P&O Cruises’ new Southampton based ship, Azura, will boast some of the best children’s facilities on the high seas.

Azura will feature 18 single staterooms, a first in the P&O Cruises’ fleet, and two large suites for extended families or groups of friends to share Cruising has shrugged off its old, perhaps stuffy image, with 21st century vessels welcoming more and more families to enjoy the good-life afloat.

Azura, now under construction in Italy, is due to arrive in Southampton next spring and already there are some fascinating glimpses of what awaits mum, dad, and the children in 2010.

Like her sister ship, Ventura, which first entered service in Southampton last year, the new vessel will boast a remarkable range of on-board facilities for youngsters.

Toddlers will head for the Sea Bed with its special, soft play area, during the day while at night-time it will transform into a cosy night nursery.

The Beach Hut, which will cater for the two to four-year-olds, will feature drawing and colouring, songs and dancing, paddling pool and a safe and secure outside play area with a climbing frame and tricycles.

For the five to eight-year-olds Azura will have Frontiers, an area that encourages imaginative play with arts and crafts, challenges and quizzes.

A P&O Cruises’ spokesman in Southampton said: “For the nine to 12s Azura will have The Hub.

“Equipped with a juke box, where they can pick their own music, a choice of computers and a video area where family films will be shown throughout the voyage.’’ Apartment 16 will be devoted to passengers aged between 13 and 17. Here they will be able to chat, listen to music, watch new films and meet up with new friends.

This area of Azura is being fitted out with computer consoles, large plasma screens and the latest electronic games.

Volleyball and football are just two of the games which will be organised for teenagers and during peak holiday times there will even be lessons in how to play the guitar and the skills needed for DJing.