She's here. The world’s latest cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas, emerged from the autumnal mist in the Solent to arrive in Southampton looking like a space ship arriving from another dimension.

The effect was made complete by the Royal Caribbean ship’s most striking new feature, the thirty-storey high North Star, which could be seen from miles around as it hovered above the giant vessel.

Quantum of the Seas, the first of a new class of ship for Royal Caribbean International, arrived at the start of a five-day visit to the port, her first destination since being completed in Germany.

Hailed as the first-ever ‘smartship’ and most technologically advanced cruise ship in the world, Royal Caribbean developed the ship with the aim of setting new standards in cruising innovation and capitalising on increasing passenger numbers in the UK and Ireland.

Travelling from the United States to greet the ship was the comapny’s president and CEO Richard Fain, who was one of the first to be allowed to journey in the North Star attraction following the completion of safety trials during the voyage to Hampshire.

“It was a truly amazing experience,” he told the Daily Echo last night. “Soaring above the sea, 30 storeys high and watching the sunset was tremendous.”

Of all the new developments on board Quantum of the Seas, Richard said the North Star and the SeaPlex entertainment centre were the most awe-inspiring.

“But I am most proud of the crew who are just amazing and appear to have all grown at least two inches since they came on board.”

Referring to Quantum’s sister ship Anthem of the Seas, which will arrive in Southampton in the spring to be based in the Hampshire port, Richard said the connections through both new ships to the port showed how much the links were valued by Royal Caribbean.

“Southampton is by far the most important port for us in Europe and we are delighted to be bringing Quantum here for her first visit anywhere and then basing Anthem here from early next year.”

Royal Caribbean is convinced Quantum of the Seas takes the guest experience to a new level with never seen before technology offering super-fast bandwidth to keep guests connected wherever the ship is sailing. New boarding process technology means that guests will go from checking in to chilling out in ten minutes and a series of other world firsts, such as robotic bartenders and digital shows on Roboscreens, are expected to keep guests on the edge of their seats.

Anthem of the Seas will be docked at its home port of Southampton in the UK in April 2015. Over 80,000 people are anticipated to holiday on Anthem of the Seas during its inaugural season, delivering around £50 million in add-on economic impacts to Southampton and the surrounding area.

Stuart Leven, managing director at Royal Caribbean International, said: “The UK is a critical market for Royal Caribbean – our second-largest globally – and Quantum of the Seas’ showcase here is a strategic decision, demonstrating our recognition and belief in the potential of this territory and the port of Southampton.

“With Quantum of the Seas, we’re 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 onboard 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.”

The Quantum Class spans 18 decks, encompasses 167,800 gross registered tonnes, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,090 state rooms.

Quantum of the Seas will sail out of New York Harbour from her home port of Cape Liberty for her inaugural season before departing to her new home port of Shanghai (Baoshan), China.

Quantum of the Seas will leave for New York on Monday.