CRYSTAL Serenity is 68,000 tons of unashamed luxury with passengers travelling in the top-of-the-range cabins even having their own butler to look after them throughout the voyage.

The ship is designed to appeal to those who demand the best in accommodation, discreet service, the finest haute cuisine - and who are prepared to pay for it.

Wealthy American passengers make up the vast majority of guests on board Crystal Cruises' three vessels, all of which figure among the handful of ships that are rated among the best in the world.

Since its formation in 1988 Crystal has specialised in the deluxe end of the international cruising industry and this latest ship is no exception.

Passengers on the 14-day maiden voyage that leaves Southampton on Monday will have to dig deep into their wallets with the most prestigious penthouse suites, each with its own verandah and marble bathroom, costing around £22,000 per person.

Even the most modest stateroom on the cruise costs about £6,000 each.

So what do you get for the cost of your ticket?

For a start a ship that boasts more space per passenger than any other vessel in its class, a health spa which has designed by a feng shui expert, a Japanese restaurant and a team of "gentlemen hosts'' to ensure women passengers travelling alone always have someone to dance with.

Business executives can keep in touch with the stock markets with daily reports of share prices.

Crystal Serenity also has a library, casino, two swimming pools, cinema, fitness centre and gymnasium, shopping complex and a fully-equipped hospital.

Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises said: "Our past guests have been anxiously awaiting this new ship.

"They are among the most loyal repeat cruisers in the industry.

"In fact, on the inaugural cruise, we have guests who have sailed with us more than 50 times. The ship will be literally flowing with our best guests."

Ship Facts:

Cruise Line: Crystal Cruises

Construction: Chantiers del'Atlantique, France

Cost: $350m

Tonnage: 68,000 tons

Length: 820 feet

Width: 111 feet

Draught: 24 feet

Crew: 625

Passenger cabins: 550

Passenger capacity: 1,080

Passenger decks: Nine