The hand-over ceremony of Queen Victoria included remarks by Cunard president Carol Marlow to an invited audience that included Italian Prime Minister, Romano Prodi, Under Secretary of State, Department for Transport, Jim Fitzpatrick MP and Carnival Chairman Micky Arison among others.

The ceremony, took place on board the new 90,000-ton vessel at the Fincantieri Venice-Marghera shipyard to mark the completion of the ship during a celebration that included performances throughout the day by the Band of the Scots Guards.

On the bridge and now in command of Queen Victoria is Captain Paul Wright.

Queen Victoria is due to leave the shipyard on November 30, and sail to Southampton – where she will berth at the City Cruise Terminal at 9:30 am on Friday December 7.

Following her Naming Ceremony on December 10, she will depart on her Maiden Voyage, to a splendid firework display, at 5:00 pm on Tuesday December 11.