THOUSANDS of passengers have arrived in Southampton today ahead of boarding new cruise ship Carnival Celebration.

Around 5,000 passengers will board the ship tonight bound for Miami in America.

READ MORE: Carnival Celebration cruise ship - in pictures as she sails to Miami

Welcoming passengers and VIPs, including the Lord Mayor of Southampton Jacqui Rayment at the Ocean Cruise terminal, Carnival President Christine Duffy said: “The crew are so excited and so proud and they can’t wait to welcome everyone on board.

Daily Echo: Jacqui Rayment, Christine Duffy, with VIP passengers Vincent Schuijt, Elisabeth Pauwels, Theodore Schuijt.Jacqui Rayment, Christine Duffy, with VIP passengers Vincent Schuijt, Elisabeth Pauwels, Theodore Schuijt. (Image: Newsquest)

“This is the first time Carnival Cruises has brought a new ship to the UK in 20 years… we have so many reasons to celebrate.”

Celebration is the second liquified natural gas ship in the Carnival fleet.

The cruise liner boasts multiple theatres and its own rollercoaster, Bolt.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook