Richard Spacey from Locks Heath has been appointed cruise director of the biggest passenger ship afloat today.

Born and raised in and around Southampton, Richard is a former student of the city's Itchen College and St George's School, before which he attended St Jude's in Fareham.

At the age of 21, Richard joined Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and two years later he became the youngest assistant cruise director in the history of the company.

Richard, whose home is at Ashley Park, has now joined the 137,276-ton Adventure of the Seas, based in Miami, Florida, responsible for the 140 staff who organise and entertain up to 3,800 passengers.

In his role Richard will also act as compere or as host for many of the ship's activities together with devising and arranging all the onboard events.