Bigger is definitely better in the international cruise industry as now there is a possibility that even Southampton's massive 150,000 ton passenger liner, Queen Mary 2 could be eclipsed in size.

When Cunard's QM2 arrives in the city's port in December she will officially enter the record books as the biggest, tallest, widest and longest passenger liner ever built in shipping history but just how long she will hold that position is now being questioned.

Carnival Corporation, which owns Cunard, is examining the idea of constructing a vessel that would be even larger than QM2 and designed to carry between 3,600 and 4,000 passengers.

If the project ever becomes a reality the ship would be in the range of 170,000 tons to 180,000 tons and could be in service by 2007.

Micky Arison, chairman and chief executive officer of Carnival, said the vessel could become part of Princess Cruises or Carnival Cruise Lines, that both operate in America and are part of the vast Miami based shipping empire.

A number of designers and yards are assisting Carnival with the initial design phase of the proposed superliner, said Mr Arison.

This follows hard on the heels of rival Royal Caribbean saying it was considering ordering a 160,000 ton cruise ship, carrying 3,600 passengers from a yard in Finland.