LIGHTS, camera, action! Hollywood superstar Julie Andrews will top the bill with her latest performance in Southampton today.

Forget the box office smashes of the silver screen, international concert halls and top musicals as this time the legendary film actress and singer was starring in Southampton docks where she took the lead in naming the world's latest luxury cruise ship.

Oscar winning Julie, best known for her roles in The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Thoroughly Modern Millie, was due to become godmother of the 68,000-ton sumptuous ship Crystal Serenity by officially christening the brand new vessel as it prepares for its maiden voyage.

Southampton's Eastern Docks will echo with the sound of a choir singing many of her hit songs as the actress, who became a Dame in the Queen's Honours three years ago, was expected on the dockside for the ceremony.

Hundreds of VIP guests, who had flown into Great Britain from around the globe, were in the port for the glittering quayside event, the fifth one of its kind in Southampton so far this year.

Julie joins the Princess Royal and her daughter, Zara Phillips, showbusiness personality Ulrika Jonsson and broadcaster Angela Rippon who have all recently named cruise ships in Southampton.

Gregg Michel, president of Crystal Cruises, owners and operators of the French built vessel, said: "As a world renowned performer, Dame Julie's remarkable career has solidified her stature as an international legend and secured her place in the hearts of generations of fans around the world.

"It is a joy for everyone at Crystal Cruises to have Dame Julie send our new ship into service.''

After the ceremony the ship's godmother will join other guests on board Crystal Serenity for a gala lunch to celebrate the event.

Crystal Serenity arrived in Southampton yesterday and will leave on her maiden voyage on Monday, visiting Germany, Denmark, Norway, the Shetland Islands, Scotland and Ireland, returning to the port two weeks later.

She will then depart from Southampton and continue her inaugural season with a summer cruise in Europe, the Mediterranean and Black Sea before being repositioned to the other side of the Atlantic.