Quantum of the Seas arrives in Southampton

The Quantum of the Seas is docked at the city's port shortly after 5pm to be showcased for the first time anywhere in the world.

Celebrations to welcome the 167,800-ton, 4,180 passenger cruise liner are underway.

The colossal 'smart-ship' is one of the most innovative in the world, boasting robot bartenders, a skydiving simulator, the first dodgem ride at sea and a distinctive North Star pod riding above its 16 decks.

Royal Caribbean International has developed the ship with the aim of setting new standards in cruising innovation and capitalising on increasing passenger numbers in the UK and Ireland.

Technology starts from the moment guests arrive, with a high-speed boarding process enabling guests to go from checking in to chilling out within ten minutes.

It boasts the first bar in the world where guests can order drinks via computer tablets, then watch the automated bartenders mix and deliver their cocktails of choice.

Onboard entertainment includes SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating while the North Star pod transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey above the decks.

There will be digital shows running on Roboscreens to keep guests on the edge of their seats and ease them into a visual and experiential journey of music, sound and performance.

Entertainment includes stage shows at its Broadway at Sea venue, performances in its Royal Theatre and concerts at its Music Hall.

Meanwhile 'dynamic dining' allows passengers to chose from numerous onboard restaurants.

They include the first ever Jamie's Italian restaurant at sea and 17 other restaurants with dishes from around the globe.

There are 2,090 staterooms on board with some rooms featuring virtual balconies.

The vessel will stay for a five-day visit before crossing the Atlantic to USA.

She will sail out of New York Harbour from her homeport of Cape Liberty for her inaugural season, before departing to her new homeport of Shanghai.

Royal Caribbean managing director Stuart Leven put the company's decision to showcase the ship in the city is down due to the UK being the firm's “critical market”.

He said: “With Quantum of the Seas we are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We're hoping to impress our repeat cruisers with the stunning digital technology we've incorporated across all of its on board spaces, but we are also aiming to deliver a total redefinition of the concept of a Royal Caribbean holiday in the minds of “new to cruise” consumers.

“We're poised and ready for yet more growth in the UK and Ireland with more cruises from Southampton - and we want to be the business that leads the on-going appeal of cruising.”

It is the second of two visits to the port of state-of-the-art Royal Caribbean vessels following the Oasis of the Seas visiting the port earlier this month.

Athem of the Seas will dock at the city's port in April with over 80,000 people anticipated to holiday on Anthem of the Seas during its inaugural season, benefiting the city an estimated £50million.