RAIN will not dampen celebrations surrounding the world's largest cruise ship Independence of the Seas in Southampton today.

A fireworks display will take place at 8pm as part of seven days of star-studded inaugural events linked to Royal Caribbean International's £300m megaship including a performance yesterday by pop band Scouting for Girls.

Celebrities expected to visit the ship during the week include comedians Nick Hancock, Norman Pace and Jimmy Tarbuck and sporting superstars Sir Steve Redgrave, the five-time Olympic gold medallist, and former athlete Steve Cram are also expected on board.

People who want to get the best view of the fireworks should head for Mayflower Park in Southampton or along the Waterside at Hythe and Marchwood.

Mayflower Park has been transformed for a weekend-long Caribbean Festival with organisers even importing tons of sand to create a temporary beach from where visitors have a grandstand view of the ship.

Independence of the Seas will be officially named in a ceremony in front of hundreds of guests in the ship's West End-style Alambrah Theatre on Wednesday.

The largest cruise ship ever to operate from the UK, Independence of the Seas is spending the next six months based in the city, taking passengers to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and Ireland.

It is expected that she will leave Southampton for a short two-night voyage at about 6pm tomorrow and again on Wednesday at the same time.

She will leave on her maiden voyage on Friday, May 2.

Send your pictures of the fireworks display to picdesk@dailyecho.co.uk.