Queen Victoria News | The Mail Buoy

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We’ve got a few pieces of news about Queen Victoria. First up – Queen Victoria will offer fencing at sea!

In a move that underscores Cunard’s tradition of British heritage and ongoing attention to historical detail, the Line will introduce the sport of fencing – a favorite pastime of Prince Albert, husband and consort of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. To craft the program, which is another cruise industry first, Cunard turned to Leon Paul Fencing Equipment, the British company whose name has been synonymous with fencing for nearly a century. Run by and for competitive fencers, members of the Leon Paul family have competed in 20 Olympic Games and 30 World Championships, winning 25 national titles.

Cunard guests will have an opportunity to learn fencing basics or fine-tune their fencing skills with a fully certified instructor using equipment identical to that used by world champions. The fencing program can accommodate up to 10 aspiring or accomplished fencers at a time for foil fencing, the preferred method for elementary fencing classes due to the flexible and lightweight blade and blunted tip. Fencing instruction for guests aged 16 and up will be provided daily by a fully certified fencing instructor.

In addition today will mark a milestone in the new ship’s career. In a ceremony at Fincantierri’s Marghera yard Queen Victoria will be officially turned over to Cunard Line. Expected to be in attendance are the Italian Prime Minister, British Under Secretary of State, and the band of Scots Guards in addition to the usual VIPs from Cunard and Fincantierri.