P&O Cruises Azura Spices It Up

There are to be a number of exciting innovations for Britain’s newest superliner, P&O Cruises Azura set to launch in 2010. On board there will be an Indian fine dining restaurant called Sindhu (picture of proposed design above), the creation of Michelin starred celebrity chef Atul Kochbar. Indicative of the meaning of its name (Sindhu means meeting point, amalgamation or fusion) the menu will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine. Guests will have the chance to try delicious dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce.

There will also be 18 single staterooms, a first in the P&O Cruises fleet and two large suites that will be ideal for families or groups of friends to share. To further enhance the cruise experience on board Azura, P&O Cruises has enlisted the help of TV wine expert Olly Smith to create a new ‘Select Dining’ restaurant and wine bar concept to be named The Glass House. Wine lovers are sure to love the menu which will feature different wines recommended for each course, all served by the glass.


There will be a whole host of exciting new design highlights. On the top deck by the Aqua Pool there will be an open air cinema as well as a secluded spa area, The Retreat, with private cabanas for al-fresco massages and luxurious sun loungers, all topped off with personal water service.


Currently under construction in the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy, Azura will be ready to make her maiden voyage in spring 2010.

Marco opens two new restaurants on P&O Cruises ships

Marco Pierre White, star of Hell’s Kitchen, has opened two new restaurants at sea on board P&O Cruises super-liners Aurora and Oceana.

P&O Cruises ship Oceana had its Café Jardin restaurant upgraded during a recent refit and served the first Marco Pierre White dishes early October on a two-night cruise. Aurora’s Café Bordeaux open its doors to guests this weekend to sample the new menus.

Both menus will serve classic Mediterranean dishes which have been given the Marco treatments especially for guests on board.

Marco Pierre White said: "I enjoyed working with P&O Cruises so much creating the White Room and Frankie's Bar & Grill for Ventura, that I leapt at the chance when invited to expand the Marco Pierre White experience to Aurora and Oceana.

"The two new restaurants on Aurora and Oceana will offer passengers completely different dining experiences and both will encompass the best possible ingredients cooked in my unique way."

P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: "Marco Pierre White is a great talent and his menus add a unique twist to our passengers' dining experience."

P&O Cruises sales of world cruises hit £14 million in one day

P&O Cruises launched their 2010 World Cruise voyage on the 22 September and met a rapturous response, so much so in fact that their sales for these amazing once in a lifetime voyages hit £14 million pounds in just one day.

The average brochure price for P&O Cruises world voyages are £14,000 per person, so it is believed that over 1000 people have booked up for the full world voyage in 2010. Passengers have the choice of the full world circumnavigation on the Arcadia or the connoisseur voyage for more experienced cruisers on Aurora.

P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale believes "In a time of economic instability, and when everyday budgets are being tightened, it is remarkable how resilient the cruise market can be."

Cruises cheaper now than 10 years ago

It has been discovered that cruises are more affordable now than they were 10 years ago. P&O Cruises have carried out the research that found out this fact – what a great excuse to book up your next cruise holiday!

P&O Cruises found that a 2 week cruise holiday this summer in an ocean view stateroom will cost £1,579 per person. The same holiday in 1998 would have cost £2,520 per person. An ocean view stateroom on P&O Oriana cruise ship this year would cost £3,158 per person, 37% less than 10 years ago when the same cabin would have cost £5,040 per person.

P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale believes, "The cumulative inflation rate between May 1998 and May 2008 is 32%, so if cruise holidays had increased accordingly, then our prices should be more than double those in this summer's brochure. In actual fact, this year's prices are more than £900 cheaper per person, almost £2,000 cheaper for a couple than ten years ago."

Esdale also adds that, "Household expenditure on everyday items has practically doubled, while cruise holidays have become more affordable than ever. Considering a cruise holiday today includes accommodation, almost all food, entertainment and even flights, the research proves the exceptional value it provides at a time when the credit crunch is hitting our wallets in every aspect of our daily life. Passengers can eat in the restaurant of a celebrity chef, try bungee trampolining and circus skills, enjoy a martini in a contemporary designer bar or see a West End style show at minimal cost."

P&O Cruises have even set up a website page where holidaymakers can compare the value for money that a cruise holiday offers.

P&O Cruises to offer luxury cosmetics Couleur Caramel in spas

P&O Cruises have announced that they will be offering the organic make-up range Couleur Caramel in the on-board Spa on all of their P&O Cruises ships, such as P&O Ventura and P&O Artemis. The fair trade range from France is of exceptionally high quality make and is made completely from natural ingredients.

