Hundreds of well-wishers lined the banks of the River Mersey as the Cunard vessel docked at Liverpool's Pier Head.

The city was for many years home to the headquarters of the Cunard Line.

Cunard president Carol Marlow said: "QE2 was conceived and developed in Liverpool, within the walls of the magnificent Cunard Building on the Pier Head, so it's true to say this great city and the most famous ship in the world have a very close bond.

"The QE2's welcome when she has visited Liverpool has been legendary and this final call will be no exception."

After leaving Liverpool on Friday night, the QE2 will head to Greenock, Belfast and Edinburgh before arriving in her home port of Southampton.

On November 11, her last day in the UK, the Duke of Edinburgh will lead the farewell festivities. At 7.15pm the QE2 will depart for Dubai where she will become a luxury hotel and entertainment centre.

She was built by the John Brown shipyard on Clydebank in Scotland and was officially launched by the Queen in 1967.

Since then QE2 has travelled almost 5.9 million nautical miles, more than any other ship, and has carried 2.5 million guests. She has completed 25 world cruises and has crossed the Atlantic 804 times.