The commodore who confesses to be a Leeds United supporter, was relaxed about the effect of QM2’s visit on passengers’ possible allegiances regarding the Liverpool - Lyon match played last night.

“We do have some Liverpool football supporters on board, but they are on Cunard and so, naturally, are sophisticated supporters,” said Commodore Warner.

“We’ve got a tremendous atmosphere on board because our guests knew we were coming to Liverpool.”

There were a few LFC strips being dangled from balconies and one big banner across the rails, but otherwise the football branding was discreet.

The Cruise Terminal’s loudspeakers blaring out You’ll Never Walk Alone was balanced by loud renditions of Johnny Todd for Evertonians.

Peter Shanks, Cunard Line president and managing director, said: “It was fabulous to be up on QM2’s bridge and see the Cunard flag flying from the Cunard Building. I couldn’t believe how many people were watching us come in. We’ve taken QM2 on a lap of honour around Britain.

“There has been a sense of excitement on board as we approached Liverpool, which is the highlight of our trip.

“But it’s particularly emotional coming into Liverpool, as Cunard was founded here 170 years ago. There is a mutual respect between Cunard and Liverpool.”

At the Cruise Terminal, Liverpool City Council leader Cllr Warren Bradley said: “This plaque for QM2 cements our relationship with Cunard and confirms we’re open for cruise business.It proves that we can bring the biggest and best ocean liner in the world to Liverpool. Not long ago, this cruise liner terminal was just a dream. Today shows what we have achieved in just a couple of years.”

Cllr Gary Millar, Liverpool’s executive member for enterprise and tourism, added: “A visit like this by the world’s premier ocean liner is a chance to showcase the city.

“It is very important, not only of prestige but economics to the city.

“This is about real money being invested in the city. Cruising is a business we can build on and expand.”

Onlookers at last night’s farewell fireworks spectacular were full of praise for the vessel.

Fred Doyle, 57, from West Derby, said: "It's spectacular and great for the city. This is her spiritual home, where the Cunard line was based."

Susan Doyle, 53, added: "We love boats and we just had to see it, but it's exceeded our expectations. It was so lovely to see everyone waving. And the fireworks were excellent."

Cunard’s Queen Victoria will also visit Liverpool on her 2010 round- Britain cruise.