Text is ©TheQE2Story and Michael Gallagher and not to be reproduced without permission
On 27 July 1990 QE2 arrived and anchored in her allocated position. Shortly afterwards she was joined by the Cunarders Vistafjord and Atlantic Conveyor which both also took up their designated positions. The three vessels were joined by dozens of private yachts, motor boats and excursion vessels all keen to take part in the planned Royal review of Cunard and Royal Navy ships at Spithead by HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh on board Royal Yacht Britannia.
The Royal Yacht left Portsmouth, led by the Trinity House vessel Patricia and followed by HMS Broadsword, at 0925 hours and passed the portsides of the anchored Cunarders. QE2 and Vistafjord passengers lined the boat decks and cheered as the Britannia passed. A Concorde, a 767 and 747 then made a flypast in salute before Britannia anchored and a second flypast, consisting of a Sea King, Lynx and Dauphin helicopters and a Harrier jump jet, took place.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh then transferred to QE2 by Royal Barge. Receptions were held in the Queens Room and Grand Lounge, with The Queen unveiling a plaque in the latter, prior to lunch. The assembled ships dispersed and QE2 left her anchorage at 1345 hours and proceeded to her berth in Southampton. This was the first time The Queen had sailed on the ship she had launched 23 years earlier. As QE2 was berthing the royal party were on the Bridge where they were introduced to Captain Warwick. QE2 berthed ahead of the Vistafjord and later that evening both ships were serenaded with a firework finale.