Couleur Caramel is a unique range of make-up as it combines the latest cosmetic technology with organically grown ingredients, whilst at the same time respecting the environment, animals and people. It is only available in the most exclusive leading professional salons and spa, but now lucky guests on board P&O Cruises will have the opportunity to indulge.

P&O Cruises, head of brand marketing, Philip Price said, "Our passengers expect the very best and Couleur Caramel is just that. Couleur Caramel products are professional quality, innovative, and made from natural, organic and fair trade ingredients.

"P&O Cruise’s passengers want more from a holiday. Offering Couleur Caramel products in our spas is simply one of the many attentive touches of luxury that sets us apart from other holidays."

P&O Cruises introduce 'once in a lifetime' shore excursions

P&O Cruises are aiming to attract guests looking for adventurous holiday experiences with the introduction of their new shore excursions for 2008/9. The new excursions will offer the opportunity to take part in ‘once in a lifetime’ activities.

There are exciting P&O Cruises excursions in the Mediterranean where you can drive through the streets of Italy in a red Ferrari F430, visit the Galimand Studio is Grasse to create your own personal fragrance or learn how to make Tuscan specialities in a farmhouse overlooking the Alps.

There are further delights on offer from P&O Cruises in the Baltic and Northern Europe, chances to explore glaciers and ice-fields on a snow-truck or maybe float downstream on the River Suldalslagen for a ‘salmon safari’. In the Caribbean there are amazing excursions where you can zip-wire through a rainforest in Jamaica or race a Beneteau 40 yacht in Antigua.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “We are now attracting more new to cruise passengers than ever before and these holidaymakers are looking for something a little different to do on shore than a guided coach tour.

“We can now offer them experiences that simply would not be possible on any other type of holiday. It is this breadth of choice that sets our holidays apart from any other.”

For all your P&O Cruises holiday requirements visit the Jetline Cruise website. Cruises on the brand new P&O Ventura are on sale now.

P&O Cruises change smoking policy

P&O Cruises have announced that they have changed their smoking policy on board their fleet of ships. Following the introduction of a new law in 2007 in England that made all enclosed public spaces and workplaces smoke free, P&O Cruises have monitored the smoking on board and the reaction of passengers.

There is an overall lack of acceptance towards smoking inside the public areas and therefore P&O Cruises have decided to update their policy on where smoking is allowed. P&O Cruises now do not allow smoking anywhere inside the ships, including the passenger staterooms. Smoking will be allowed on cabin balconies and on certain areas on the deck.

P&O Cruises will provide all passengers with a letter informing them of the change to the smoking policy.

P&O Cruises launch new brochure for 2009

P&O Cruises are to launch a transformed brochure for 2009, according to reports from TravelMole. Customer research has indicated that customers would prefer a more destination-led brochure.

The current P&O Cruises brochure is organised around the various ships in the fleet, but with recent surveys revealing cruisers choose their cruise holiday based on destination more than anything else, P&O Cruises are revamping their brochure accordingly.

"Overall we have injected more energy and dynamism into the brochure. It is now easier to navigate with itineraries grouped by region, colour-coded sections and cross-referencing to the website for additional information," managing director of P&O Cruises Nigel Esdale commented.

P&O Cruises newest ship, Ventura, will be making a number of Caribbean cruises in her first year at sea. P&O Cruises sister ships Aurora, Oceana and Oriana will also be making sailings to the Mediterranean, the Norwegian fjords and the Canary Islands among other destinations in 2009.

Gary Rhodes to sail with P&O Cruises in 2008

Gary Rhodes, one of Britain’s best known chefs, will be setting sail with P&O Cruises during 2008.

The popular TV chef designed the menu and several signature dishes for the select dining venues on the adult only Arcadia and more traditional Oriana.

For a truly memorable evening these restaurants are the place to come. They have an upmarket yet intimate atmosphere, offering culinary masterpieces in impressive surroundings. The restaurants are designed dramatically with rich timber and deep blue fabric, metal relief artwork, ceramic and glass sculptures that come together to create a luxurious feel.

Gary Rhodes will be on the following sailings on Oriana and Arcadia in 2008 –

Arcadia (J809) Embark Oslo – Sunday 1 June 2008
Disembark Southampton – 4 June 2008

Arcadia (J820) Embark Naples – Sunday 26 October 2008
Disembark Gibraltar – Thursday 30 October 2008

Oriana (X809) Embark Helsinki – Tuesday 15 July 2008
Disembark Oslo – Friday 18 July 2008

Oriana (X819) Embark Southampton – Sunday 30 November 2008
Disembark Malaga – Wednesday 3 December 2008

P&O Cruises first cruise round Britain in 2009

P&O Cruises has released its new 2009 Preview Edition brochure. The Preview Edition brochure features cruise holidays to 235 destinations in 82 countries with the first cruise around Britain for P&O Cruises.

