Huge crowds gathered north and south of the River Tyne on Sunday afternoon to watch the magnificent Cunard cruise ship Queen Victoria set sail.
The 294m long cruise liner was moored at Tyne Port for around two weeks while it underwent maintenance. At around 4 p.m. on April 24, the ship left port and sailed down the River Tyne as hundreds of people from North and South Tyneside watched.
Crew members stood on deck and waved to those who showed up to see him off. According to the Port of Tyne shipping schedule, the Queen Victoria is heading to Belfast, but it is understood the luxury vessel will make its maiden voyage from Southampton on April 27.
READ MORE: Find out on board the magnificent Cunard cruise ship Queen Victoria as it sails through Tyne Harbor
The ship, which had made it to North Shields after a winter in Barbados, was a striking site for crowds who gathered to watch it sail away. Capable of carrying over 2,000 passengers as well as 980 crew members, passengers on board can access a full theatre, ballroom, traditional pub, champagne bar and club with 270 degree views of the sea.
There is also a spa and gym, a swimming pool, a large solarium and an incredible library of 6,000 books.
According to Travel Weekly, the ship was used over the winter to accommodate cruise passengers in Barbados who tested positive for Covid-19, as they are not allowed to self-isolate at hotels on the island.
Passengers joining the Cunard Queen Victoria as it departs Southampton on its Baltic Explorer voyage next week will enjoy a 16-day cruise to Copenhagen, with fares from around £2,999 per person.
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What time will Cunard’s Queen Victoria cruise ship leave Tyne port on Sunday
Drone footage captures the Cunard cruise ship Queen Victoria sailing through Tyne Harbor