ONE of Southampton's most famous names will sail back into the city next year with the arrival of Cunard's new ship, Queen Elizabeth, the Daily Echo can reveal.

The 21st century Queen Elizabeth will be far removed from her predecessor after which she is named, which criss-crossed the Atlantic between Southampton and New York for many years.

The new, 90,400 tonne liner will feature an array of facilities including hundreds of cabins with private balconies that were unimaginable when the original Cunarder was in service.

Queen Elizabeth, which will stretch out the equivalent length of the Houses of Parliament, will have a distinctly nostalgic feel as she will feature memorabilia including photographs and paintings recalling the original Queen Elizabeth and QE2 which left Southampton for the last time in 2008.

The announcement was made during a special briefing in London this morning.

Flying the Red Ensign, she will carry the name of Southampton on her stern as she travels around the world.

Her maiden cruise will leave Southampton on Tuesday October 12, 2010, sailing for a 13-night voyage to the Canary Islands.

Don't miss tomorrow's Daily Echo for the full story.