The Galeón Andalucía, a full-scale replica of a 17th-century Spanish galleon, is scheduled to arrive in Liverpool this week following a delay caused by adverse weather conditions. The vessel will now be open to the public at the Royal Albert Dock from Wednesday, September 24, until Sunday, October 5, 2025.
Key Takeaways
- New Dates: The Galeón Andalucía will be in Liverpool from September 24 to October 5.
- Location: The ship will be docked at Canning Half Tide Dock within the Royal Albert Dock complex.
- Reason for Delay: The visit was postponed from its original September 9 start date due to poor weather preventing its departure from a previous port.
- Public Access: Visitors can tour five of the ship's six decks and view an onboard exhibition.
- Tickets: Admission can be purchased online, with options for adults, children, and families.
New Schedule Confirmed After Weather Postponement
The highly anticipated visit of the Galeón Andalucía to Liverpool has been rescheduled. Initially planned for a stay from September 9 to 21, the ship's arrival was pushed back due to unfavorable weather.
A spokesperson for the ship's operators confirmed that the vessel was unable to leave its previous location at Shoreham Port on time. The team extended its stay there due to high public demand before planning its journey north to Merseyside.
The new dates have now been set, with the galleon expected to dock in the city on Wednesday, September 24. It will remain a key attraction on the waterfront for nearly two weeks, departing on Sunday, October 5.
A Busy Month for Liverpool's Waterfront
The arrival of the Galeón Andalucía follows a series of notable maritime visits to Liverpool in recent weeks. In late August, the Peruvian Navy's tall ship, B.A.P. Unión, docked at the Pier Head. This was followed in mid-September by the return of Cunard's flagship, Queen Mary 2, marking a significant anniversary for the shipping line.
Exploring the Historic Replica
The Galeón Andalucía is an authentic replica of the Spanish galleons that were instrumental in global trade and exploration from the 16th to the 18th centuries. These ships connected continents, sailing routes across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
Impressive Craftsmanship and Scale
Constructed with meticulous historical accuracy in Punta Umbría, Spain, the vessel measures an impressive 55 metres in length. It is built primarily from iroko and pine wood, reflecting traditional shipbuilding techniques of the period.
The ship features six decks and is powered by nearly 1,000 square metres of sail across its three masts. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to explore five of these decks, offering a glimpse into the conditions and life of sailors centuries ago.
Galeón Andalucía By The Numbers
- Length: 55 metres
- Decks: 6 (5 are open to the public)
- Sail Area: Nearly 1,000 square metres
- Miles Sailed: Over 100,000 nautical miles
- Continents Visited: 4
A World-Traveled Ambassador of History
Before its journey to Liverpool, the Galeón Andalucía has already completed a remarkable global tour. The ship has sailed more than 100,000 nautical miles, a distance equivalent to circling the globe more than four times.
Its logbook includes visits to some of the world's most famous ports, including London, New York, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, and Quebec. The visit to Liverpool adds another historic maritime city to its extensive list of destinations.
Onboard, an exhibition provides context on the history of these galleons and the vital role they played in creating global trade networks. This educational component makes the visit an engaging experience for all ages.
Official Welcome to the Royal Albert Dock
Officials at the Royal Albert Dock have expressed their enthusiasm for hosting the unique vessel. The ship will be situated at Canning Half Tide Dock, which is managed by the Canal & River Trust.
Sean Morrison, the estate manager for Royal Albert Dock, commented on the ship's upcoming arrival.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome the magnificent Galeón Andalucía to the Royal Albert Dock for its first-ever visit to Liverpool. It's a huge privilege to host such an impressive vessel, which will be a major attraction for both locals and tourists seeing it set against the backdrop of our historic waterfront."
Morrison added, "We look forward to a fantastic two weeks of celebrating maritime history and heritage." The setting is particularly fitting, given Liverpool's own rich maritime past.
Visitor Information and Tickets
Those wishing to step aboard the Galeón Andalucía can purchase tickets through the ship's official website. The pricing structure is designed to accommodate individuals and families:
- Adults: £12
- Children (ages 5-10): £6
- Family Ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children): £30
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits, as the attraction is expected to be very popular during its limited stay in the city.