ONE of the world’s most hotly anticipated cruise ships – partly inspired by a former Dragons' Den star - is set to make its debut appearance in the UK.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge will visit Southampton on Monday ahead of its inaugural season sailing in Europe.

Nearly 2,000 VIP guests will get an exclusive first glimpse of the ship – which has 1,500 suites designed by renowned British interior designer Kelly Hoppen MBE.

Ms Hoppen, who previously starred on BBC’s Dragons' Den, also fitted out the world’s first cantilevered deck that can move up and down the ship’s exterior.

The specially invited guests will also get to try the ship’s open-air plunge pools and 270-degree views, an outdoor Rooftop Garden, and the stunning three-deck dining and entertaining space Eden.

The taster sailing is part of a concerted campaign by Celebrity Cruises aimed at demonstrating the reimagined guest experience that Celebrity Edge delivers, which will be rolled out across the entire fleet over the next four years.

After the event, the first cruise in the ship’s summer season will then depart from Southampton on 15 May for a 10 night Iberian Peninsula cruise.

Jo Rzymowska, Vice President and Managing Director of Celebrity Cruises, UK and Asia said: “The launch of Celebrity Edge marks the ship’s first summer season in Europe and shows how Celebrity Cruises is raising the bar of luxury cruising.”

“The next ship in this class, Celebrity Apex, will also be based out of Southampton when she joins the fleet in April next year.”