Cunard launch new Cruise Ship

Special ceremonies at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste were held yesterday (Tuesday 5 January) to mark the float out of Cunard’s newest ship Queen Elizabeth.

Cunard’s President and Managing Director, Peter Shanks, was joined by 79-year old Florence (Dennie) Farmer who was guest of honour at the event. Dennie’s husband, Willie Farmer joined Cunard in September 1938 and served as Chief Engineer on both Queen Elizabeth and QE2 until retirement in October 1979. Since her husband’s death Dennie has sailed with Cunard many times and her link the two previous Queen Elizabeth ships is unparalleled. In recognition of this Cunard has bestowed on Dennie the honour, in Italian tradition, of being ‘Madrina’ to the third Queen Elizabeth.

Peter Shanks said:

“It is only a little over six months since the keel for this great ship was laid. In that short time a solitary block at the bottom of the dry-dock has, as a result of the skill and discipline of the workforce here at Fincantieri, grown into this awe-inspiring vessel.”

Queen Elizabeth will depart on her Maiden Voyage on Tuesday 12 October 2010. This 13-night celebration will leave from the company’s home port, Southampton, and will call at Vigo, Lisbon, Cadiz, Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de Tenerife (overnight call) and Funchal.

Her Maiden Season will run from October 2010 to January 2011 and include voyages to the Western and Central Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

Cunard are not currently recruiting as all jobs are filled but a ship like this can provide employment for over 250 people!