Popular UK route welcomes first new ferry in 60 years

On 22 September 2026, Mersey Ferries welcomed its first new ferry in 60 years. The £26 million Royal Daffodil will be used to transport commuters between Seacombe and Liverpool and to operate sightseeing cruises.

For some 800 years, ferries have been navigating between Seacombe and Liverpool. Throughout the centuries, the ships have gradually become a part of the cityscape. As part of an overall upgrade of the Liverpool City Region’s transport network, Mersey Ferries has added its first new ship in 60 years. The Royal Daffodil, as the ferry is called, was made at the Birkenhead-based shipbuilder Cammell Laird for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. 

“Anyone from this part of the world understands the significance Mersey Ferries conjure in the minds of people – they are part of the very fabric of our skyline, our history and our identity. With the Royal Daffodil, we haven’t just spent £26 million on a new ferry. We have invested in the people and the capability to build one right here on the banks of the Mersey. We have built something here that millions of people will see, use and enjoy for decades to come. And we have shown that when we invest in our people and our places, we can create things that make the whole region proud,” said Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, during the inauguration.

While the outside of the £26 million ship was painted in Mersey Ferries’ historic red, white, and black colours, the interior features a number of modern pieces of equipment distinguishing it from its colleagues. Travellers will be able to enjoy a contemporary lounge, bars, and open-plan decks with adjustable panoramic windows.

Passengers will also discover a range of features such as USB charging points, storytelling boards, baby changing facilities, and dedicated cycle parking on the main deck. Two staircases and an on-board lift are designed to make moving between decks as easy as possible. From the upper deck, passengers can enjoy an open viewing deck with traditional timber bench seating, offering a unique vantage point to take in the world-famous waterfront.

“The Royal Daffodil is a wonderful addition to the fleet, bringing together the proud heritage of this iconic service with the modern facilities, accessibility and comfort that passengers expect today. Built here in Birkenhead, the new vessel is a showcase for Wirral’s long-standing maritime and shipbuilding traditions and represents the best of our past and our future,” stated councillor Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council.

The new ferry will facilitate the lives of those making the daily commute between Seacombe and Liverpool, while also allowing visitors to discover the waterfront and the River Mersey. By making it easier for people to navigate between the two cities, local businesses are likely to benefit from the addition. 

Although the Royal Daffodil was inaugurated on 22 September, some final preparations are still required ahead of it entering service. The ship is expected to begin carrying passengers in early autumn 2026.