Glamorous, stylish and as fresh as a brisk walk on deck, the twin White Sisters, Oceana, and her sister ship, Adonia, are setting sail for a new era in British cruising.

The two superliners have ushered in a new degree of sophistication on the high seas as they join P&O Cruises' Southampton based fleet of luxury ships.

Together with the well-established and popular vessels, Oriana and Aurora, these two latest additions to the rapidly expanding British cruising market are setting new standards for the pampered life on board ship.

Oceana combines the contemporary flair of a modern cruise ship and the restful mood of long, lazy days voyaging from port to port with the option of enjoying plenty of family fun and entertainment.

Adonia, with her ultra-modern interior and relaxed style of cruising, is designed to appeal to the ship's adult only guests looking for a laid-back atmosphere one minute with the choice of the excitement, colour and spectacle of a West End style show the next.

Both ships boast some of the finest restaurants and cuisine afloat, a range of passenger facilities that includes sumptuous public rooms, soaring atriums, health and beauty centres and spas equipped with advanced fitness equipment and offering the latest treatments, show lounges and a vast range of bars.

Each ship has a library and casino, there are swimming pools, wide expanses of open deck, sun loungers while corridors and stairways feature an incredible selection of original artwork.

There is a wide range of cabins that range from comfortable inside accommodation right up to stunning suites, all named after previous P&O ships, with their own separate dinning, bedroom and lounge areas, luxury bathrooms together with a private balcony. The decision to add Oceana and Adonia to the fleet comes in response to the continuing growth and substantial future prospects for the multi-million-pound cruise sector that has its British hub in the port of Southampton.

David Dingle, managing director of P&O Cruises said: "In Oceana, P&O Cruises gains an imaginatively-styled ship, full of innovation and with a glamour and sense of fun all of her own.

"There is no doubt that the 2000-built Oceana will enhance further the quality of the fleet. Like Aurora she offers a higher ratio of balcony cabins for added passenger privacy while flexible 24-hour dining is just one of a wider range of passenger facilities.

"Adonia is dedicated to adults following the successful introduction of the concept, and offers unbeatable facilities and entertainment for passengers aged 18 and over.

"Boasting P&O Cruises' most contemporary entertainment venue and first jazz bar - All That Jazz, Adonia captures the widest range of jazz music from Jools Holland-style to traditional jazz, epitomising the best of contemporary entertainment. The spirit of All That Jazz promises to offer passengers the chance to be seen in the most happening venue, where 'the gin is cold and piano is hot'.

"At the same time as bringing fresh concepts to P&O Cruises, Adonia will remain distinctly British and adopt the same high standards of service and style as the rest of the fleet.''

The arrival of Oceana and Adonia in Southampton gives P&O Cruises the most modern fleet of superliners, flying the red ensign and staffed by British officers, completely dedicated to the UK cruise passenger.

They uphold the company's boast of being the only cruise operator introducing superliners tailored to meet the needs of British holidaymakers.

The sister's factfile

Country of Registry: United Kingdom

Construction: Fincantieri (Italy)

Previous names: Ocean Princess (Oceana) and Sea Princess (Adonia)

Cost: £210m

Gross tonnage: 77,499 tons

Length overall: 856 feet

Breadth: 106 feet

Draught: 26 feet

Service speed: 21 knots

Propulsion: Four medium speed diesels

Stabilisers: Two

Bow thrusters: Two - 17,000kw each

Stern thrusters: Two - 12,000kw each

Crew: 900

Passengers: Maximum capacity: 2,272

Passenger decks: Ten

Passenger cabins: 975 total, including six suites with balconies, 32 mini suites with balconies, 372 standard outside with balconies, 193 standard outside and 372 standard inside

Passenger facilities include: Four-deck high atrium, 11 lifts, up to 14 bars, two restaurants, informal restaurant and bistro, deck grill, coffee and chocolate bar, ice cream bar, four outdoor swimming pools, six whirlpools, shopping complex, cabaret lounge, nightclub and disco, library, casino, golf driving range, hair and beauty salon, gymnasium and fully equipped medical centre.