A Southampton cruise line has enlisted a former Special Forces operator to curate a programme of on-shore experiences for thrill seekers.

Jay Morton, who was deployed on multiple Tier 1 operations across a distinguished 10-year career in the SAS, has teamed up with Cunard to develop an exciting range of experiences in the Mediterranean.

He will be 'playing an active role in researching, testing, and developing a variety of new shore-based activities for thrill-seeking guests in the Med', the cruise line said.

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Jay said: “It is a real pleasure to have teamed up with Cunard for this collaboration and to have the opportunity to provide guests with exciting new activities that are every bit as unique as the luxury service they experience on board.

"Whether it’s trekking up a mountain or paddleboarding in the ocean, I’m excited to create a number of new destination experiences that provide the perfect balance of excitement and relaxation.

"It is also a privilege to share my story as an elite Special Forces operator and explain how the lessons I learnt in the military can be applied to everyday life.”

The two-time Everest summiter is sailing on the Queen Elizabeth this week as a guest speaker on the Mediterranean Adventure voyage, taking in Barcelona, the French Riviera, Pisa and Ibiza.

On Friday, Jay will take to the stage with inspirational talk in the Royal Court Theatre called Why We Adventure. He will share captivating tales of fighting in hostile environments as a Special Forces operator and stories of tackling life’s most extreme adventures.

Later in the sailing, Jay will hike to the summit of Mont Boron Hill in Villefranche, France as well as trek up the Monte Pisano mountain range near Pisa as part of his research process.