A LUXURY cruise is generally regarded as a million miles away from an adventure holiday.

Getting away from it all for a couple of weeks, safe in the knowledge that warmer climes and total relaxation await is what it's all about.

So how would you feel about paying thousands of pounds to head to a destination unknown?

That is what's facing hundreds of passengers arriving in Southampton today. They are embarking on the first cruise of its kind - a mystery cruise.

As soon as they set foot on board the luxury cruise liner, they will be in the hands of the captain for 14 days.

They could be heading to the Caribbean or the Channel Islands, all they have been promised is a visit to eight destinations outside of the UK mainland.

Each of the 550 passengers has paid up to £7,099 for a place on the fully booked cruise, organised by Saga Holidays for holidaymakers aged 50 and over.

Frances Liddiard, from Saga, said: "This is the first time Saga has done this and we don't believe anyone else has done it before.

"They will have a couple of sea days and the ports of call will be announced when they arrive at each one.

"Although people have paid for a cruise where they have no idea where they are heading, we have assured them the ship will visit at least eight destinations away from the UK mainland, including four that are completely new to the Saga Rose.

"Only Captain Alastair McLundie and a few essential staff know where it is going - our chief executive Andrew Goodsell doesn't even know. Everyone has worked really hard to keep it a secret."

Mr Goodsell said: "Although I am not privy to the itinerary, Captain McLundie has assured me that the cruise includes a superb range of destinations to keep even the best detectives guessing."

The ship will arrive back in Southampton on December 6.