A HUGE cruise ship captured the attention of hundreds of people as it sailed up the River Tyne and into the region last week.

P&O Cruises' Azura was spotted sailing into the Port of Tyne as hundreds gathered on either side of the water to watch her spectacular arrival on Friday.

The ship, which can accommodate up to 3,100 passengers and 1,250 crew, has remained berthed in the North Shields port. 

SEE MORE: Watch as P&O's Azura arrives into the Port of Tyne

Last week, P&O Cruises explained why the ship was here - a rarity for the cruise line, which normally carries out such work on the South coast.

A spokesperson for the firm said: "Our home port of Southampton does not have berth availability for all our ships at the moment.

"As a result, to enable essential maintenance to be undertaken, Azura will be berthed in the Port of Tyne as part of our ongoing preparations to return to service."

But as the ship looks set to remain at the Port of Tyne for the next few days at least, we've put together an inside look at the ship in all its grandeur.

Take a look below:

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

One of the most impressive features, the Atrium spans three decks

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

Described as 'exotic', the Malabar is inspired by Indian design

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

An 'Outside Single' stateroom, which features its own sea view

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Playhouse Theatre, which can hold up to 800 people, and hosts live entertainment

The Northern Echo: P AND O CRUISES/MIKE O'DWYERP AND O CRUISES/MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

A 'Superior Deluxe' stateroom onboard the ship, with many featuring their own balcony

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Brodies Bar onboard the Azura

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The 'Oasis' treatment room

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Retreat and The Beach Hut 

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER

The Northern Echo: Picture: MIKE O'DWYERPicture: MIKE O'DWYER