SHE'S a magnificent 83,000-ton liner and is set to sail into her home port of Southampton in just 16 days.

Called Arcadia, she is the largest superliner built exclusively for the British market and is set to be a familiar sight in Southampton docks.

Carrying an average of 1,952 passengers on cruises around the world, she represents the very latest in cruise ship technology.

On board, passengers will discover three indoor pools, one with a sliding roof, a spa, a hi-tech theatre and several restaurants, including one run by celebrity chef Gary Rhodes, among a dazzling array of facilities.

Arcadia is due to set sail from her Italian birthplace in the Marghera shipyard in Venice on March 30, where she has been constructed in strict accordance with ancient maritime tradition.

For more on this story and other Southampton shipping news - click the 'Shipping' link at the top of this page.