QUEEN Victoria is named after the former British monarch of the same name, and is the running mate to Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth.

Until November 2008, she also operated alongside Queen Elizabeth 2 and is of the same basic design as other Vista-class cruise ships, though slightly longer and more in keeping with Cunard's interior style.

At 90,000 tons, she is the smallest of Cunard’s ships in operation.

Her passenger facilities include seven restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, three swimming pools, a ballroom and a theatre.

Originally destined to be an addition to the Holland America Line fleet, the order for a vessel put into the Italian shipyard of Fincantieri was soon transferred by parent company Carnival Corporation to Cunard with the intent that the vessel would become Queen Victoria.

The keel was laid down at Fincantieri in 2003. However, due to a later decision by Cunard that modifications should be made to the design to bring in certain aspects which had proven successful on Queen Mary 2, such as decor, junior suites, dining alternatives and promenades, the hull was then designated to become the Southampton-based P&O Cruises ship Arcadia.

A new Queen Victoria was subsequently ordered with Fincantieri in 2004, which was 11 metres longer, 5,000 tons larger, and with an increased passenger capacity.

Her keel was laid on May 12, 2006, then 80 prefabricated steel ‘blocks’, each complete with interior structure, cabling and ducts, and each weighing 325 tons, were then added.

After successful sea trials and the handover to Cunard completed, Queen Victoria arrived in Southampton to fanfare and media attention; much of the coverage being focused on the ship's superlatives, and representing her as “Cunard’s most luxurious ship”.

The ship was officially named by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, in a glittering dockside ceremony in Southampton.