In pictures: Queen Mary 2 leaves Liverpool

Night-time view of the ocean liner Queen Mary 2 on the river with the Liver building and Pier Head behind. About a dozen people can be seen in the foreground on the other side of the river taking pictures and watching.EPA

The stunning vessel set sail again on Friday night

Throngs of onlookers lined the Liverpool waterfront to watch the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner sail out of its "spiritual home" on Merseyside after a two-day stay during a national tour.

Cunard's flagship vessel's trip to the city marked the 185th anniversary of the firm's first transatlantic crossing, which departed in 1840.

The ocean liner set sail for Oban in western Scotland on Friday evening, when spectators said a fond farewell to the vessel from both sides of the River Mersey, with fireworks lighting up the skies.

It was the third and final visit to the city by Cunard this year following Queen Anne's calls in May and August.

You can read a few words from the captain here.

Pink fireworks fan out in front of the illuminated Pier Head buildings as the QM2 sails in front on the river. The liner has a black hull and a number of white storeys on the deck above.EPA

Fireworks and other special events celebrated the vessel's trip to Cunard's "spiritual home" in Liverpool

A daytime aerial view of the Queen Mary 2 ocean liner, with white decks and a blue and red hull, berthed on the River Mersey with three small green barges pushing against its port side. Buildings of Liverpool can be seen in the background.Liverpool Council

The QM2 is the last purpose-built ocean liner on the seas today

The number 185 is projected on to the white Cunard building next to the Liver building on the Pier Head. The liner sails in front with its front white deck illuminated by light.EPA

It is 185 years since Cunard's first transatlantic crossing from Liverpool

More than a dozen people stand and sit on the Wirral side as they watch the illuminated liner sail past on the river with Liverpool in the backgroundEPA

The 149,215 tonne vessel can accomodate 2,700 passengers and 1,500 crew members

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