THE arrival of the P&O Azura last month sparked huge interest from far and wide as many took to the banks of the Tyne to see it for themselves.
The enormous ship, which weighs 115,055 tonnes, is currently berthed at the Port of Tyne while it undergoes essential maintenance.
But the only cruise ship terminal in the North-East, the Port of Tyne has welcomed an array of vessels over the years.
From one of the most luxurious ships in the world, to a ship that is the largest in its fleet, we've been fortunate to catch a glimpse of them right on our doorstep.
So we've taken a look back at some of the biggest ever to arrive in the region in recent years.
1. Queen Victoria, Cunard
Towards the end of 2019, the luxurious Queen Victoria carrying more than 2,000 passengers made its grand arrival at the Port of Tyne.
The ship had made its maiden stop in the region while on a 12-night tour of the British Isles.
The transatlantic ocean liner weights just under 91,000 tonnes and is the among four ships in Cunard's fleet.
The 294m long ship, which was launched in 2007, can also accommodate up to 981 crew members and 2,081 passengers.
2. Koningsdam, Holland American Line
The colossal Koningsdam arrived in August 2016 - marking the biggest ever cruise ship to grace the River Tyne.
Operated by Holland America Line, the 99,500 tonne liner can accommodate up to 2,650 passengers and 1,036 crew.
It had only been launched just a few months before, in April.
As it docked, coaches were prepped to take passengers on excursions to Alnwick Gardens, Hadrian's Wall, Durham Cathedral and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.
3. Azura, P&O Cruises
As previously mentioned, the P&O Cruises Azura is currently docked at the Port of Tyne where it is undergoing essential maintenance.
The ship arrived on January 15, 2021, after P&O confirmed its home port of Southampton did not have the capacity to hold its ships during the pandemic.
It can accommodate up to 3,100 passengers and 1250 crew members, has continued to impress passers-by as it towers above the North and South Tyneside skyline.
It is not yet known when the ship will depart as uncertainty remains over when the tourism sector will resume.
4. MSC Magnifica
The MSC Magnifica arrived in August 2013 carrying almost 3,500 passengers and crew members, during a cruise around the British Isles.
The 95,128 tonne ship was launched in 2009 and was at the time the largest cruise ship to visit the Port of Tyne.
5. Queen Elizabeth 2, Cunard
The smallest on our list, but by far the most well-known amongst all, the Queen Elizabeth 2 on her arrival in October 2008.
Weighing in at around 70,000 tonnes at the time, the ship was the most luxurious afloat and served a rich history with Cunard for four decades.
The grand vessel, which was launched in 1967, made a number of visits to the North-East during its time in service.
It was transformed into a luxury floating hotel on the Palm Jumeriah development in Dubai, where it remains to this day.
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