Southampton will come into its own, when a total of six cruise ships line up along the city’s historic waterfront tomorrow.

By chance, as the docks prepare for one of the most hectic days of the year, a previously unseen photograph has emerged, which defines Southampton’s great tradition of ships and seafaring.

Over the centuries, it is this evocative combination, which has shaped Southampton in the past and present, and will continue to mould the port far into the 21st century.

Although the photograph is perhaps not the best ever taken of the two vessels, Queen Elizabeth 2, and Victoria, in Southampton, it captures a unique moment, not just in the city’s maritime history, but, also the nation’s former shipbuilding industry.

The rare photograph, from the private collection of shipping historian, Michael Gallagher, who is also a leading authority on the history of Cunard, was taken in September, 2002.

Michael said: “QE2 had just arrived in Southampton from New York, and during the crossing she had completed her five millionth mile, establishing a new world record, and, moored next to her is the former, P&O Cruises’ ship, Victoria.

“The photograph is remarkable, in that both ships were built at John Browns shipyard on the Clyde.

“QE2 was placed on the yard’s number four slipway, which had just been vacated, in 1965, by Victoria, although in those days she was called, Kungsholm, before becoming, Sea Princess, and then joining P&O Cruises.“ Another coincidence is that both ships are now in the Middle East; QE2 in Dubai and Victoria, now named, Mona Lisa, is an accommodation ship in Oman.’’ The ships arriving and departing from the port during Saturday will include, Celebrity Eclipse, Balmoral, Artania, Grand Princess, Crown Princess, and Ventura.