QUEEN Victoria left on her maiden voyage today to the sights and sounds of a spectacular firwork display.

Cunard's £300m ship set sail for a ten-night cruise to northern Europe and the continental Christmas markets at 5pm against the background of the fireworks.

Thousands turned out to watch the display and the ship's departure, using Mayflower Park as the best vantage point.

It comes after yesterday's glittering ceremony as the Duchess of Cornwall officially named the new liner.

Thousands of guests, including many who had flown in from around the world, watched the traditional ceremony - Southampton's most glamorous, star-studded event of 2007.

The Duchess said the famous words: "I name this ship, Queen Victoria. May God bless her and all who sail in," then pressed the button to send the bottle of champagne flying towards the ship.

But instead of sending champagne cascading down the bow of the ship, the bottle failed to break, provoking a disappointed groan from the audience. Cunard officials smashed another bottle across Victoria's bow.

The failure is seen as an unlucky omen in the marine industry, but it did not dampen the crowd's enthusiasm.

The ceremony starred actor Sir Derek Jacobi as Phileas Fogg, the main character from the Jules Verne novel Around the World in 80 Days, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra.

Welsh soprano sensation Katherine Jenkins, choristers from Winchester Cathedral and three tenors Alfie Boe, Jon Cristoc and Gardern Thor Cortez, sang.

Following the naming ceremony Cunard hosted a cocktail reception on board Queen Victoria before a gala dinner and late night entertainment.

Other stars who came out to welcome a new star of the oceans included television personalities Carol Vorderman and Jennie Bond; newsreader Moira Stewart; Cunard fan Sir Jimmy Savile; Falklands veteran Simon Weston, together with actresses Amanda Burton and Susan Hampshire.

Sir Jimmy said: "It's a wonderful ship and I'm delighted to be here representing the Prince's Trust."

Carol said: "It's a massive and very impressive ship. I've never been on a liner before, but I'm very happy to be here today."