THIS is an exclusive first glimpse of how Norwegian Jade, the latest luxury cruise ship to boost Southampton's multi-million pound economy, will look when she arrives in port in a few weeks time.

The decision to base the 93,558-ton Nor-wegian Cruise Line (NCL) vessel in the docks is highly significant for the city's cruising industry as the presence of the ship now means all but a handful of the major operators will be represented in Southampton.

Norwegian Jade, with NCL's unique and distinctive style of colourful livery, is due to arrive on Friday, May 30 She is one of the company's newest ships in its highly successful series of Jewel class of vessels.

NCL claims Nor-wegian Jade, that previously sailed under the name, Pride of Hawai', has some of the most flexible, versatile staterooms on any modern day ship, ranging from a standard inside cabin right up to the huge, ultra-private villas with their own, courtyard, garden, hot tub and swimming pool, all contained on an exclusive deck creating what the company calls "a ship within a ship''.

Purpose built for NCL "Freestyle'' cruising, passengers can take their pick of 12 restaurants and dining rooms and 11 bars and lounges, together with two swimming pools, sports court, Splashdown children's club, fitness centre, and casino.

Norwegian Jade has been switched from her previous role in the Pacific after NCL saw the rapid rate of growth in the UK cruise market which will see in excess of 1.5m British people opt for a holiday on the high-seas.

Other cruise lines, beside NCL, with ships based in Southampton, that call regularly or have shoreside offices at the port, include Cunard, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Fred Olsen Cruise, Ocean Village, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises.