Newly-built cruise liner Norwegian Getaway made an inaugural three-day visit to Southampton to showcase the ship to the UK market.

Southampton port director Nick Ridehalgh took part in the traditional Plaques and Keys exchange of plaques with the ship’s crew that takes place whenever a new cruise ships calls into the city.

He said: “I’m proud to welcome this fantastic new ship to our city. The Plaques and Keys ceremony is a long-standing tradition and we are pleased to add the Norwegian Getaway’s plaque to our impressive collection featuring many of the greatest ships from the history of cruising.”

The 4,000-passenger ship – sister to Norwegian Breakaway – will be based in Miami and christened next month by cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins American Football team.

Guests can dine in any of 27 places to eat, choose from 12 bars, five water slides and 2,014 passenger cabins on 18 decks.