FRED Olsen Cruise Lines, one of the port of Southampton's main customers, is to name its fourth and latest vessel Boadicea, writes Keith Hamilton.
When the ship arrives in Southampton for the first time early next year, the docks will be welcoming back a ship that was once a regular and familiar sight on the city's waterfront.
It was in 1973, when she was called Royal Viking Sky and operated by the Royal Viking Line, that the 28,388 ton ship made her maiden visit to Southampton.
Once part of the Fred Olsen operation, Boadicea will be reunited with her sister ship, originally called Royal Viking Star but now sailing as Black Watch.
Mike Rodwell, the cruise line's managing director, said: "We have carefully selected the name Boadicea to reflect the company's ongoing commitment to the British market. Boadicea means 'victorious' and we look forward to seeing her taking the seas by storm next year."
Fred Olsen is buying the ship from Grand Latino Navegacion SA of Spain.
She will entering service in early 2006 following a refit.
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