After Ventura’s exciting launch party this month she will be sailing her first full year programme in 2009, with 19 departures from Southampton and 10 fly-cruise holidays from Barbados. Ventura is the largest and newest superliner built exclusively for Britain and her godmother is Dame Helen Mirren, who recently christened her in a fabulous glitzy ceremony.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Our 2009 programme is our biggest yet, offering a 30% increase in capacity for our brand with the first full year of Ventura. We have more ships, more UK departures and more breadth of appeal than any other cruise line.”

P&O Cruises Artemis will be departing on the 5 July 2009 on an 11 night debut tour of the British Isles. Ports of call are Leith for Edinburgh, Invergordon, Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands, Moville for Londonderry, Greenock for Glasgow, Dublin, Falmouth and St Peter Port.

“For a brand that has brought the world to the door of British passengers for almost 170 years, it is perhaps long overdue and fitting for us to visit the British Isles.”

Other new ports of call a little further a field include Antwerp in Belgium, the island of Hvar in Croatia and La Spezia in Italy.

“Cruise holidays are becoming an increasingly popular choice for younger couples and families and we have two ships within the fleet dedicated to serving this market in terms of length of holiday, destination, on board entertainment, facilities and dining, and pricing.

“Shorter cruises on Ventura and Oceana are the perfect choice for people who are new to cruising and want to see if it’s for them without being away for two weeks. In 2009 we are offering 16 such itineraries of either two or seven nights – this is double the amount we offered in 2008.”

For those of you looking to book your cruise holiday soon there are early booking incentives available if you book before 30 June 2008, including up to 45 per cent Pricebreakers discount and free car parking on all Southampton roundtrip itineraries within the brochure. This will offer passengers up to an additional £115 saving on an average two week cruise.

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.

Introducing P&O Cruises Oceana

P&O Cruises Oceana has recently undergone a refurbishment and offers something special for both her returning and first time passengers.

Oceana has an impressive atrium, with glass fronted lifts, sweeping marble staircases and towering palm trees. There are ten decks of every kind of activity you could wish for, with 12 different places to drink, 7 dining venues, 4 swimming pools, a spa, casino, theatre and even a wedding chapel.

It is some of these features, plus every cabin, that has benefited from a fresh new look. Following the refurbishments cabins now have luxurious Egyptian cotton linen, a Slumberland eight-inch deep ‘Gold Seal’ posture spring mattress, complimentary welcome and pamper packs and tea and coffee making facilities designed by Nick Munro.

Oceana’s gym also has a new look, with all the latest high-tech exercise machines including the new Cardio Wave, an exercise similar to skiing, it is great fun and suitable for everyone. There is also the new X-dream, the first indoor fitness product that accurately stimulates the experience of cycling outdoors. 'Real feel' gears, brakes, handlebars, pedals and seat sensors enable each move the rider makes to be accurately portrayed on the virtual reality screen.

The refurbishment extended to Winners and the Monte Carlo Casino, originally two rooms it is now one, spanning the width of the D deck with an intimate French style jazz feel. New features include a bandstand, dance floor and video panels showing live sporting events, plus PokerPro, a revolutionary poker table where players view their game via touch screens.

The second part of Oceana's refurbishment is planned for September 2008 when Marco Pierre White will take ownership of Café Jardin. Situated on the edge of Winners' and the Monte Carlo Casino, the French style jazz feel will flow through into this 24 hour dining venue, ideally located for a quick afternoon snack or intimate evening meal.

P&O Cruises attract younger cruisers

P&O Cruises has made a breakthrough in attracting younger passengers to take up one of their cruise voyages it has been reported.

A report by TravelMole has found that P&O Cruises has tempted a younger clientele to their new ship Ventura for cruise holidays in its first season.

Manager Director Nigel Esdale told TravelMole that the average passenger age on the ships for its first season is 44, which is ten years younger than in general for the UK cruise market and three years older than the casual cruise brand Ocean Village.

It is believed that the drop in average age has come about due to the increase in popularity of family cruises. P&O Cruises have children’s favourite Noddy appearing on board some cruises on Ventura and even have a real life circus with trapeze artists on board the new super liner.

P&O Ventura arrives in Southampton

P&O Cruises new superliner Ventura has now arrived in it’s homeport of Southampton after the official hand over ceremony. The long awaited super liner designed for Britain arrived into Southampton on Sunday 6 April and passed sister ship Aurora before arriving into the Mayflower Cruise Terminal at 11am.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Ventura’s maiden season is almost upon us and this ceremony is the culmination of many months of hard work, creativity and innovation.

