Cunard's newest ocean liner, Queen Victoria will debut exactly one year
from today sailing roundtrip from Southampton throughout Northern
Europe on her sold-out maiden Christmas Markets voyage, followed by the
ship's second sailing - also sold-out - the Maiden Canary Islands Festive
Celebration sailing to Southern Europe.
Queen Victoria will mark a major milestone on January 15, 2007 when she
is floated out for the first time at the Fincantieri Cantieri Navali
SpA Marghera Shipyard near Venice, Italy, who has been building the ship
in the dry dock since May. This is the first ship built for Cunard Line
by the renowned Italian shipyard, one of the most technically advanced
shipbuilders in the world who have built more than 7,000 vessels.
During the float out, the dock valves will be opened for the ship to
meet the sea for the first time and special ceremonies will take place to
commemorate the initial introduction of the new Cunard Queen to the
water. This significant occasion marks the beginning of the final
construction stages for the $522 million sister ship to the line's flagship
Queen Mary 2 and grande dame of the seas QE2.
"We are excited by the growing anticipation of Queen Victoria's debut.
She will become part of the legacy and tradition of the great Cunard
Queens," said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard
Line. "We look forward to bringing our guests the newest version of the
legendary Cunard voyage experience." On January 6, 2008, the ship will
continue to make history when she embarks on her first World Cruise, the
106-day Pathway to the Explorers voyage. The momentous occasion will
take on even more fanfare when Queen Victoria sails into New York for the
first time on January 13, meeting Queen Mary 2 and QE2, marking the
first time three Cunard Queens will be in port together in the company's
167-year history.
Queen Victoria will be a quintessential Cunard liner that includes not
only hallmark features associated with the luxury brand, but also
exciting innovations including private viewing boxes in the Royal Court
Theater, alfresco dining for Grill guests, a floating museum display of
Cunard memorabilia (Cunardia), and a two-story library with nearly 6,000
books. Expanded details on all of the design features, staterooms,
Cunardia and the vessel's amenities and services will be announced
throughout 2007, beginning in January.
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