One of the world’s most hotly anticipated cruise ships, Celebrity Apex will be named in Southampton ahead of calling the port its home in 2020.

The arrival of Apex, will join with Celebrity Silhouette at the port, meaning Celebrity Cruises will operate two ships out of Southampton first the first time.

Apex, costing close to £1 billion to build, will be the company's second Edge-class ship.

Celebrity Edge is currently nearing completion at the Sait Nazaire shipyard in France and is due to make its maiden voyage in Florida in late Novembe.

Like Edge, Apex will feature innovative features such as the Magic Carpet restaurant, which rises and falls between decks on the side of the ship and the twin-level Edge Villa suites with outdoor plunge pools.

Capable of carrying 2,900 passengers, both ships will have 29 restaurants and bars and a three-storey venue called Eden, which transforms from a ‘chillful’ lounge in the morning to a ‘playful’ performance area in the afternoon and a ‘sinful’ restaurant in the evening.

Former Dragons’ Den star Kelly Hoppen has been recruited to design much of the ineriors

Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, president and CEO, Celebrity Cruises, said: “When Celebrity Apex launches in Southampton in 2020 it will be another incredible moment for our company and for the UK & Ireland market, especially as it will be ten years since we last named and operated a brand new ship from the UK.

"In 2010 Celebrity Eclipse changed the face of UK cruising with our modern luxury approach. Celebrity Apex will continue our tradition of reimagining what is expected from all aspects of a holiday at sea and elevate modern luxury cruising in ways never seen before.”

Currently being built at the Chantier de l’Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, France, Celebrity Apex will enjoy its official launch celebrations in Southampton, including the prestigious naming ceremony.

Celebrity Apex will go on sale 29 November 2018.