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Hello and Goodbye to the QE2
The great Cunard vessel appeared in the Mersey estuary and despite the bitter winds, thousands of people lined the Pier Head to get a final glimpse of the QE2 and offer a warm welcome to the most famous liner in the world on her final ever visit to Liverpool.
In the afternoon more than 2,000 people filled Liverpool Cathedral to enjoy a farewell concert. A service of songs and speeches commemorated the ships 9th and final visit to Liverpool, before she sails to Dubai to become a floating hotel at the end of November.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool Steve Rotheram spoke of the impact the Cunard line had on the city: "This is a celebration of the life of the most famous ship in the world, a ship that was conceived and designed here in Liverpool."
Passengers thoroughly enjoyed their trip to Liverpool and on returning to the Cruise Terminal completed small cards with the following comments:
"Thank you Liverpool, you have done yourself proud. I will remember this visit for a very long time"
"What a wonderful welcome for the QE2. Typical Liverpool hospitality"
"Once again, cold outside but warm inside because of the people"
"Way to go Liverpool. What an amazing city!!"
"Our first visit but we will be back. Everybody was so friendly and helpful. Wonderful buildings and a fantastic experience at the Cathedral"
"Our visit could not have been better, not just the scenery but the people of Liverpool are every bit as good."
"A tremendous farewell from Liverpool, could not be done better anywhere"
Just before QE2's departure at 2200 a fantastic mid-river firework display marked the city's final farewell, with thousands more spectators lining Wirral and Liverpool waterfronts.
Although the QE2 will not pass this way again, the cruise liner Queen Mary 2 arrives in Liverpool in October next year.