Operated by the
Cunard Line, the
Queen Mary 2is one of the finest ocean liners ever built and will next week celebrate her 5th birthday.
The ship entered service in 2004 and was named by Queen Elizabeth in one of the most lavish naming ceremonies ever seen.
Carol Marlow, president and managing director of the cruise line, said the ship had reached an important milestone and that the Cunard Line was "very proud" of her many achievements.
"In her young life, Queen Mary 2 has attracted thousands of well-wishers in many ports around the world, achieving iconic status," she added.
As part of the ship's birthday celebrations, it will embark on a "lap of honour" around the UK later this year, departing from Southampton on October 10th.
Following the retirement of the QE2 earlier this year, the Cunard Line is preparing to launch a new Queen Elizabeth liner in autumn of 2010.
Written by Fiona Mayers