crew training on the river ahead of its planned introduction into passenger service in October 2026.

As reported by Liverpool Business Services, whilst an exact date has not been set for the vessel entering service, passenger journeys are expected to begin soon.

The September celebration cruise forms part of a wider programme of launch activities for the vessel ahead of its planned introduction into passenger service later this autumn.

Background of the Royal Daffodil Development

The Royal Daffodil project has been in development for several years as part of a broader commitment by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to modernise the Mersey Ferries fleet. The vessel was constructed at the APCL Balaena shipyard in Birkenhead, formerly known as Cammell Laird, by a local skilled workforce.

The ferry was officially handed over to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in late July 2026, marking an important step in the delivery of the long-awaited addition to the Mersey Ferries fleet. Following handover, the vessel began a period of testing and crew training on the River Mersey to prepare for passenger operations.

In early August 2026, Mersey Ferries submitted licensing applications to Wirral Council for the new £26 million Royal Daffodil, including permissions to serve alcohol on board and to play live and recorded music. The licensing process is a necessary regulatory step before the ferry can commence commercial operations.

The vessel’s design prioritises accessibility and multi-purpose functionality, reflecting contemporary expectations for public transport and event venues. The ferry’s red, white and black livery continues Mersey Ferries’ traditional colour scheme, maintaining visual continuity with the existing fleet.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Local Residents and Visitors

The introduction of the Royal Daffodil is likely to affect local residents and visitors in several measurable ways. For residents of the Liverpool City Region, the new ferry represents a modernised public transport option with enhanced accessibility features, including a dedicated lift to the upper deck, which may improve mobility for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility.

The vessel’s multi-purpose design, enabling use for conferences, corporate functions and private celebrations, may create new economic opportunities for local businesses and event organisers seeking waterfront venues. The licensing application to serve alcohol and play music suggests the ferry could become a social hub and local attraction, potentially increasing footfall at Pier Head and surrounding areas.

For visitors, the Royal Daffodil’s modern facilities and contemporary interiors may enhance the tourist experience of the Mersey Ferry service, which has been an iconic Liverpool attraction for generations. The planned introduction in October 2026, following the September celebration cruise, means the ferry will be operational in time for the autumn and winter tourist seasons.

The competition offering 272 free places (68 winners × four tickets) for the first public cruise demonstrates an effort to engage local communities in the launch of the vessel, which Mayor Rotheram described as “owned by the 1.6 million people who call it home”. This community engagement approach may foster local pride and support for the ferry service.

However, the exact impact on passenger numbers, revenue and service frequency will depend on operational decisions yet to be announced, including ticket pricing, sailing schedules and marketing strategies. The ferry’s success as a multi-purpose venue will also depend on demand for waterfront event spaces and the competitiveness of its offerings relative to alternative venues in Liverpool and Wirral.