We are delighted to announce that one of the two ships due for delivery from Italian shipbuilders Fincantieri in 2008 has been allocated to P&O Cruises. The new 116,000 tonne cruise ship, to be named Ventura, will be the largest ever built specifically for Britain and will carry 3,100 passengers and 1,200 officers and crew.

Commenting on the announcement, David Dingle, managing director of P&O Cruises said, “This new order acknowledges the unprecedented demand for the P&O Cruises brand and its increasingly wide appeal. Over the last 10 years P&O Cruises uniquely has introduced a progression of new ships purpose-built for Britain, which have created record levels of demand. Ventura, through her innovation, scale and contemporary appeal, marks the next major step forward for Britain’s leading cruise line, maintaining P&O Cruises’ position at the forefront of our industry.”

To meet the rapidly expanding demand for P&O Cruises, Ventura will feature an unprecedented range of passenger facilities including eight restaurants, six shops, five pools and three show lounges including the largest theatre on a British cruise ship. She will offer one of the largest spas afloat, and a unique family zone, which will bring together four extensive activity areas for different child age groups, a family bistro and two pools dedicated to parents and children. Of her 1,550 passenger cabins, almost 900 will feature a private balcony.

We look forward to bringing you a great deal more news as we go through the development and building of Ventura.