A SOUTHAMPTON cruise ship has made quite the entrance to its latest port.

The Queen Elizabeth sailed into Sydney Harbour displaying a massive 'Happy Mardi Gras' banner from her top decks to pay tribute to the international festival.

Stretching 126-metres long, the cape was part of the outfit of dancer and performer Vanity Faire, who was positioned on top of the Cunard luxury liner on a glitzy 2.2-metre high stiletto.