Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner ever built, celebrated its fifth birthday and will mark the occasion with Cruise going round the UK this October 2009.

Since the ship was officially named by the Queen in January 2004 before its inaugural sailing on the 12th of that month, it has sailed 750,000 nautical miles, including 104 Atlantic crossings.

The UK “lap of honour” will depart from Southampton on October 10 and will feature maiden calls in Greenock and Liverpool – ports that have close historical ties with Cunard.

Carol Marlow, Cunard president and managing director, said: “We are very proud of our flagship and her achievements since she entered service and this is an important anniversary.”