A NEW award-winning cruise ship is set to homeport in Southampton for the first time.

Celebrity Cruises has announced that the second ship in the Celebrity Apex line will replace the recently-revitalised Celebrity Silhouette.

It hopes to open a new way for British guests to explore Europe in style.

The ship will homeport in Southampton, UK, for its entire 2024 season.

With four-to-13-night sailings from May to November 2024, travellers can delight in the beauty and culture of awe-inspiring Europe, whether for a short multi-city break or an extended adventure at sea.

Brand new for the line from the UK, Celebrity Apex will head to the peak of Europe on a 12-night Norwegian Fjords and Arctic Circle cruise.

A new addition to Celebrity’s itineraries from Southampton includes the island of Ibiza, boasting an eclectic landscape of traditional and modern culture, a vibrant culinary scene and mesmerizing beaches.

Lisa Lutoff Perlo, president and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, said: "This truly is an exciting moment for us. Having one of our award-winning Edge Series ships sailing from Southampton will offer an experience like no other from the UK, connecting guests to the world around them through the innovative outward-facing design and visionary spaces these celebrated ships are known for.

"Celebrity Cruises continues to redefine cruising, taking our guests to the world’s best places on the world’s best places.”

Celebrity Cruises vice president and managing director of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Jo Rzymowska, added: “The UK has always been integral to the success of our brand, and homeporting Celebrity Apex from Southampton underlines our commitment to this market and is testament to the strength of local consumer demand, supported by our formidable travel partners.

"There is huge appetite from UK guests who share our curiosity for people, places and cultures, and our passion for opening up the world through a love of travel. I’m looking forward to welcoming even more of our guests on board Celebrity Apex when she raises the bar for cruising from Southampton in 2024.”

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