Float Out Marks Imminent Arrival of Cunard's Newest Ship

Special ceremonies aboard Cunard's latest fleet addition, Queen Victoria, took place on Monday, in advance of the ship's maiden voyage set for December 11, 2008. A ceremonial coin welding and ship blessing at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard marked the float out of the new 90,000-ton ocean liner, whose first voyage will be 10-day Christmas itinerary from Cunard's Southampton homeport, calling on Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Oslo, Hamburg and Bruges. Thereafter, the ship's sea legs will be tested when it embarks on a 106-night world cruise. Early booking fares for the voyage range from $20,304 per person to $203,404 per person.