When naming our ships, we always aim to find the perfect fit for each vessel. In honour of Mother’s Day, here are the women who have named each of our ships.

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Iona- Dame Irene Hays

<h2>Iona- Dame Irene Hays</h2>
<p>Our first green and most innovative ship, <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/iona/overview">Iona</a>, was officially named on 16 May 2021 by Dame Irene Hays of Hays Travel. Dame Irene was awarded a CBE in 2008 and made a Dame in the 2021 New Year’s Honours for her services to training, education and young people. Dame Irene has long been a powerful advocate of Hays Travel community and charitable activities – in which Hays Travel colleagues contribute to their local communities.<br>
<br>
Iona made her maiden voyage in our return to service home water cruises out of lockdown in 2021. She sailed to her namesake Scottish island, showing guests some of the UK’s most sensational, secret beaches. The Inner Hebrides may not get the temperatures to go with the white sand and clear, clean seas but this part of the British Isles is a beauty to behold, just like Iona.<br>
<br>
Highlights of the naming ceremony included celebrity hostess, Jo Whiley, a private performance from Gary Barlow, and a few words from P&amp;O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow (now President of Carnival UK). Watch Iona’s naming ceremony <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pI4N7fv4J_Q">here</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Discover Iona for yourself <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=IA">here</a>.</h3>


Arvia- Nicole Scherzinger

<h2>Arvia- Nicole Scherzinger</h2>
<p>Our newest, show-stopping stunner of a ship, <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arvia/overview">Arvia</a>, simply had to have some superstar quality when it came to choosing her godmother. Multi-million-dollar-selling artist, Nicole Scherzinger played the part perfectly, performing at a glittering naming ceremony in Barbados in January 2023. Nicole is a global sensation, known as a former Pussycat Doll who recently received high acclaim and many accolades as the lead role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard - now a sell-out show on Broadway in New York. Arvia and her godmother turn heads here at home and across the pond. You can cruise the <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/caribbean">Caribbean</a> for winter sun or immerse yourself in the magical <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-destinations/mediterranean">Mediterranean</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pocruises.com/cruise-ships/arvia/overview">Arvia</a> through the summer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Explore cruises on our newest ship <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=AR">here</a>.</h3>


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Set your sights on Greece

Dreaming of cobbled streets, ancient treasures and sun-kissed shores? On a P&O Cruises holiday to Greece, you can wake up to a new view of paradise every single day

Historic destinations in the Mediterranean 

Looking for a historic getaway that includes sunshine and sea breezes? Choose a P&O Cruises Mediterranean fly-cruise in 2028, and let the world’s ancient wonders come to you.

Culture, adventure, and discovery are a shore thing in the Med

5 sense-sational holiday experiences 

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2026 Travel Hotlist

With a new year on the horizon, we’ve got these holidays firmly in our sights. Where will 2026 take you?

Set your sights on Central and Northern Italy

Lush landscapes, cosmopolitan cities and iconic sights: this is the Italy of romantic films, artistic masterpieces and many a daydream. These four Central and Northern Italian ports of call will turn your reveries into reality.

Set your sights on Southern Italy

Discover the vibrant culture, delicious food, and rich history of Southern Italy's most captivating ports with P&O Cruises.

Top things to do in Valletta

Experience the charm of Valletta with P&O Cruises. From historical landmarks to lively celebrations, discover what makes this city special.

2025 Travel Hotlist

From sunny escapes to city breaks, here’s a look at what’s on the horizon for the year ahead.

P&O Cruises 2024 in Numbers

We've crunched the numbers and wow, what a year it's been! Have a look at how our guests have spent their time with us this year...

Paul Ludlow in Lisbon

Our president, Paul Ludlow, looks at why Malta, our beautiful home port for Mediterranean fly-cruises, holds such a special place in our hearts. Watch Paul’s video to learn all about the exciting Maltese projects we’re involved with and how guests can enjoy an unmissable 10% off their shore experiences.

Set your sights on… Morocco and Cape Verde

Did you know we have brand-new cruises to Cape Verde and Morocco included in our Winter 2026/27 collection? As well as an 18-night Cape Verde and Morocco cruise on Arcadia in December, we also have Morocco cruises on Aurora in November and on Ventura in February. 

A perfect day in Dubrovnik

Any day in this captivating Croatian city is a day well spent. From coffee to cable cars, here’s how to get the most out of your time in Dubrovnik

Paul Ludlow shares the latest from Malta

The best places to visit when...you want to relax on a beach

Whether you’re a water baby, sun worshipper or sandcastle-building pro, a day at the beach is always the highlight of a holiday. Soak up some rays, feel the sand between your toes and breathe in the salty tang of the ocean with our guide to some of the best beach escapes for relaxing on shore.

