It will be the first time the line has christened a ship, with Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest both deployed straight after they were acquired and refit and neither ship was appointed a godmother.

Carol Cabezas, Azamara’s chief operating officer told TTG that Pursuit’s godmother would be somebody who "embodies Azamara’s passion for destinations”.

Cabezas and managing director UK and Ireland, Richard Twynam said the move to christen Pursuit in the UK during a ceremony on August 28, followed a “truly overwhelming” demand for bookings from the UK market.

Cabezas added that the UK was currently contributing double what it usually would in terms of bookings following the release of Pursuit’s 2018-19 itineraries last month, which will include a Southampton round-trip sailing.

Pursuit, formerly P&O Cruises’ Adonia, was acquired by Azamara in September.

“This is a big deal for us to make the choice to have the global christening for the ship in the UK,” said Cabezas. “There has always been a great affinity with the UK, so it makes sense for us to christen Azamara Pursuit here.”

Cabezas said there would be “strong representation from UK agents and media” during the christening and two-night celebratory cruise.