GREENOCK welcomed a floating palace as the £500 million Queen Victoria docked at Ocean Terminal.

Cunard’s majestic vessel elegantly glided into the Ocean Terminal yesterday morning, with excited locals lining the Esplanade to photograph the new arrival.

Queen Victoria and her 2,014 passengers were the latest visitors to be given a warm Inverclyde welcome.

While passengers explored Greenock, our reporter Rosemary Lowne and photographer Sheenagh Cameron were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the opulent vessel, which was built seven years ago in Italy.

The tour started in the plush grand lobby which boasts majestic marble floors, sweeping staircases and live music from a harpist and pianist to keep passengers entertained.

The breathtaking Queen’s Ballroom, where afternoon tea is served up by staff wearing white gloves, also enjoyed the wow factor.

This extravagant room is where passengers can enjoy elegant balls and the captain’s cocktail parties at night.

The ship is also home to the beautiful three-tier Royal Court Theatre where up to 800 people are treated to top shows and entertainment.

Outside on the top deck, we watched as passengers admitted the picturesque views of Greenock and the surrounding hills, with passenger remarking on the striking former Glebe sugar refinery building which was visible from the ship.

As well as fabulous views, the top deck is where people can enjoy a dip in one of the luxury open-air swimming pools.

Back inside, we were given a glimpse of the state-of-the-art spa which boasts a special hydro pool, while the Queen Victoria also has the plethora of lively lounges, bars and fine dining that one would expect from a £500m vessel.

Friendly waiter Nicolas Biccay took time out of his busy day to show us around the Britannia restaurant where most of the mouthwatering cuisine is prepared and served.

Our tour came to an end with a look around the elegant wood-panelled library, where guests sat relaxing and reading a favourite books.

Back on dry land, there was clearly a buzz around the terminal as French super yacht Le Boreal also docked for the day, before leaving for Iona.