Ballet star to name new ship
Sunday, 23 Nov, 2009
0
Former Royal Ballet star dancer Darcey Bussell is to name the latest ship to join P&O Cruises’ fleet.
She has been named as godmother to £350 million vessel Azura.
Bussell (40), who is to become a guest judge on TV’s Strictly Come Dancing from next month, will star in the naming ceremony of the 115,000 ton Azura in Southampton on April 10 next year.
The Sydney-based ballerina is to fly back to the UK with her family for the event, the details of which are being kept under wraps until the day.
More than 1,200 invited guests will witness the naming ceremony on Azura’s top deck prior to the maiden voyage, a 16-night Mediterranean cruise which departs on April 12.
The naming ceremony will benefit three international charities personally chosen by Bussell – Sydney Dance Company, the Royal Ballet School and the Prince’s Rainforest Project.
P&O Cruises’ managing director Carol Marlow said: “Darcey Bussell epitomises glamour, sophistication and elegance, all qualities we have strived to achieve in Azura.
“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.”
Bussell said:“I am so excited, honoured and, at the same time, somewhat filled with trepidation to be Godmother to Azura, as I know how significant the ceremony is viewed by the ship’s captain and crew.”
The ship, which will have a dance floor in the centre of the atrium, can carry 3,100 passengers and feature an open air cinema.
*To watch an interview with Darcey Bussell go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGysVGfabgM
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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