Drum roll please…
We are delighted to announce the launch of our largest ever programme with the publication of our new 2011 P&O Cruises brochure, which includes an incredible 156 cruises, during the 2011 season, our seven ships will visit more than 270 destinations in 90 countries with 128 departures from Southampton.
Our programme, which is packed with new destinations and our widest ever range of holidays, will see some of ships calling at ports never before visited by P&O Cruises. These include Bourgas in Bulgaria, the charming city of Sassnitz in Germany and the Italian Riviera as well a host of fascinating destinations that we haven’t visited in a while – such as Turkey’s 5,000 year old city Izmir, Norwegian Bodo (just north of the Arctic Circle) and the lush Greek islands of Patmos. Adonia, the newest and smallest ship to grace our fleet, will also be taking passengers on an incredible Christmas and New Year cruise to the Holy Land.
Oceana's programme features a wide selection of sailings which all depart from the UK.
Next year will also see Adonia sailing on an exciting range of holidays to the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, North Cape and Iceland, as well as to the Baltic. In the autumn, she will offer fly-cruises to the Mediterranean, including a leisurely 26-night holiday to the Black Sea. Her smaller proportions will also allow her to visit destinations not accessible to larger ships such as Zadar in Croatia and Flekkefjord in Norway.
All of our holidays offer exceptional value for money, with en-suite accommodation, silver-service meals, entertainment and flights for our Caribbean fly-cruises, included in your holiday fare.
Anchors up
P&O Cruises newest ship, Azura, began her maiden cruise around the Mediterranean in April, following a spectacular naming ceremony.
Having arrived in Southampton, celebrities, passengers and staff joined in the glittering inaugural celebrations which saw the ship’s godmother, ballerina Darcey Bussell, brake a bottle of champagne against the hull of the ship in the time-honoured tradition. More than 1,200 guests were on board for the occasion including Azura’s Michelin-starred chef, Atul Kochhar; wine expert Olly Smith who has a designer wine bar on board; GMTV presenter Emma Crosby; a host of Strictly Come Dancing stars; parliamentary candidate Esther Rantzen and comedian Johnny Vegas.
P&O Cruises Managing Director, Carol Marlow said: "Darcey embodies glamour, vitality and classical elegance, qualities which are also reflected in Azura, who has one of her three magnificent dance floors right at the heart of the ship. So with dancing a real feature, Darcey was a natural choice for Godmother and very fittingly will give Azura the best possible start in life.”
On with the shows
Following her launch in April, the curtain has finally gone up on Azura’s exciting and eclectic entertainment programme. And it really does offer something for everyone. Multi media spectacular, My Generation, will take passengers on a tour of the 1960s, while equally evocative Blame it on the Boogie is a feel good celebration of the 1970s. If musical theatre is more your style, then Curtains Up brings you hit songs from the West End, whereas Destination Dance offers a different kind of show, with a dazzling display of dance across all disciplines. New York City Rhythm is a musical love story from the city that never sleeps and, staying in America, Hitzville USA is a slick and high-energy production featuring the sounds of Detroit. When Swing Was King offers timeless swing classics, while Reel to Reel celebrates British blockbusters. Finally carnival celebration Tropical Fever brings an explosion of music and colour. Like every thing else on Azura, this new entertainment programme promises an experience to remember.
In brief
Volcanic ash crisis
The Icelandic volcanic ash crisis resulted in a very difficult time for thousands of travellers who were stranded around the world and for those whose plans and holidays were so severely disrupted. Here at P&O Cruises, we were fortunate that none of our cruise departures were delayed and that all of our ships left Southampton on time.
A good sport
We are proud to announce that the staff of Carnival House, P&O Cruises Southampton-based headquarters, has helped to raise £3,500 for Sport Relief. Sport Relief is a charity event from Comic Relief, in association with BBC Sport, which brings together the worlds of sport and entertainment to raise money to help vulnerable people in both the UK and the world’s poorest countries.
An elegant addition
In June next year, Adonia will be joining the P&O Cruises fleet to offer a smaller, more intimate and classic cruising experience.
Adonia, who will be the smallest of our seven ships, will carry just over 700 passengers and 300 crew. Three-quarters of her well-proportioned staterooms will have balconies and she will boast nine passenger decks. Her modest size means that she will be able to travel far and wide – at just 180 metres in length she is perfectly placed to explore ports that many larger ships are unable to access.
On such an intimate ship, passengers will immediately feel comfortable in their familiar surroundings and at ease with the friendly faces of fellow passengers. P&O Cruises officers and crew members will, of course, be on hand to look after the needs of each and every passenger.
Adonia’s beautifully crafted décor will be in keeping with the traditions of cruising – with her wood-style panelling and grand staircase. Anderson’s bar will feel quintessentially British and she will boast an extensive library adorned with leather armchairs and fine artwork. A designated cards room will offer breathtaking ocean views.
It’s true what they say – good things really do come in small packages – and Adonia will be no exception.