It's been a sight to stir the hearts of young and old, Cunard's Queen Victoria cruise ship. It arrived on the River Tyne on April 10 and stirred memories of the area's industrial past when impressive ships were a common sight on the river.
So when the liner arrived in port that Sunday morning it was no surprise crowds of people turned out along the river banks to see her cruise past. And if you want to bid it a fond farewell you better go back this afternoon.
The ship's estimated departure time from Northumbrian Quay is listed on the Port of Tyne website now as 4pm today. After returning from a winter in Barbados, the luxury ship will see out on its first voyage from Southampton on April 27.
Read more: See on board magnificent cruise ship Cunard Queen Victoria as it sails into the Port of Tyne
Marking her return to sailing for the first time in Cunard's 2021/22 itinerary, the Queen Victoria will sail with three new roundtrip itineraries from Southampton visiting 11 countries.
The 294m long liner is capable of carrying more than 2,000 passengers as well as 980 crew members.
On board, passengers can access a full theatre, a ballroom, a traditional pub, a champagne bar and a club with a 270-degree view of the sea. There is also a spa and gym, a pool, a large sunning area and an incredible 6,000-book library.
After it sets sail this afternoon, ship watchers can enjoy a view of her leaving from the Royal Quays Marina, in North Shields, or see her sail out of the mouth of the Tyne into open waters from Tynemouth or South Shields.
It was in 2019, the Queen Victoria made her first visit to the Port of Tyne as part of a 12-night voyage around the British Isles. She was greeted by a Northumbrian piper in celebration of her maiden call at the port.
This vessel's sister ship, The Queen Elizabeth, sailed into port in October last year, with people once again turning out to watch it sail past.
On May 15 the Queen Victoria will set out on its Western Europe tour, featuring an overnight call in Lisbon and a stop at Vigo, on the North West coast of Spain.
Meanwhile, her sister ships, the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth, will also be sailing to destinations across Europe, America and the Caribbean.
There's more information at https://www.cunard.com/en-gb/overseas-escapes
