SHE was the world’s newest luxury cruise ship when she arrived in Southampton.

The massive 109,000ton Golden Princess towered over the waves as she made her way up Southampton’s waters on May 7, 2001

The megaship was at the centre of international attention as thousands of representatives from the shipping and travel industries flocked to the city from across Europe and the United States to get their first glimpse of the spectacular vessel.

Every vantage point along Southampton Water was full with sightseers as the Italian built vessel made its way into the docks surrounded by scores of small boats and yachts.

Daily Echo:

These pictures were taken when the ship was in Southampton and show the vessel itself, well-wishers at Mayflower Park and when around 500 lucky Daily Echo readers won a competition to attend an inaugural gala performance of a glittering musical on board.

The ship was renamed Pacific Adventure in October 2020.