Britannia Cruise Ship Arrives in Southampton Ahead of Naming Ceremony

Britannia, P&O Cruises' new ship, has arrived in Southampton ahead of its official naming ceremony that will be held on March 10.

Her Majesty The Queen, joined by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, will name the new vessel at Ocean Terminal, Southampton, SO14 3QN next Tuesday. The naming will mark an event of great national interest and an important date in British maritime history.

"We are thrilled and extremely proud that Her Majesty will be naming Britannia almost two decades after she named Orania, the P&O Cruises ship.

"Britannia, a ship for the whole nation, will be the representation of contemporary Britain, and with her Union Jack livery she will take the flag of Britain around the world," said Carnival UK chairman David Dingle.

With a capacity of 3,600 passengers, Britannia is the biggest ship ever designed solely for Britain, and it is P&O Cruises' latest "modern classic" offering an array of great holiday choices. Amongst her features are restaurants, bars and cafes, with dishes created by P&O Cruises' 'Food Heroes'; Marco Pierre White, James Martin, Eric Lanlard, Atul Kochhar, cheese expert Charlie Turnbull  and wine expert Olly Smith.

In the new Cookery Club, a 24 person ultra-modern cookery school, experts and celebrity chefs will show off their culinary skills, and will be accompanied throughout the year by other famous chefs including Pierre Koffmann, Mary Berry CBE, Paul Rankin and Commendatore Antonio Carluccio OBE.

Britannia's most remarkable design statement is given by the three-deck high atrium with illuminating Star Burst sculpture. The vessel also offers a state-of-the-art theatre with LED wall, the largest British spa at sea, four pools, gym, and a multi-million pound art collection.

Britannia will increase P&O Cruises' capacity by 24% and will be 25,000 tons larger than P&O Cruises' previous newest ship.