The five-star ultra luxury cruise ship, the 16,927 ton Silver Cloud made her maiden call to the port of Southampton signalling the arrival of yet another new shipping line in the docks yesterday.

Operated by Silversea Cruises, which aims at the exclusive top end of the market, the ship heralded the start of a new relationship between the company and Southampton docks.

Next year Silver Cloud is due to return to the port together with the larger ship, the 28,258 ton Silver Wind, to undertake further voyages from Southampton.

There are strong suggestions that these initial moves are the beginning of a stronger and more regular link-up between Silversea Cruises and the port in the coming years.

It is known that Silversea Cruises, with a reputation for delivering some of the highest levels of customer service in the industry, are unhappy with the position, transport links and facilities at some of Southampton's rival UK ports and are keen to see their ships in the south coast port.

Silversea Cruises is celebrating the tenth year since its formation, during which time the company's fleet has been constantly ranked amongst the prestigious handful of vessel to truly earn a coveted five star rating.

Silver Cloud, built in Italy and entering service in 1994, was alongside Southampton's City Cruise Terminal at 101 berth in the Western Docks to embark passengers for a Mediterranean cruise.

The deluxe vessel also provided an appropriate backdrop for a gathering of an impressive collection of Rolls-Royce from all over the south which were lined up by their owners next to the ship on the quayside.

Silversea Cruises attracts passengers both from America and Europe with ships which are extremely spacious with all cabins having an outside view and a high percentage have private balconies. Meals are served on Limoges china and all drinks, including champagne, are included in the cost of a stateroom.

It was a busy day in the docks for cruise ships as all three of the ports passenger terminals were in use. As well as Silver Cloud being at 101 berth P&O Cruises' 76,152 ton Aurora was at the nearby Mayflower Terminal while the 69,153 ton Oriana was alongside the Queen Elizabeth II Terminal in the Eastern Docks.