P&O Cruises Announces New 141,000-Tonne Ship To Enter Service In March 2015. Largest Ever Cruise Ship Built For Britain Will Be A "Modern Classic"

    LONDON, ENGLAND, July 03, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- P&O Cruises today announced that it will expand its fleet with a 141,000-tonne cruise ship, built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, scheduled to enter service in March 2015.

The as-yet-unnamed 3,611-passenger vessel will be the largest in the P&O Cruises fleet, as well as the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market.

To be built at Fincantieri's Monfalcone yard, the all-in cost is approximately EUR155,000 per lower berth. Ushering in an exciting era for P&O Cruises, the ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand's classic and iconic features. Specifications and new product innovations will be announced at a later date.

Commented Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc's chairman and CEO, "P&O Cruises is Britain's number one cruise operator, and is synonymous with high quality holidays that celebrate its rich British heritage. The UK continues to be a key growth market and innovative vessels such as this new P&O Cruises ship - targeted specifically to British clientele - underscore our commitment to leading the expansion of this important cruise region. With a progression of highly successful new ships introduced over the last 15 years, P&O Cruises is uniquely experienced in designing vessels to meet the specific needs and aspirations of British passengers. This newly ordered ship will underline P&O Cruises' position as Britain's favourite cruise line."

P&O Cruises Managing Director Carol Marlow said, "This next-generation ship will deliver the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, with 'sophisticated wows' and new features to attract thousands of newcomers to our brand, and equally to resonate with existing P&O Cruises passengers by giving them the 'P&O-ness' they recognise and love. She will offer 'the best of the best,' combining the favourite classic features of Oriana and Aurora, the choice and variety of Azura and Ventura, and a host of new ideas and concepts which together will deliver to our passengers the holiday of a lifetime, every time they travel with us."

About P&O Cruises
P&O Cruises can trace its roots back to 1837 when the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company was awarded the lucrative Admiralty contract to carry mail to the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Today, as trusted cruise experts, P&O Cruises has a fleet of seven Cruise Ships offering holidays tailored to British tastes combining genuine service, a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Azura was launched in April 2010 - officially named by Godmother Darcey Bussell CBE and small ship Adonia will be added to the fleet in May 2011. P&O Cruises offers passengers the most stylish and contemporary holidays afloat including Caribbean cruises, Mediterranean cruises, & luxury mini cruises. P&O Cruises offer direct cruises from Southampton, or fly-cruise holidays from many regional airports. Don't miss your chance to book a cruise with P&O Cruises today, with plenty of cruise deals online.

P&O Cruises Fleet:
Ship Named Godmother Passengers

Oriana 1995 Her Majesty The Queen 1,828
Aurora 2000 HRH Princess Anne 1,870
Oceana 2003 HRH Princess Anne 2,016
Arcadia 2005 Dame Kelly Holmes DBE 2,016
Ventura 2008 Dame Helen Mirren DBE 3,078
Azura 2010 Darcey Bussell CBE 3,100
Adonia 2011 Dame Shirley Bassey DBE 710
Newbuild 2015 to be confirmed 3,611

For further press information or images please contact:
Michele Andjel, [email protected] 07730 732072
Kate Rist [email protected] 02380 656 652 / 07730 732 065
Jess Reid [email protected] 02380 656 650

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