QE2 goes "home" to Liverpool - 24 July 1990

[Michael Gallagher]

The first time a Cunard Queen had gone 'home' - 24 July 1990. The first time I set eyes on her. And the firework display remains the most fantastic I have ever seen...

[Peter Mugridge]

First picture - the photographer has managed to capture the rainbow effect in the spray from the fireboat. 

[Lynda Bradford]

Brilliant set of photos that capture the occasion.

[cunardqueen]

  The first time a Cunard Queen had gone 'home' - 24 July 1990. The first time I set eyes on her.   

Guess she made a lasting impression...
Thanks for sharing the impressive photos.

[Twynkle]

Hello Michael

The first time a Cunard Queen had gone 'home' - 24 July 1990. The first time I set eyes on her. And the firework display remains the most fantastic I have ever seen...

This is interesting, and evocative!
Didn't Queen Mary, or Queen Elizabeth , or Berengaria even -ever sail from Liverpool?
Also - whereabouts were you when you first saw QE2?  She must have looked amazing from the other side of the river.
Those pier head buildings make a superb back drop to the fireworks - and although I miss it still ('56 it went!) - if the railway had still be there, the view wouldn't have been as good.
All your Liverpool images are absolutely wonderful - thanks so much for them.

[June Ingram]

Thank you very much, Michael, for these wonderful photos of our QE2 !  What a wonderful memory for your first view of her.  Those who set eyes on our beloved QE2 are smitten and remain so !   

[Louis De Sousa]

I was onboard on this day a memorable day indeed.This was my 3rd on QE2 sadly still had no camera then.

[Louis De Sousa]

Today back in 1990 what a day it was ,mostly likely the most memorable day of my time onboard

[Andy Holloway]

Visiting Liverpool on QE2 was one of the standout port calls of my time onboard.

The sheer numbers who wanted to come onboard as guests of passengers made it impossible to allow any passenger visitors whatsoever, and even crew were limited in numbers.

But the most memorable thing was seeing people stood, knee deep in water, as we sailed out of the Mersey just to be able to get a photo that couple of metres closer, just amazing.

[Rod]

I wish I had been there! After 3 years of college in Liverpool, I have kind of an affinity for the place and people! And pubs...of course!

[southfielddane]

Note:  YouTube video link no working

[Rob Lightbody]

That's FANTASTIC and I don't think I've seen it before.  It really captures the place QE2 had in the world back then, but especially here in the UK.  And that was the day after crossing the atlantic at an average of over 30 knots (the last time that will ever happen maybe?).

The fact that she was able to draw huge crowds again 18 years later when she called for the last time says it all really- despite the fact that she was no longer anything like the biggest, she still had it.

The next day, I high-tailed it from the Scottish Highlands with my Dad, to see QE2 for the first time in 3 years since I'd had my mind-blowing 3 day trip on her in the North sea.  That day in Greenock is covered elsewhere here, but maybe we can say that 1990, and Cunard's 150, was a real high-point of QE2's career.

[Twynkle]

This is one of the best Treats!
Thank you so much for showing us this absolutely wonderful film.

A lovely surprise - It brings back so much in the way of memories - even the smell of the River;
and to hear Captain Woodall, as well as Captain Arnott speaking with the most sincere pride in their great ship.
This, talking about QE2 - It is exactly is what this place (website) should be kept for!
A great ship, and one that should never be forgotten.

Arranging the day - it would be so interesting to know much more about all the work which Cunard, and in particular the shore-side offices including planning, public relations, liason and organising the event -  this must have been Huge!
Was this day the one that set the pattern for those that followed?

[Lynda Bradford]

Fantastic treat to see this film footage of QE2 in Liverpool.  Good that the production team took time to interview a range of people, Captain Robin Woodall, Bob Arnott, entertainer Paul Daniels, Chief Engineer, Steve Hare, Hotel Manager John Duffy, John Sawyer and passengers onboard the ship. 

The video really captures the excitement on the day.

[pete cain]

      QE2 doin her stuff , Brilliant