Celebrity Cruises’ new ship, Celebrity Eclipse, is to be based in Southampton when it launches in summer 2010.
Following a week-long launch event for trade and consumers in Southampton, the ship will offer cruises to the Mediterranean and northern Europe.
Celebrity Eclipse will be the third Solstice-class ship and will go on sale during the first week of March 2009.
Celebrity Cruises expects to generate the majority of sales for Celebrity Eclipse through travel agents.
The cruiseline predicts most of its growth will come from the UK market over the next few years.
President Dan Hanrahan said: “Celebrity Cruises has enjoyed a strong relationship with the UK and Ireland market and experienced steadily increasing guest numbers in recent years.
“Investing in the future of that relationship with Celebrity Eclipse homeporting from Southampton is an exciting development for our business.”
The launch of Celebrity Eclipse in 2010 will follow the introduction of Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox. The launch celebrations are currently taking place for Celebrity Solstice at Fort Lauderdale in Florida, while Celebrity Equinox will launch in July 2009 in Southampton and then operate out of Civitavecchia in Rome.
A fourth Solstice-class ship is planned for 2011, and a fifth for 2012.