Cunard Line was recently named #1 among the top ten largest cruise lines in the new 2008 Berlitz Guide to Ocean Cruising & Cruise Ships, as well as receiving top honors for Best Overall Food and Best Overall Service in the independent guide, which was written by renowned cruise authority Douglas Ward, whose expertise spans 960 sailings and over 5,400 days at sea on virtually every cruise line in the world. Legendary Operator of Queen Mary 2, QE2 and the soon-to-launch Queen Victoria, is culminating a great year in their history with the launch of the Queen Victoria as well as announcing plans for a new Queen Elizabeth.

“It is especially gratifying to receive this recognition for our flagship Queen Mary 2 and beloved QE2 as we prepare to launch our newest ship, Queen Victoria in December of this year,” said Carol Marlow, Cunard’s president & managing director. “It is a very exciting time for Cunard, particularly with our recent announcement to build the new 2092-passenger Queen Elizabeth, which will debut in 2010.”

Douglas Ward, the world’s top authority on cruising and cruise ships, is president of the Maritime Evaluations Group, an independent international agency that rates cruise ships worldwide. With over 40 years of experience, he spends more than 250 days a year aboard cruise ships, inspecting and evaluating their facilities.

Cunard Line has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company’s first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star ServiceSM, fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.