Victoria, Now Formally A Cunard Queen

The hand-over ceremony of Cunard Line's Queen Victoria took place at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice to mark the completion of the ship. With Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi and corporate dignitaries on board, the celebration included performances throughout the day by the Band of the Scots Guards.

On the bridge and now in command of the new 90,000-ton vessel is Captain Paul Wright, pictured here. Queen Victoria is due to leave the shipyard on November 30, and sail to Southampton, where she will berth at the City Cruise Terminal at 9:30 am on Friday December 7. Following her Naming Ceremony on December 10, Queen Victoria will depart on her Maiden Voyage, to a splendid firework display, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday December 11.

While I won't be sailing on her sold-out inaugural cruise, I will be on hand to share details of the Naming Ceremony with you... and other little details, such as her Godmother HRH The Duchess of Cornwall's christening wardrobe and, of course, a signature Cruise Diva photo tour.

Take a peek at our preview info about Queen Victoria and watch for reports on the festivities next month.