SOUTHAMPTON'S newest luxury cruiseliner, the 83,000-ton Arcadia, named by Dame Kelly Holmes on Tuesday, is set to leave on her maiden voyage today.
The 16-night cruise to the Mediterranean was sold out months ago, with some passengers paying more than £6,700 each for an ultra-deluxe suite with its own private balcony and butler.
As passengers line the ship's decks, a military band will play Arcadia away from the Mayflower Cruise Terminal in Western Docks at 5pm.
Arcadia will call at ten ports in Spain, Monaco, Italy, Sardinia and Gibraltar before returning to Southampton on Saturday, April 30.
To celebrate Arcadia's maiden voyage, the Daily Echo has produced a 92-page commemorative publication, which is available at selected newsagents.
Alternatively, go to: www.thisissouthampton.co.uk/arcadia or contact Val Morgan at the Southern Daily Echo on 023 8042 4707.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article