“Ventura marks a new era in contemporary British cruising and great attention to detail has been spent designing each and every bar, restaurant and cabin.

“That so many British icons have put their name to this ship – Dame Helen Mirren, Marco Pierre White, Nick Munro and Tate Modern – makes us extremely proud and reaffirms that we have created something very special with Ventura.”

Ventura’s godmother was recently announced as being Dame Helen Mirren who has the honour of officially naming the ship in a glamorous and dramatic ceremony on Wednesday 16 April.

The amazing new super liner arrived into the Mayflower Cruise Terminal to a crowd of people, despite the weather trying its best to snow. Ventura will begin her maiden cruise sailing from Southampton to the Mediterranean on Friday 18 April, with a farewell show of fireworks from nearby Stokes Bay.

City and Short Break Cruises with P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises City and Short breaks offer the chance to experience life at sea. P&O Cruises work on the belief that our time is precious so their short breaks are designed to help you get the most out of your time away. They offer a range of entertainment; dining options and leisure facilities that you would only expect to receive on a longer holiday.

A 2 night party cruise offers a weekend of sailing from Southampton to Zeebrugge from where you can visit Bruges, a medieval city with a wealth of charm. You can have a fabulous time on board as well, maybe socialising at the Captain’s cocktail party, enjoying a Gala dinner and then partying the night away!

P&O Cruises have a range of 4 night cruise breaks, particularly good are the cruises to Amsterdam and Bruges, extremely interesting cities with a huge amount to offer. The great thing about the City and Short cruises is that they all leave from Southampton so you don’t need to waste any valuable time struggling at airports or stressing about missing planes.

The 7 night cruises take in a wide range of destinations and there is a massive choice, from Vigo in Spain, Brest in France, Lisbon in Portugal or Stavenger in Norway to name but a few. Particularly interesting are the Northern cruise breaks which take in the natural wonders of Norway’s fjords, the sheer cliffs and cascading waterfalls of Briksdal Glacier in Olden, not to mention the charming towns and idyllic villages of Bergen.

If you look around there are some amazing offers available and the misconception that cruises are too expensive will truly be put to the back of your mind. You should be able to find a 7 night med cruise for around £399 per person, which when you consider the sights you will be seeing and the luxury you will be travelling in you wouldn’t be able to find something equivalent with a package holiday to one destination. A short break taster cruise could start from only £199 per person.

The great thing about cruises is that the price generally includes most things – your stateroom accommodation, food virtually 24 hours a day and the majority of the facilities and entertainment on board. These can include theatrical shows each night, night clubs, variety shows, fitness centre, swimming pools, hot tub and much more. Plus you will always find tea and coffee on top 24 hours a day.

Extras may include tips for the cabin crew, some transfers, on board drinks that are served to you at the bar and at dinner, speciality restaurants, excursions and any additional service such as massages etc but when you consider what is included this is not too bad.

So go on, take a chance and embark on a cruise – I promise you won’t regret it and will undoubtedly find you will be organising your next cruise adventure as you are disembarking the first.

Special interest cruises - the holiday of a lifetime with P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises have some of the most innovative and luxurious ships you will find. They cruise to 225 destinations in 90 countries worldwide. In addition to their world adventuring itineraries they offer passengers the chance to enhance their time on board one of their six magnificent ships, to develop new skills and foster new interests with their special interest cruises.

A ‘Nature’ cruise on board Artemis offers an insight into the wonders of the Natural World, whether you are cruising the waters of the Caribbean or sailing down the Amazon River. A ‘Nature’ cruise gives you a glimpse into life beneath the seas as well as ashore, you can join the experts and learn all about the luxuriant rain forests, waterfall-filled jungles and coconut and banana plantations.

‘Wine and Spirits Appreciation’ on board Artemis offers the opportunity to join experts from the world of wine and spirits and listen to talks on specific regions and vinoculture, whilst sampling a selection of wine and spirits.

Join a team of experts for a fascinating insight into the world of art and architecture, focusing on Baltic capitals on the ‘Art and Architecture’ cruises on board Artemis.

For those of you with a love of antiques the ‘Antiques’ cruise offers the chance of learning more about them, perhaps by listening to talks on topics such as silver, porcelain, furniture, glass and many other specialist areas. These will include Art Deco, future collectables, building your own collection and many more. There will also be opportunities to discuss your own pieces and receive estimations as to their valuation worth.

‘Current Affairs’ enables passengers to join specialists from the fields of news and politics and gain a greater understanding into the world of current affairs. Discover what life if like as a government minister, how policies are decided upon and introduced and how a correspondent would report on these issues.

