This is the first glimpse of the most dramatic impresion yet of how Queen Mary 2 will look as she sails into New York for the first time.

Cunard's £538 million passenger liner Queen Mary 2 is set to enter service in Southampton during December 2003.

Destined to be the largest, longest, tallest and widest passenger liner ever to be built in the history of shipping, Queen Mary 2 is to be built at the French shipyard of Alstom Chantiers de L'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire.

Cunard, which has its European headquarters in Southampton, has also revealed details of some of the most sumptuous seagoing apartments ever seen on board a ship.

A total of five suites will be situated on the aft-end of the 21-deck 150,000-ton megaliner, and each will have its own private gym and dedicated butler service.

With each apartment measuring about 1,614 square feet, passengers will also be able to expand their accommodation further by connecting with other nearby penthouses.

A spokesman for Cunard said: "The main dining-room, with seating for 1,310 passengers, will be one of the most remarkable rooms at sea, spanning the full width of the ship and nearly three decks in height."