P&O Cruises’ latest ship, Azura, was floated out today ready for launch next April.
The 3,100-passenger superliner will be named in Southampton in April 2010 and depart on her maiden voyage on April 12.
The 115,000-ton ship is being built at Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste.
Amanda Dowds, wife of Azura’s Captain, Keith Dowds acted as ‘godmother’ for a symbolic ceremony in which a newly-minted two pound coin and a new euro are welded at the foot of the ship’s mast for good luck.
Azura was then blessed by a priest as a bottle of Italian Prosecco smashed against the hull.
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale, said: “The float out ceremony is a significant event in the build of a new ship. Azura is designed with traditional cruise values of service and quality combined with the flexibility and choice that today’s contemporary customer expects and the high level of early bookings proves this demand.”
The ship will have an open-air cinema-at-sea, an open air spa terrace and single cabins.
By Bev Fearis
