Cunard Line is preparing for the Queen to officially name new ship Queen Elizabeth in Southampton this afternoon.
Her Majesty will be at the vessel’s home port to conduct the formal naming ceremony this afternoon.
The £365 million Queen Elizabeth will then leave on its maiden voyage to the Canary Islands following a night of on board celebrations.
The 92,000-tonne vessel is the second largest after Queen Mary 2 that the company has built, coming in slightly larger than sister vessel Queen Victoria.
New features include a sports court with a bowling green, croquet lawn, paddle tennis and a giant chess set.
The art deco-styled 2,082-passenger ship includes four grand suites, two master suites, 25 penthouses and more than 1,000 cabins.
Those booked on the maiden voyage include 300 Japanese tourists.