Noddy takes to high seas with P&O Cruises

Icons of British culture are being brought together by P&O Cruises when £300 million superliner Ventura is launched in April 2008.

Toyland character Noddy will feature in the children’s area for two to four-year-olds to emphasise the ship’s family-friendly facilities.

Noddy will make periodic appearances throughout the year at character breakfasts and during playtime. This is claimed to be the first time a British cruise line has forged a relationship with a recognisable children’s character.

The 115,000-tonne ship’s innovations include celebrity chef Marco Pierre White’s The White Room signature restaurant. The restaurateur will also act as a dining consultant in the build up to the ship’s maiden voyage from Southampton.

He will also help create family dining venue The Beach House. This will offer families the chance to dine together somewhere designed specifically for that purpose.

Art and design are key themes for the ship and Ventura will be a floating showcase for British contemporary art, with 7,000 different pieces from 55 artists.

P&O Cruises has partnered with Tate Modern to host ‘Introduction to Modern Art’ themed cruises, giving passengers the opportunity to attend seminars, presentations and practical art classes on board.

British designer Nick Munro, renowned for his unique furniture, ceramic and homeware designs, will create bespoke items designed specifically for contemporary British tastes. These will help create an environment that is visually stimulating and welcoming to Ventura’s passengers.

Older children on Ventura will be offered lessons in how to become a rock star, learning how to play guitar, keyboards and drums. P&O Cruises has also designed an area specifically for parents to supervise children aged under two years.

Ventura will be more than 40% larger than its current biggest vessel Arcadia, carrying nearly 3,600 passengers and 1,200 crew. With almost 900 private balconies, the line claims Ventura will have the best-equipped accommodation of any ship sailing from the UK.

P&O Cruises managing director David Dingle said Ventura would set a new standard for 21st century cruising from the UK, with a mix of innovation, creative design and cutting edge features.

“Ventura will redefine cruising and we look forward to sharing the innovations we have created as well as the authentic characteristics which typify a P&O Cruises ship,” he said.

“Ventura, through her innovation, scale and contemporary appeal, marks the next step forward for the UK cruise industry. Ventura will take the contemporary cruise experience to the next level.”

Cruises on Ventura are expected to go on sale before next summer for itineraries starting in spring 2008.

Report by Phil Davies