A NEW cruise that has joined a fleet of popular ships is setting sail on her maiden voyage from Southampton.

Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo unveiled the company’s third ship in the company’s industry-transforming "new luxury” Edge Series - Celebrity Beyond.

Designed to give guests endless opportunities to disconnect from the world, Celebrity Beyond goes further than imagined possible for a cruise ship, creating a new world of wonder and luxury.

The launch also signifies an exciting opportunity and strong vote of confidence in the UK as Celebrity Beyond will depart on her maiden voyage from Southampton, on a 10-night Western Europe cruise visiting Bordeaux, France; Lisbon, Portugal; and Seville, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca and Barcelona, Spain.

She will then offer a variety of Mediterranean journeys including nine-night Italian Riviera and France itineraries and 10-night Greek Isles itineraries until early October, when she heads to the Caribbean.

Celebrity Beyond showcases the design talents of multi-award-winning British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE; celebrated American designer Nate Berkus; and lauded Paris-based design firm Jouin Manku; the innovation of British architect Tom Wright; and the culinary gifts of Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud.

Lutoff-Perlo said: "Celebrity Cruises has always been an innovator at sea, and now we have challenged the status quo with a vessel that goes beyond expectations, beyond imagination.

"Celebrity Beyond shatters any and every preconceived notion of the cruising experience.

"This exquisite ship offers a journey at the intersection of elegance and approachability filled with what’s important to our guests today: forward-thinking design, culinary excellence, unparalleled well-being and incomparable service.”