Queen Mary 2, the largest ocean liner ever built, is currently docked in Liverpool.
The 149,000-tonne vessel – the largest ocean liner ever built – will be on full view today while moored at the city's cruise liner terminal .
During the ship's historic call to Liverpool 300 passengers will join her as part of a transatlantic voyage to New York via Reykjavik and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
There will be a host of sail away celebrations from 7pm tonight, including a spectacular quayside concert featuring local spoken word artist Lynsey Price, Liverpool's very own Town Crier, and a programme of live entertainment.
The free family fun event bidding QM2 a fond farewell can be enjoyed from Princes Parade, with a colourful confetti show to signal the ship's departure at 8pm.
Liverpool City Council deputy mayor and cabinet member for tourism, Cllr Wendy Simon, said: "We think this is a real homecoming for the Queen Mary 2 and we are delighted to have this magnificent ship back in our city.
"Attracting liners of this calibre to Liverpool is really helping to cement our status as a global city and travel destination.
"It is only fitting that the city that was the birthplace of passenger cruising continues to lead the way by welcoming the world's top ships."
Angus Struthers, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Cunard said: "Given our historic ties with the city, we are delighted to return to Liverpool, the spiritual home of Cunard.
"As with this special voyage, when the opportunity arises, we're always keen to tailor our itineraries to meet local desire for local departures, especially on the iconic Transatlantic route sailing to New York."
QM2 was last seen in its spiritual home in 2015 when 800,000 people came to see her and her sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth for Cunard's 175th anniversary celebrations.
Since that time QM2 has had a full re-fit and boasts 10 dining options on board, four swimming pools, a theatre and the first planetarium at sea.
This year will see 86 ships carrying 165,000 passengers and crew members arrive in Liverpool.
At the halfway point of this 2019 season, the terminal has so far welcomed 37 ships, 55,000 passengers and 25,000 crew members. There have been seven new ships visiting Merseyside for the first time and two new cruise lines have chosen the terminal for future visits.
