Queen Victoria: A Royal Occasion

While some viewed Cunard Line as a declining company during the 37 years that passed between the launches of Queen Elizabeth 2 and Queen Mary 2, others with a vision were hard at work. With the addition of Queen Victoria to the fleet, the Cunard lion once again roars!

It was an honor to be invited to attend the Queen Victoria Naming Ceremony in Southampton on Monday. Truthfully, while I've attended many ship namings, I'm still in awe of the preparations Cunard Line made for this very special event. While the the sun was shining, it felt frigid outside. Even so, we were comfy in a massive auditorium erected pierside for the occasion--2,000 guests were accommodated within a structure that included risers, assigned seating, and even an orchestra pit and, of course, a Royal Box. The program proceeded in Three Acts, with British actor Sir Derek Jacobi, in the guise of Phileas Fogg (remember the character from "Around the World in 80 Days"?), acting as master of ceremonies and chronicler of liner history. Included in the acts were performances by the London Philharmonic Orchestra, The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines, The Royal Marines Fanfare Trumpeters, Gypsy Dance from Carmen, Bizet sung by Katherine Jenkins, and moving performances by tenors, Alfie Boe, Jon Christos, and Gardar Thor Cortes, and the Choirs of Winchester Cathedral.

Act II was the highlight--The Naming of the New Cunard Queen. With Queen Victoria's bow visible behind the stage, Captain Wright escorted Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall to perform the Naming and... the champagne bottle failed to break. No problem. To the relief of all, an Easy Button took care of it and a back-up bottle DID shower the ship with bubbly. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales looked on fondly as his lovely wife accepted cheers of approval and sparkling confetti filled the air.

In a bow to the season, the program concluded with "O Come All Ye Faithful" and I admit tears filled my eyes with the wonder of "snow" showering Cunard officers and crewmembers on stage. Words really are inadequate to describe the pageantry. It was an event that I'll never forget. My whirlwind trip came to an end after a formal gala reception, sumptuous dinner, and more entertainment on board. Then it was time to bid farewell to Queen Victoria and catch an early flight home.

For a peek at photos of the Queen Victoria Naming Ceremony, visit Cruise Diva's Album.

More pictures will follow, including Cruise Diva's personal photo tour of Queen Victoria.