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Travellers will not have to go to New York City to visit Central Park from next year after it was announced that a state-of-the-art cruise ship will boast its own version of the famous attraction.

Royal Caribbean revealed that its new vessel, currently being developed under the codename Project Genesis, will boast an open-air park as its centrepiece.

The replica Central Park will be based on the eighth deck of the ship and measure 19 metres in width and 100 metres in length.

More than 300 rooms will overlook the area and there will also be tropical foliage, flowers and trees decorating the park, as well as restaurants, bars, cafes and shops.

The Project Genesis ship is set to be the world's largest cruise liner when it is launched next year, with a total of 16 decks and capacity to carry up to 5,400 guests.

Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain said: 'Building such a large vessel allowed us to add even more of the choices and amenities that our guests value and Central Park is a dramatic addition to our already extensive array of exciting features.

'Central Park is the first of many dynamic neighbourhoods on Project Genesis which will enable each guest to find his or her own space and activity.'

One of the vessel's competitors, P&O Cruises' Ventura, will be officially named by Helen Mirren at a ceremony in Southampton this week.

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