Celebrity Cruises new ship Celebrity Apex has made a fleeting visit to the UK before sailing to Florida.

The vessel called into Southampton from its French shipyard ahead of a transatlantic crossing.

Celebrity Apex was originally due to be launched at the UK port in March before embarking on a mini-season of cruises but all had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Company boss Lisa Luoff-Perlo has pledged to bring the 2,900-passenger ship back to the UK when the time is right.

Celebrity Apex was welcomed into Southampton by EMEA vide president and managing director Jo Rzymowska as crew prepared for the Atlantic voyage.