When Her Majesty The Queen named Cunard’s new Queen Elizabeth during a spectacular ceremony in Southampton on 11 October 2010 she opened not only a new chapter in the history of Cunard but a new chapter in the history of Cunard Queen Elizabeths – perhaps the most significant ship name in the company’s history.

Queen Elizabeth officially entered service on October 12 2010, and since then the third ship to bear this proud name has sailed 124,375 nautical miles. Her first year has also seen her carry 52,600 guests, many of who have travelled several times with the ship already on 28 voyages to 107 different ports.

She has transited both the Suez and Panama Canals, undertaken one World Voyage and 600 of her 1,000 crew currently onboard were part of the delivery team. Queen Elizabeth will spend October 11 at sea and a celebratory dinner will be held on board.

The naming by The Queen was even more significant as Her Majesty was the only person able to claim presence at the launch of all three Elizabeths.

She accompanied her mother, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, to the launch of the first Queen Elizabeth in 1938 and The Queen launched QE2 in 1967.

Queen Elizabeth has also become one of the most celebrated ships to be introduced in recent years and has quickly established herself in the Cunard fleet continuing in style the line’s traditions established more than 170 years ago.

“Who could forget the magnificent spectacle in Southampton last year when The Queen graciously named our new liner – the second largest Cunarder ever built? A truly memorable occasion for all of us at Cunard and around the world, and one still talked about today,” said Peter Shanks, president, Cunard Line.

“Queen Elizabeth has established herself as a firm favourite and I am very proud of both the ship and her crew,” Shanks added.