GREENOCK welcomed a floating palace this morning - when the Queen Victoria docked at Ocean Terminal for the first time.

Cunard's majestic vessel is making her debut call but her visit also means that the line's long-running and rich historic links with the River Clyde continue to be celebrated.

The last Cunard ship to visit Greenock was the towering Queen Mary 2 last year - and the world-famous QE2 made two memorable calls, in 2007 and 2008, back to home waters before she left service.

Queen Victoria and her passengers are the latest visitors to enjoy the warm Inverclyde welcome, which has thrilled thousands of tourists who have already sailed into port this year.

They were met by representatives from the Inverclyde Tourist Group who pointed them in the right direction for the day ashore.

The opulent ship boasts stylish accommodation, fine dining, a host of elegant entertainment suites and a plethora of lively lounges and bars.

Queen Victoria is the second largest Cunarder ever built and she joined the fleet almost three years ago.

The ship, Cunard's newest, has been specially designed to uphold the fleet's world-renowned heritage and tradition.

She is fitted out with the very best of materials to ensure life in the lap of luxury on the ocean waves for around 2,000 guests.

Majestic marble, plush carpets, fancy fabrics and expensive wood finishes are the order of the day.

The ship offers a world of 'diversions and distractions' to keep everyone on board amused and relaxed as they smoothly sail the seas.

Its Queens and Princess Grill rooms are complemented by the swish Britannia Experience restaurant, while white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea.

There are also exclusive boutiques to browse, theatre shows to see, live music to enjoy and ballroom dances for those of fleet foot.

Queen Victoria is scheduled to set sail this evening at around 6pm to continue her British cruise.