Cunard Cruises has celebrated the naming of the forthcoming addition to its fleet of luxury cruise liners, the Queen Elizabeth.
Currently being worked on in the port of Trieste, Italy, the vessel has now been branded with the steel letters spelling out her name.
According to the cruise lining company, such a name will mark the upcoming vessel out as a part of maritime history, with all previous vessels bearing the regal name of Elizabeth having been legendary for their comfort and style.
"As I saw the famous name being welded to the bow, I was overcome by the historical significance," Peter Shanks, president of Cunard Line, said.
"A milestone such as this only continues to build on the already wide anticipation of the debut of our gracious new Cunarder."
The Queen Elizabeth is due to be launched in time for the 2010
Mediterranean cruises season and is scheduled to visit 18 ports in 18 countries in her first year on the seas.
Zagat recently named Cunard as the 'Top Overall' large cruise line in its annual travel industry poll.
Written by Chris Smith
