SOUTHAMPTON'S new £200m superliner Arcadia even dwarfed the might of the US Navy as the world's latest cruise ship arrived in her home port today.

Arcadia is the fifth P&O Cruises vessel to be based in Southampton docks - now the country's premier port for the UK's multi-million-pound cruising industry.

Shipping experts say the arrival of Arcadia will inject a further £35m a year into the local economy by using city-based services and suppliers.

At first the 83,000-tonne vessel was shrouded in mist and drizzle when she made her entrance into the Solent after a week-long voyage from the builders' yard in Italy.

Then her vast white hull and super-structure loomed out of the overcast conditions as the luxury cruise ship passed Gosport and Lee-on-the-Solent.

Even the giant American aircraft carrier USS Harry S Truman, anchored off Arcadia's starboard bow on a visit to the UK, looked small in comparison as the cruise ship headed towards Cowes and made a tight turn into Southampton Water at Calshot.

Dropping her speed down to just six knots, Arcadia, the largest cruise ship built exclusively for the British market, made her way past Victoria Country Park at Netley and Hythe Marina.

Sightseers were out in force as the ship eased past Town Quay and Mayflower Park to head into the Western Docks to berth alongside the Mayflower cruise terminal.

Next Tuesday Dame Kelly Holmes, the Olympic double gold medal athlete, takes on the role of the ship's godmother by officially naming Arcadia in a spectacular ceremony.

Arcadia is scheduled to leave on her maiden voyage, a 16-night cruise to the Mediterranean, next Thursday, April 14.

A 36-page Arcadia supplement is published inside today's Daily Echo celebrating the arrival of P&O's newest cruise ship in her home port of Southampton.

The Daily Echo has also produced a special limited edition, 92 page, glossy publication to commemorate Arcadia's arrival and naming ceremony in her home port of Southampton.

To order a copy, go to: www.thisissouthampton.co.uk/arcadia

For £3.99 plus postage you will receive one of only 4,000 copies being issued.