‘Literature’ cruises will have experts presenting readings and talks on British literature, past and present from novelists and great British poets to contemporary British literature from Booker Prize winners to modern day classics. Not only will there by readings of famous passages, there will also be an opportunity to learn how to write and get published.

‘Civilisations’ cruise is a voyage into discovery providing an insight into the different cultures and histories of the countries you will visit on the cruise.

If you have a passion for gardening the ‘Gardening’ cruise is the perfect chance to further your knowledge, with a team of specialists on board talking through a huge number of topics, including the use of greenhouses, cottage gardens, vegetables, fruit and herbs.

‘Martitime History’ cruises allow guests to join enthusiasts discovering the journey of maritime history in Britain from the days of King Henry VIII to those of Queen Elizabeth II.

‘Jazz’ cruises will feature two different jazz bands who will present a wide range of music, throughout the day and evening. In addition there will be a series of talks about some of the ‘greats’ of the Jazz scene.

For those of you who love the Christmas season ‘Christmas Markets’ will delight you with a team of speakers guiding you through the enchantment and wonder of Christmas. You will visit special markets at ports of call, with the chance to see how to prepare festive food and create your own cards and gift wrap.

Marco Pierre White will be on board for an amazing special interest cruise for those of you passionate about food. The world renowned chef created the White Room on board Ventura.

‘Tate Talks’ are to be available on Ventura, offering a fascinating insight into the world of modern art. Delivered by Tate Modern curators, experts and selected artists you can enjoy talks, interviews and even get hands on with a creative workshop on board.

Ventura’s Final Production Show ‘Masquerade’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber

P&O Cruises brand new ship Ventura now has only 15 days to go until her maiden voyage.

Ventura’s final production show has now been confirmed as ‘Masquerade’ the music Andrew Lloyd Webber. The show will be presented by Jean Ann Ryan in association with Musical Associates (UK) Ltd by arrangement with The Really Useful Group Limited.

Masquerade will be a concert of the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber including hits from his highly successful musicals, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, Starlight Express, Phantom of the Opera, Whistle down the Wind and Aspects of Love.

There are Junior Mini Suites still available on a number of sailings.

In Ventura’s Junior Mini-Suites passengers will discover a chilled bottle of champagne on arrival, a box of handmade truffles, a fresh flower arrangement as well as a fruit basket which will be delivered during their cruise. Passengers will also have wi-fi, their very own high-powered binoculars and world atlas. In the bathroom passengers will be treated to a luxury pamper pack and super soft bathrobes and slippers.

Ventura's Junior Mini-Suites with balcony have the following facilities:

* Bathroom with full size bath, sink vanity unit, WC and separate shower
* Two lower beds convertible to a king size bed
* Wardrobes and drawer space
* Lounge, sofa, chairs and table
* Vanity/writing desk
* 2 x 20 inch Flat panel TV
* Radio
* Safe, hairdryer and fridge
* Tea/coffee making facilities designed by Nick Munro
* Direct dial telephone
* Furnished balcony
* Magazines
* Umbrella
* Nightly turndown service
* Blacony Alfresco dining
* Canapes - 2 formal nights during cruise

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.

P&O Cruises to launch new children's clubs

Noddy and Mr Bump are to take to the seas this summer with P&O Cruises. Noddy will be joining two to four year olds and the one and only Mr Bump will be entertaining the four to seven year olds. The two characters are from the timeless classic children’s show The Mr Men Show which will be returning to Channel 5 this month.

P&O Cruises already have very popular on board children’s clubs. The children’s clubs on the family friendly ships such as the Aurora, Oceana and Ventura are being given a refresh with a unified brand to be used across all of P&O ships. This base will be known as ‘The Reef’, with the central theme based around the ocean for all children and teenagers for the duration of their P&O cruise holidays.

The 2 to 4 year olds will be able to participate in exciting fun and games and will be known as ‘Splashers’, 5 to 8 year olds will be having fun as ‘Scubas’, 9 to 12 years will be playing around as ‘Surfers’ and cool 13 to 17 year olds will be able to enjoy their independence being part of H2O.
Mr Bump and Noddy will be on board playing games and joining families for breakfast.

P&O Cruises are keen to make sure that younger passengers are able to make the most of all the clubs have to offer and believe that having their own dedicated group names will enhance this. It will be encouraged by the fact that children will continue to see the familiar faces of Mr Bump and Noddy throughout their cruise holiday.

Children and teenagers are sure to be enjoying the experiences of the new clubs aboard Ventura on her maiden cruise this month and the new personas will be on all P&O Cruise family friendly ships from July.