Ceremonies Mark Float Out of Cunard's Newest Queen

Special ceremonies at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard near Venice were held on January 15 to mark the float out of Cunard's newest Queen, ocean liner Queen Victoria.

Cunard's Managing Director, Carol Marlow, was joined by Maureen Ryan, who was guest of honor at the 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 honor of acting as the yard's Madrina to Queen Victoria.

The first ceremony involved the welding of significant coins beneath the mast of Queen Victoria for good luck. Two coins were chosen -- a Euro (symbolizing the fact that the ship is being built in Italy) and a gold Queen Victoria sovereign with St George slaying the dragon on the reverse side.
Ceremonies Mark Float Out of Cunard's Newest Queen

Artist Rendering of Queen Victoria Britannia Dining Room Courtesy of Cunard Line