THE North East has welcomed its very own queen as a luxury cruise liner has docked up - and it is dominating the skyline.

The elegant Queen Victoria ship was pictured on Tuesday (April 19) after undergoing a mammoth voyage from Barbados.

Operated by Cunard, the ship can see voyages costing thousands of pounds per person with exclusive suites spanning five-figure sums for just a few nights.

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With the capacity to hold 2,061 passengers, a further 980 crew work round the clock to keep the ship running and its guests happy.

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

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 arrived just over a week ago, crowds gathered to watch as the ship meandered the River Tyne and into the Port of Tyne cruise terminal in North Shields.

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

Read more: Costa, Cunard and Aida ships among many calling in a Port of Tyne in 2022

The ship is expected to depart on Sunday, April 24 before undertaking a voyage from Southampton on April 27.

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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