Cunard has picked up the keys to its newest cruise ship the Queen Elizabeth, that will become the third ship in the fleet.
The line’s president and managing director Peter Shanks officially took delivery of the ship today at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard in Venice where it was built.
The Queen Elizabeth is the third new ship built for the Carnival Corporation-owned brand in the last six years joining Queen Mary, the world’s largest liner, and Queen Victoria.
Shanks said: “This ceremony to mark the completion of the ship, and our acceptance of delivery, is just the first of a number of significant events over the next few weeks – including the ship’s official naming by Her Majesty The Queen in Southampton on Monday October 11.
“I’m certain the British will take this truly magnificent ship to their hearts, as they have all the Cunard Queens”.
Queen Elizabeth is due to leave the shipyard on September 30, and sail to Southampton – where she will berth at the Ocean Cruise Terminal on Friday October 8.
She will depart on her Maiden Voyage at 5pm on Tuesday October 12.