Dame Helen Mirren names Ventura

P&O Cruises newest superliner Ventura was named on the 16 April in a spectacular evening ceremony. British icon and Oscar winning actress Dame Helen Mirren named the ship, the largest superliner ever designed for Britain.

Dame Helen Mirren, Ventura’s godmother, named the superliner prior to Ventura’s maiden cruise to the Mediterranean on the 18 April. Breaking with the traditional method of simply pressing a button to release a cradled Taittinger champagne bottle towards the ship, she commanded a crack team of Royal Marine Commandoes in a dramatic abseil down the side of the ship.

Dame Helen Mirren said, "It is the first time I have ever named a ship, let alone one of the size of P&O Cruises Ventura and am really looking forward to being Godmother.”

Royal Marines display team commanding officer, Lt Colonel Steve Richards, "This is a rather unusual assignment for our lads, but well within their capabilities. They are very keen to assist Dame Helen with the launch - they will not let her down."

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale said: "Dame Helen Mirren embodies glamour, vitality and Britishness, which are all values that will be a feature of Ventura. We are honoured that she has agreed to become Godmother. The arrival of Ventura is set to usher in a new era for the British cruise industry and will accelerate the rate of progress of an already fast growing market. We are delighted that Dame Helen is to be associated with her. At the same time, we are determined to get the bottle-smashing right, and are grateful for the military coordinated assistance of the Royal Marines."

The excitement did not stop there and in line with Ventura’s contemporary and innovative image her naming ceremony was a departure from tradition. In addition to Dame Helen’s customary champagne naming the celebration featured a dramatic show with a number of exciting surprises.

There were 1,500 guests on board Ventura including consultant celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, Hugh Bonneville, Kate Ford, Imelda Staunton and Nicholas Lyndhurst. The occasion benefited three children's charities supported by Dame Helen and P&O Cruises - Barnardos, Kid's Company and Naomi House.