A next-generation cruise ship is heading to Southampton this weekend as she makes her highly-anticipated UK debut.
Princess Cruises' largest ship, Sun Princess will arrive in the city on Saturday in her first journey outside of the Mediterranean.
Also known as the 'Next Level Love Boat', the ship is the first in the line's Sphere Class and has been hailed as 'the most luxurious to date'.
She carries 4,300 guests and boasts a 'cutting-edge' entertainment space called The Dome, plus 21 decks and more than 29 restaurants and bars.
The ship's arrival in Southampton is due to be celebrated with a traditional plaque and key ceremony where the evolution of Princess Cruises will be commemorated.
READ MORE: Sun Princess to visit Southampton in 2024
She will stay in the city for two nights before heading to Fort Lauderdale in Florida, USA on Monday, September 23 to start her first-ever Caribbean season.
Sun Princess is being captained by Craig Street who has been working for the cruise company since 1990.
He also spent 15 years based in Southampton before starting on the Canberra for P&O Cruises.
The vessel will be followed across the Atlantic by Star Princess which will launch in the Mediterranean in 2025, and sail Alaska in 2026.
The UK is the third biggest market for American cruise line Princess Cruises.
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Eithne Williamson, vice president of Princess Cruises UK and Europe said: “We are thrilled to welcome Sun Princess to Southampton to mark the end of its inaugural Mediterranean season.
"Sun Princess will no doubt bring a touch of glamour and innovation to Southampton’s waterfront, and it’s wonderful to be able to share the incredible onboard experience of greeting this next-generation Princess ship to our UK shores with people from the local community and across the country."
The ship was built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
In 2025 Sun Princess is expected to embark on a series of seven-day Mediterranean voyages that will visit coveted destinations including Istanbul, Naples and Santorini.
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