CROWDS are expected to gather on the banks of the River Tyne this evening as they wave goodbye to a luxury liner.

Hundreds will wave farewell to the Queen Victoria when she departs the Port of Tyne Cruise Terminal in North Shields at 4pm today (April 24).

Operated by Cunard, the ship has been docked in the region for the past two weeks where she is believed to have undergone routine maintenance.

Read more: Luxury cruise ship arrives in the North East and dominates the skyline

The huge ship, which can hold 2,061 passengers and a further 980 crew, sees voyages costing thousands of pounds with exclusive suites spanning five-figure sums.

The Northern Echo: MS Queen Victoria cruise ship, operated by Cunard Line, is moored at the Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, after returning from Barbados Picture: PAMS Queen Victoria cruise ship, operated by Cunard Line, is moored at the Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, after returning from Barbados Picture: PA

As it first earlier this month, crowds gathered to watch as the ship meandered the River Tyne and into the cruise terminal.

In recent days, dozens have taken pictures of the enormous ship and flooded social media with pictures showing it dominating the skyline.

Some have even made their way from right across the North East just to catch a glimpse of the ship.

According to reports, the Queen Victoria had been moored up in Barbados to accommodate cruise passengers who tested positive for Covid.

The ship is expected sail from the region and undertake a voyage to Southampton, ready for passenger service on April 27.

The Northern Echo: MS Queen Victoria cruise ship, operated by Cunard Line, is moored at the Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, after returning from Barbados Picture: PAMS Queen Victoria cruise ship, operated by Cunard Line, is moored at the Royal Quays Marina in North Shields, after returning from Barbados Picture: PA

But this is not the first time the 90,049 tonne ship has paid a visit to the region.

In recent years, the queen has paid fleeting visits on a number of occasions, prompting much delight among onlookers.

The Queen Victoria made a stop in 2019 along with 2,000 passengers while on a whistlestop tour of the British Isles.

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