P&O Cruises new Ventura heads for Britain

P&O Cruises brand new ship Ventura will dock at it’s home port Southampton Sunday 6 April. The 115,000 ton, 3100 passenger ship began it’s journey home from Fincantieri’s shipyard in Monfalcone on Sunday.

Partnering up with some of Britain’s favourite names, Ventura will offer something quite special for all ages. Tate Modern, will be bringing their expertise on board selected cruises, presenting ‘Tate Talks’, Noddy will be livening up playtime through themed activities and a giant 14.5 metre Scalextric track will provide fast pace fun for all ages. Michelin star chef Marco Pierre White, is creating Ventura’s unique fine dining venue, The White Room, plus a number of her other menus.

At 290 metres in length Ventura is 22 metres longer than Tower Bridge and has an impressive 15 passenger decks. Arriving into Southampton Ventura will pass her sister ship Aurora in the Solent and will arrive into the Mayflower Cruise terminal at approximately 11 am.

If you are interested in catching a glimpse of Ventura dig out your digital camera and go to any of the following viewing points –

8:55 a.m. - Ryde and Portsmouth
9:05 a.m. - Lee on Solent
9:05 a.m. - Hill Head
9:20 a.m. - Cowes
9:35 a.m. - Calshot
9:45 a.m. - Hamble
9:55 a.m. - Passing Victoria Country Park
10:05 a.m. - Hythe/Dock Head
10:15 a.m. - Mayflower Park
11 a.m. - Mayflower Cruise Terminal

Ventura’s staff and crew will be busy putting the finishing touches together enroute so that the ship is ready for it’s arrival ceremonies and ten days of ensuing events once it reaches Southampton.

The ship’s christening will take place on Wednesday 16 April and actress Dame Helen Mirren will be doing the honours (with the help of the SAS Marines to ensure the champagne bottle smashes!). Ventura is due to embark upon her maiden Mediterranean voyage on Friday 18 April, with a spectacular sail away for the first to ever sail on her.