FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 16, 2008 -- Queen Victoria, the newest luxury liner in Cunard's fleet, made her maiden call to Ft. Lauderdale today.

This is just three days after embarking on her Maiden World Cruise and making an historic Royal Rendezvous in New York on Sunday with both sister-ships Queen Mary 2 and QE2.

Queen Victoria has been sailing with QE2 since departing Southampton, England on January 6 making a tandem Transatlantic Crossing together. Queen Victoria was launched on December 10, 2007 by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall (Camilla Parker Bowles). Joining Queen Victoria at Port Everglades was Cunard's grand dame QE2, the world's most famous ocean liner.

QE2 embarked on her 26th and final World Cruise and will complete her service to the Cunard fleet in November 2008.

About Queen Victoria

The 90,000-ton Queen Victoria offers the very best of Cunard's heritage and traditions, along with all modern day luxuries including some exciting innovations. These include the first traditional West End-style private viewing boxes at sea in the Royal Court Theatre, the first Cunardia museum exhibit at sea, housing Cunard artifacts and memorabilia along with the first two-storey, library at sea featuring an elegant spiral staircase. The ship also features the line's celebrated Queens Grill and Princess Grill accommodations and dining, further enhanced on Queen Victoria with exclusive deck terraces and an al fresco dining option.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery hints at the sophistication that differentiates a Cunard liner. This is most evident in the ship's adherence to liner traditions of the past, with elegant public rooms, many on a grand scale, featuring rich wood paneling, intricate mosaics and gleaming chandeliers. There is also a grand, colonial-style conservatory complete with a retractable glass roof.

As well as being the second largest Cunarder ever built, Queen Victoria's arrival is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time that three Cunard Queens have been in service together in the company's 168-year history. Queen Victoria joins the world's grandest liner, Queen Mary 2 and the world's most famous and beloved liner, QE2.

Source: Cunard Line