A cruise ship has departed on her first world voyage from Southampton.

New Cunard ship Queen Anne set sail from the city last night as spectators gathered to watch the spectacle.

The 3,000-passenger vessel will visit 30 ports across 18 countries on the 107-day itinerary.

New York will be the first port of call on January 17 following a transatlantic crossing.

Fireworks erupt in Southampton as Cunard’s Queen Anne and Queen Victoria prepare to set sail on their world voyagesFireworks erupt in Southampton as Cunard’s Queen Anne and Queen Victoria prepare to set sail on their world voyages (Image: Christopher Ison) The full world voyage also includes overnight stops in Honolulu, Sydney, and Singapore, with Queen Anne returning to the south coast on April 27.

The ship, which took to the seas in May of last year, is the 14th ship – and the largest – in Cunard’s history to undertake a full world voyage.

READ MORE: Gallery: Best photos from Cunard cruise ship firework display

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said: “This is a significant moment for Cunard as Queen Anne begins her maiden world voyage.

“It’s especially fitting that her first visit to the USA will be New York, a city that has long been at the heart of Cunard’s story.

“This voyage celebrates our heritage while offering guests the opportunity to explore the world in the style and luxury only Cunard can provide. Queen Anne truly reflects the evolution of our brand, and this journey will be an unforgettable experience for all on board.”

The departure was marked by a display of dazzling fireworks which illuminated the city’s port.

Over 107 nights, Queen Anne will call at 30 different ports across 18 countries.

This includes calls to Miami, San Francisco, the Panama Canal, Honolulu, Auckland, Sydney, Hong Kong and more.

Guests will also cross the International Date Line on February 12, experiencing ‘jumping through time’.