THE most famous cruise ship in the world said goodbye to the North-East last night – but not for the last time.
Having been delayed by the weather by two hours on her arrival, there were no problems for the QE2 on her way out, setting sail from the Tyne on schedule at 6pm.
And after thousands enjoyed the chance to see the liner for the last time, organisers hailed the event a massive success yesterday, as they enjoyed a special lunch onboard.
The QE2 will become a luxury hotel in Dubai next year, but before sailing to the Middle East she is due back in the North-East on October 8 next year on her final tour of the UK. Andrew Dixon, chief executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative, which organised the visit, said: “We were delighted with the reaction from the crowds and the turn out from the local people – it was a great success.
“The captain spoke today of what a warm welcome he received and crew members and passengers were really taken with the North-East. The entire experience was fantastic.”
The QE2 docked at the Tyne Commission Quay, North Shields after 7pm on Sunday after circling for two hours before it was deemed safe to sail in.
Yesterday, Mr Dixon joined a party of around 200 guests on the luxury liner for lunch and they mingled with celebrity guests such as Jimmy Saville and Carol Thatcher.
Mr Dixon said: “Being on the ship today, it struck me how many historical connections there are between Cunard and the Tyne.
“It was also great to see the QE2 moored up in such a fantastic location. The North-East was being shown off in its best light.
“The most significant thing about it, though, is that the Tyne has become a major cruise destination. More than 20 ships have been here this year and we have identified the North as top cruise destination.”
This weekend’s celebrations included fireworks and a specially composed piece of music which was played as the QE2 entered the quay – finally. Frank Wilson, of Event International, who organised the welcome, said: “Those people who waited it out enjoyed a really great event.”
