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.

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.

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.

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 IS ADDING THE FIRST CIRCUS SCHOOL AT SEA TO ITS LATEST SUPERLINER VENTURA.

When the ship launches in April it will include ‘Cirque Ventura’ which will feature a bungee trampoline and a flying trapeze area.


Skilled performers will also hold workshops on the tight wire, acro balance, clowning, juggling and stilt walking.


P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: “Cirque Ventura is set to be a firm favourite and is just one of a host of innovations onboard Ventura. Any guest aged eight and over will have the chance to ‘run away with the circus’ and learn some innovative skills."


Cirque Ventura will be operated in partnership with circus skills company, the Generating Company.

Kelly Ranson

CARNIVAL UK SIGNS FOR NEW SOUTHAMPTON CRUISE TERMINAL

A purpose-built cruise terminal is to be built in Southampton for almost £20 million to open in 2009.

The new terminal comes as part of a 20-year deal between Carnival UK and Associated British Ports for the multi-brand cruise giant to continue sailing from Southampton.

The £19 million terminal will be built at Ocean Dock, opposite the site of the old Ocean Terminal.

The agreement also gives Carnival UK priority use of the port's QEII and Mayflower Terminals. The cruise company's brands include P&O Cruises, Cunard, Ocean Village and Princess Cruises.
Carnival UK CEO David Dingle said: "Our brands are inextricably linked with Southampton and the port's maritime history.

"The signing of this agreement and the construction of our new headquarters building in the city together underpin our commitment to retaining Southampton as our long-term home.

"The new terminal agreement comes as we prepare to base further new ships in Southampton including Cunard Line's Queen Victoria, which was named in the city on Monday, and P&O Cruises' Ventura which will be home-ported here from next April.
"Our new ships are testament to the growth of the cruise industry, the strength of its links with Southampton and its massive economic contribution to the region, and it is fitting that they will sail from a new state-of-the-art terminal in the city."

by Phil Davies

P&O CRUISES AND NICK MUNRO COMPLETE BIGGEST DESIGN EXERCISE EVER UNDERTAKEN IN CONTEMPORARY BRITISH CRUISING

Leading designer Nick Munro has been commissioned exclusively by P&O Cruises to complete more than 200,000 items to be on board Ventura – the largest superliner designed for Britain - when she launches in April 2008.


Covering all aspects of the passenger experience, Nick's influence and bold new designs will be found right across the ship: in the cutlery, glassware, ceramics and in cabin amenities.


His commitment to the project has seen him make frequent visits to the Italian shipyard where Ventura is under construction, and get involved with many different aspects of the on board design.


“Wherever there was an opportunity for change and progress, we have encouraged Nick to get involved and apply his renowned creative flair and ability to work across many different materials all at once,” commented P&O Cruises head of brand marketing, Philip Price.


“As a result, not only will Ventura’s passengers experience the allure of Nick's uniquely designed 'Anemone' sculpture in Ventura’s stunning atrium, but they will also appreciate the quality and simplicity of Nick's more utilitarian designs, right down to the cabin waste bins."


“We know that it’s the tiny noticeable things that really make the difference on a project of this scale, and so we are paying great attention to detail with bespoke designs of cutlery, glassware and cabin amenities to name a few. All of these added extras will combine to make a spectacular passenger experience.”


Speaking of the partnership, Nick Munro said; P&O Cruises has a lot of experience of catering for British tastes and creating a depth of experience for holidaymakers. But, it also recognises the need to adapt and innovate to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of the British holidaymaker, so being involved with them was a natural fit for me. Being a part of this contemporisation of cruising has been an exciting challenge and I can’t wait to see the finished product in just under 21 weeks time.”

Nick Munro himself explains the design elements of the ship on the dedicated and interactive website, www.virtualventura.co.uk. Ventura will be based in Southampton from April 2008.

VENTURA COMPLETES SEA TRIALS

P&O's Ventura, the largest cruise ship dedicated to the British market, has successfully completed its official sea trials.

The two weeks of trials included testing of the £300 million ship's navigation system and propulsion motors.

Completion of the sea trials signify that 3,100-passenger Ventura is close to completion, and will soon be sailing for the UK from its Italian shipyard prior to its launch in Southampton in April.

P&O Cruises' managing director, Nigel Esdale said: "We are delighted that Ventura passed her sea trials with flying colours.

"The next few months will be a busy time at the shipyard, as the innovative concepts and designs for Ventura come to life in the final stages of her development.

"We are very much looking forward to Ventura joining our fleet and embarking on her maiden season as the most family friendly superliner built for the British market."

The build of Ventura started with the laying of the keel in August 2006.

Since then more than 3,000 workers at the Fincantieri shipyard have worked to complete the project, and the final few months will be dedicated to creating and outfitting her contemporary, innovative and family friendly public spaces and cabins.

A sister ship is due to be delivered to the cruise line in 2010.

Meanwhile, sister brand Cunard's new ship Queen Victoria is due in Southampton today for a weekend of trade events prior to be named by The Duchess of Cornwall on Monday.

by Phil Davies