Southampton's dominance of the UK's multi-million pound cruising industry is being boosted further with the arrival of two ships on their maiden calls to the port.

The Japanese cruise ship, Asuka is an unusual visitor to Southampton bringing hundreds of tourists from the Far East to Hampshire today while tomorrow the 34,242 ton Crown Odyssey berths alongside the city's Eastern Docks.

Asuka, in the middle of a European voyage, was due to arrive early this morning from Portugal and departs tomorrow evening at 5pm for France.

Orient Lines' Crown Odyssey will disembark passengers at 38/9 berth in the Eastern Docks after a Mediterranean cruise before leaving again at 8pm for a similar voyage.

Owners and operators of Southampton Docks, Associated British Ports will present a plaque and a crystal decanter to the two captains to mark their visit to the city.