P&O Cruises is pressing on with the construction of its largest ever ship, to be launched in spring 2015.
A ceremony has been held in Italy this week to mark the steel-cutting, (the first phase of development), for the 3,611 passenger ship, which is yet to be named.
The ship is described as a "modern classic" and is being designed by British design company, Richmond, which has also designed The Langham London, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Intercontinental London, Four Seasons Mauritius and Sandy Lane Barbados.
It is the first time a British company is overseeing the whole ship’s interiors.
The keel-laying, which involves the placement in the dry dock of one large section of the ship’s hull and the beginning of the actual ship build, will take place in May 2013.
The ship will take to the water for the first time at her float out in summer 2014, before her delivery to P&O Cruises in spring 2015.
by Bev Fearis
