A FANTASTIC firework display lit up the skies above Southampton on Wednesday night as two cruise ships set sail for round-the-world voyages.

The dazzling display illuminating Southampton docks marked the departure of Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

It was also a celebration of the 100th anniversary of Cunard's first round-the-world voyage.

As part of its 102-night voyage, Queen Mary 2 will visit include Colombo, Singapore and Hong Kong, emulating RMS Samaria’s 1923 world sailing. 

The voyage also includes overnight stops in Dubai, Sydney and Cape Town as it travels from Southampton through Asia, Australia and South Africa.

Queen Victoria’s 101-night voyage will visit RMS Laconia’s 1922 ports calls with stops in Hong Kong, New York, Singapore, Cabo San Lucas, Colombo, San Francisco, Hilo, Honolulu, Manila and Naples as well visiting Aruba, Jordan, Tonga and a full transit of the Panama Canal.

Cunard says guests will enjoy a programme of events and parties, both ashore and on board, reflecting each region of the world visited. 

Jacqueline Lewis, a member of the Daily Echo's camera club, shared pictures of the moment Queen Mary 2 was leaving.

READ MORE: Seven cruse ships to make their Southampton debuts in 2023 

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