The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, names the cruise ship 'Queen Mary 2' in Southampton: 8 January 2004

In the shadow of the 'world's largest, longest, tallest and grandest ocean liner', Her Majesty The Queen, accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, officially named the 'Queen Mary 2' in a ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal in Southampton.

	The naming ceremony of the Queen Mary 2 at the Queen Elizabeth II terminal in Southampton
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In naming the new Cunard liner, The Queen was carrying on a tradition started by her grandmother Queen Mary, who, in 1934, launched the first Queen Mary liner and so became the first reigning Queen ever to launch a merchant ship.

Since then, several other Cunard liners have also been launched by the Royal Family. In 1938, The Queen Mother launched her namesake, Queen Elizabeth while The Queen launched the QE2 in 1967.

	The Duke of Edinburgh tours the Queen Mary 2 and inspects the bridge
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Plans to build the ship were first unveiled nearly six years ago, and the first sheet of steel was cut in January 2002. At an estimated cost of nearly $800 million, the ship is 1,132 feet in length, and nearly 240 feet tall, weighing approximately 150,000 tonnes. It can carry 2,620 passengers, supported by 1,253 crew. These will be powered through the Atlantic at a speed of 30 knots, or nearly 35 mph. This year alone, it is estimated that the QM2 will cross the Atlantic no fewer than 14 times.

The ship is well equipped for long distance travel. There is a gym, a planetarium, exhibition spaces, a basketball court, virtual golf and cinemas. There is a casino, plentiful bars and restaurants and even a theatre. At 113 feet longer than the original Queen Mary and with a length equivalent to 41 double decker buses, there is certainly plenty of space to fill!

	The Duke of Edinburgh is escorted through the luxury liner during his tour of the ship officially named by The Queen
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The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh spent nearly two hours on board the liner undertaking separate tours. The Queen was shown to the Royal Court Theatre and the library, before touring the bridge and meeting those involved with the building and design process.

The Duke of Edinbugh was shown the wine bar, chart room and engine room before seeing the hospital facilities on board and meeting medical staff. His Royal Highness then toured the bridge  before signing the visitors' book.

	The Queen officially names the Queen Mary 2 during a ceremony in Southampton
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After touring the facilities on board the new liner, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh proceeded to the aptly-described 'Naming Auditorium' where The Queen, with the massive liner in the background, declared:

"I name this Ship Queen Mary 2. May God bless her and all who sail in her."

The liner's will leave Southampton on her maiden voyage on 12 January 2004, bound for Fort Lauderdale.