Passengers on P&O Cruises’ soon-to-be-launched 141,000-ton liner will be left in little doubt of the vessel’s nationality.

For the new ship, named Britannia, sports a massive 308-foot (94m) version of the Union flag on its bow – so painters must be pleased Scotland did not vote in favour of independence.

To be officially named at Southampton in March 2015, the vessel’s flag design has been created using more than 88 gallons of paint.

Sporting two distinctive blue funnels, Britannia is being built at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, and will be the largest ship built exclusively for the British market.

When working to full capacity, Britannia’s four engines will generate 84,000 horsepower, which is equivalent to the power generated by 168 supercars, allowing the ship to cruise at a speed of 22 knots.

This is the third Britannia to be associated with P&O. The first entered service in 1835 for the General Steam Navigation Company, which later became The Peninsular Steam Navigation Company, while the second entered service in 1887 to mark the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria and P&O.

It is highly likely that a member of the Royal Family will perform the naming ceremony.