The best shore excursions in Dubrovnik

Nestled along the breath-taking Adriatic coast in Croatia, Dubrovnik is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ and has been captivating travellers for many years. 

Escape the winter, extend your summer

Want to hold on to that summer feeling? Here are three easy ways to make it happen on a P&O Cruises holiday.

12 Months of holidays

Where will the year take you? We’ve got 12 months of tempting travel inspiration in our handy guide to some of the world’s dreamiest destinations. So whether you’re after a last-minute escape or are planning ahead, a year’s worth of holidays is at your fingertips.

A foodie's guide to Valletta

Perfectly perched in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a unique culinary scene cultivated over centuries. Flavours from North Africa and all across Europe coalesce to create flavours found nowhere else in the region.

An arty guide to Barcelona

In what is arguably the hippest of Spanish cities, there’s something to cater to every art-lover’s needs. To make the selection process a little easier when you’ve got limited time in the Catalonian capital, here’s a list of must-see places for the artistically inclined.

These views are better in real life

Have you ever caught yourself looking through holiday snaps and saying, ‘my camera just hasn’t done it justice’? Pretty as pictures can be, there’s nothing quite like seeing those epic, once-in-a-lifetime sights with your own two eyes. These six wonders are even more picture-perfect in person. 

5 of our best cruises for couples

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Cruise with ease from Southampton

Your holiday begins the moment you step onboard when you choose to cruise from Southampton. On a no-fly cruise, you can say goodbye to luggage restrictions and navigating airports. Even though you don’t take to the skies, your no-fly cruise holiday will start, and finish, on a high.

5 Chocolate Treats to Enjoy Onboard & Ashore

World Chocolate Day falls on 7 July, and what better way to get in the mood than with a sprinkling of chocolate-themed travel inspiration? Which of delicious treats will you add to your must-do list?

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Discover Monte Carlo, the city full of mega yachts and five-star resorts that glitter in the shadows of the Alpine Mountains.

Big screen destinations

To celebrate the opening of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival we have taken a delve into our itineraries to see which big screen destinations you can visit on a P&O Cruises holiday.

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Photo Taken In Amsterdam, Netherlands"}}

Six great winter escapes

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Discover the secrets of Rome

Travel writer Yolanda Zappaterra explores Rome, off the beaten track. Yolanda is a travel, art and design enthusiast who writes for Time Out and Saga magazine, as well as national newspapers. 

Spain and Portugal: the coast with the most

If you’re looking for a holiday that showcases Europe’s most exhilarating cities, Spain & Portugal offer copious sunshine, cultural clout & fabulous food.

Hidden Gems in the Mediterranean

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Five top spots for family fun

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Your own Greek odyssey

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Discover hidden Naples: What to see and do

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Exploring new territory on a Mediterranean cruise

Guest David George is a self-confessed cruise holiday addict and has visited many destinations around the world on board P&O Cruises ships. But there’s nothing quite like the thrill of visiting a port for the first time, he says.

The pearl of the Adriatic: great things to do in Dubrovnik

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There’s plenty of culture to discover on a P&O Cruises holiday

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Captivating Corfu - things to do

Corfu is an emerald charm in the Ionian Sea with its historic capital, turquoise waters and verdant countryside. And luckily P&O Cruises fly-cruise holidays can take you straight there, as well as our holidays departing from Southampton.

Our magical Greek islands

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We ask travel writer, Rudolf Abraham, what he loves most about Croatia and why the 5 towns are worth a visit on your next  P&O Cruises adventure.

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Holiday inspiration: Sunshine hotspots

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Explore our best shore excursions and activities in Venice, from local favourite restaurants to Murano glass makings. Book your P&O Cruises Italy cruise.

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Have you ever wanted to follow in the footsteps of your favourite movie couples? These five romantic destinations – all of which can be visited on P&O Cruises holidays – offer the perfect chance to relive the iconic moments and soak up the amorous vibes of some of the dreamiest settings in the world.

The wanderlust list: 7 top destinations for 2020

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Travel through time in Tarragona

UNESCO World Heritage sites, sun-drenched beaches and traditional Catalan cuisine: Tarragona has it all.

