The sailings on the 550-passenger vessel will form part of the late summer and autumn 2018 programme.

Chris Coates, commercial director, CMV, said: “Our strategic focus is to continue broadening the range of regional programmes and sailings from around the British Isles and we are delighted to add the south coast ports of Poole and Portsmouth to our portfolio.

“Local departures, convenience and bringing cruising closer to home is proving a big hit with our customer base and we now offer the most comprehensive choice of 16 different departure port options across the British Isles.

“Market demand from the southern counties has steadily increased in recent years and this new initiative is also responding to positive regional growth.”

CMV has scheduled three departures from the Port of Poole plus two open jaw cruise (starts in one place and finishes in another) combination options, with return coach transfer options back from Portsmouth to Poole.

From Portsmouth, Astoria will operate four different cruises, to the Norwegian fjords, the Baltic cities and St Petersburg, European rivers and canals and to the Northern Lights in northern Norway.

CMV has also introduced a new Pullman Express Coach Service to Poole and Portsmouth offering 30 different regional pick ups across Dorset, Hampshire and Sussex from Lyme Regis in the west right along the coast to Hastings in the east.

Also included is a service from London Victoria.

CMV’s new 3,500-passenger capacity south coast programme goes on sale on Wednesday April 12 with “buy one get one free” early booking fares valid until Friday June 30.