The first new publicly owned Mersey Ferry, built on the banks of the Mersey, will soon enter official passenger service and is already generating excitement on both sides of the water. Named Royal Daffodil, the £26 million vessel will be formally launched later this autumn. "This is a rare opportunity to be a part one of the first sailings of the new Royal Daffodil and I can promise passengers that they that they will be wowed from the moment they step aboard. The Royal Daffodil has been built at the APCL Balaena (formerly known as Cammell Laird) shipyard in Birkenhead. The Royal Daffodil is currently undergoing testing and crew training on the river ahead of its planned introduction into passenger service in October.