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<p>The tradition of blessing a ship before its maiden voyage dates back to ancient times, when gods were called upon to bring the ships luck and keep them safe on the water.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Today, the ship’s godmother has taken on the duties of the deities.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The godmother – always a woman of distinction and gravitas – attends the launch ceremony to bless and officially name the ship. She’ll break a bottle against its hull and deliver the official line: ‘I name this ship [name]. May God bless her and all who sail in her.’</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We’ve always put great thought and care into choosing our ships’ godmothers with the aim of finding the perfect person for each vessel.&nbsp;</p>


Aurora- HRH Princess Anne

<h2>Aurora- HRH Princess Anne</h2>
<p>The only daughter of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. She’s a talented equestrian rider, having been the first member of The Royal Family to compete at the Olympic Games (Montreal in 1976) on her beloved horse Goodwill. She’s also involved with over 300 charitable pursuits, including Save the Children UK, of which she’s been president since 1970.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>HRH The Princess Royal holds her own place in maritime history, adding to her godmother kudos – she holds the honorary position of Admiral and Chief Commandant of the Women’s Royal Naval Service. She’s also made waves by launching our much-loved ship&nbsp;<a href="/cruise-ships/aurora/6">Aurora</a>&nbsp;in 2000.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Explore cruise holidays on Aurora <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=AU">here</a>.</h3>


Arcadia- Dame Kelly Holmes DBE

<h2>Arcadia- Dame Kelly Holmes DBE&nbsp;</h2>
<p>As a double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes DBE is familiar with celebrations. The middle-distance runner, who hails from Pembury in Kent, was made a Dame after her success in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, where she raced to victory in the 800m and 1,500m races.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Her stellar sporting success made her the perfect choice to christen&nbsp;<a href="/cruise-ships/arcadia/1">Arcadia</a>&nbsp;in 2005, which at the time was the biggest cruise ship ever built for the British market. At the dockside stage surrounded by stars, circus artists and thousands of spectators, Dame Kelly smashed the customary bottle and sent Arcadia off in style.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">See the world on Arcadia <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=AC">here</a>.</h3>


Ventura- Dame Helen Mirren DBE

<h2>Ventura- Dame Helen Mirren DBE</h2>
<p>Dame Helen Mirren DBE is one of Britain’s best and most beloved actors. Her work on stage and screen has earned her a number of the industry’s top accolades, including an Oscar for portraying Her Majesty The Queen. As a British icon, she was a natural fit for the role of&nbsp;<a href="/cruise-ships/ventura/7">Ventura’s</a>&nbsp;godmother.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>With some 1,500 guests in attendance, Ventura’s naming ceremony in 2008 was one for the books. Dame Helen broke with tradition for the bottle smash: instead of the customary pressing of a button, she commanded a team of Royal Marine Commandos, who rappelled down the side of the ship to break the Champagne bottle.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">View Ventura cruise holidays <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=VE">here</a>.</h3>


Azura- Dame Darcey Bussell DBE

<h2>Azura- Dame Darcey Bussell DBE</h2>
<p>With nearly 20 years as The Royal Ballet's principal dancer, plus stints as a TV presenter, model and author, it’s safe to say Dame Darcey Bussell DBE is one of Britain’s best-known dance personalities.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="/cruise-ships/azura/6">Azura</a>&nbsp;launched in 2010 and was designed with glamour and sophistication in mind: qualities that Darcey embodies effortlessly. The ship has a stunning dance area in its atrium, making the connection even more fitting. Of the choice to make Darcey a godmother, P&amp;O Cruises said: ‘Azura will offer the service, quality and entertainment associated with cruising at its very best and as dance will play a key part in this, it is entirely fitting for Darcey to give Azura the best possible start in life.’</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">View Azura cruise holidays <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=AZ">here</a>.</h3>


Britannia- HM Queen Elizabeth II

<h2>Britannia- HM Queen Elizabeth II</h2>
<p>For the naming of our flagship – at the time, the biggest ship ever built for the British market – we knew we had to find an icon who represented of the best of Britain. No one could do that better than Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and we were honoured that she gave us her blessing for the second time, having named Oriana in 1995.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="/cruise-ships/britannia/1">Britannia’s</a> naming ceremony in March 2015 came nearly 62 years after Her Majesty launched Royal Yacht Britannia in Clydebank, Scotland. Back then, to reflect the mood of post-war austerity, she forwent traditional Champagne and smashed a bottle of Empire wine against the hull.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This time, in a celebration of all things British, Her Majesty launched Britannia with a Nebuchadnezzar of sparkling wine from the Wiston Estate Winery in Sussex in front of a cheering 1,500-strong crowd. She then enjoyed a tour of the Atrium, met crew members and our Food Heroes, and visited the bridge before enjoying lunch on board. </p>
<p> </p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">View cruises on Britannia <a href="https://www.pocruises.com/find-a-cruise?ships=BR">here</a>.</h3>


<p>‘It is the first time I have ever named a ship, let alone one of the size of P&amp;O Cruises Ventura, and I’m really looking forward to being godmother.’</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Dame Helen Mirren DBE</p>


P&O Cruises Azura returns to Southampton after refit in Hamburg proudly showing off her new livery.Picture date: Saturday April 18, 2015.Photograph by Christopher Ison ©07544044177chris@christopherison.comwww.christopherison.com

{"metadata_en_GB":{"alt-text":"Iona in the Norwegian Fjords"}}

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