Queen Victoria hits the water

Cunard’s latest ocean liner Queen Victoria has been blessed and floated in Venice this week with her hull meeting the water for the first time.

A bottle of Italian prosecco was smashed against the 90,000-ton ship’s hull while two coins – a Euro (symbolising the fact that the ship is being built in Italy) and a gold Queen Victoria sovereign – were welded beneath the mast for good luck.

The dock valves of Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard near Venice were then opened to allow the grand 2014-passenger ship to meet the sea for the first time.

Cunard Managing Director Carol Marlow was joined by former Cunard crew member Maureen Ryan at the colourful event. Maureen joined Cunard in 1963 and is the only known person to have served on all Cunard Queens: Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, QE2 and Queen Mary 2. In recognition of this, Cunard has bestowed on Maureen the honour of acting as the shipyard’s ‘Madrina’ or godmother to Queen Victoria.

Ms Marlow told the ceremony: “Cunard came into being at the very beginning of the Victorian era – Queen Victoria had been on the throne for only three years when Samuel Cunard’s first ship set sail. And there followed, throughout her reign, a huge expansion in the Cunard fleet until by the end of it the company was the pre-eminent force in British shipping. Today the company is probably the most famous name in shipping and the birth of this great liner confirms for all to see the continuing renaissance of the great name of Cunard. The Cunard lion roars again!”

The second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria will make her maiden cruise from the UK in December this year before embarking on a world voyage that will see her become the youngest liner ever to visit Australia in February 2008. Australian ports of call will include Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Port Douglas.

Queen Victoria’s debut marks the first time three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company’s illustrious 167-year history. She will join her famous sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth 2.

While the most modern liner at sea, Queen Victoria will pay homage to the golden age of ocean travel, boasting the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first floating Cunardia museum and the first two-story, ‘spiral staircased’ library at sea. The ship will also feature the line’s celebrated luxury Grill accommodation and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at what differentiates a Cunard liner from a standard cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship’s adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood panelling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers.

Australians keen to be part of history can join sectors of Queen Victoria’s 2008 round-the-world cruise including a 24-night leg from Los Angeles to Sydney, sailing January 30, 2008, from A$7,921 per person*. For more information call Cunard on 13 24 41 or visit www.cunardline.com.au

* Fares are cruise only, based on complete twin D7 interior stateroom. Subject to availability. Conditions apply. To be read with the passage and booking conditions in the Cunard 2008 World Cruises brochure by which passengers will be bound.

Report by The Mole