FOR the first time in more than 40 years Southampton based, P&O Cruises is to sail from the city to Alaska.

The 72-night, Grand Alaska Voyage is due to leave Southampton on April 12, 2011, visiting a total of 29 different ports of call.

Arcadia’s voyage, the only Alaskan cruise departing from the UK, will go on sale Tuesday, December 1, 2009, offering three different options. The full voyage sailing from and returning to Southampton, a 44-night cruise sailing to Los Angeles, and 45-night cruise from Los Angeles to Southampton.

P&O Cruises managing director, Carol Marlow, said: “Alaska is one of life’s ‘must see’ destinations and research tells us that our passengers agree.

“Arcadia will not only be visiting the ‘classic’ Alaskan ports but also some lesser known destinations for our passengers to explore.

This cruise combines the excitement and vibrancy of the greatest North American cities such as New York, LA and Vancouver, with the vast wilderness and unexplored landscapes of Alaska.’’ P&O Cruises is the only cruise line offering Alaska as an ex-UK option and combining it with the east and west coasts of the US makes a contrasting and fascinating itinerary.

“Taking Arcadia to Alaska and following in the wake of her namesake, 40 years on, fulfils a long held ambition for us,’’ said Ms Marlow.

SOUTHAMPTON’S Princess Cruises has been voted “Best Luxury Cruise line’’ at this year’s British Travel Awards ceremony. The awards are recognised as the number one industry accolade and are considered the greatest judge of public opinion as votes are cast by travelling consumers.

Pieter van der Schee, head of brand marketing, Princess Cruises, in Southampton said: “We are delighted to win this highly prestigious award as it reflects the success of the company in the UK and highlights consumer recognition of our unrivalled American style luxury service and ‘can-do’ attitude.’’