New P&O Cruises ship to be named at sea
Actress Prunella Scales is to name P&O Cruises latest ship Artemis this month.
She will become godmother of the vessel at a naming ceremony at sea on June 16 in the Solent off Southampton.
Previously sailing as Royal Princess for sister line Princess Cruises, Artemis is undergoing a multi-million pound re-fit. It will be a child-free ship offering a traditional cruise experience covering destinations larger vessels are unable to reach.
At 46,000 tonnes, Artemis will be smaller than the other four ships in the P&O Cruises fleet so it can visit lesser-known ports of call.
Artemis will sail from Southampton in the summer to the Mediterranean, Canaries, Baltic and Norwegian Fjords. On October 25 it will undertake a 110-night Grand Odyssey including almost 50 ports of call in South America, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, California, Central America and the Caribbean.
The ship will feature a newly built health and beauty spa and an internet area. Artemis will offer Music Festivals at Sea, with classical recitals plus a programme of self-enrichment featuring bridge, literature, art, ballroom dancing, photography, computer skills and flower arranging.
P&O Cruises managing director David Dingle said: “The naming ceremony for Artemis will be just one part of a day long celebration which will include a classical music concert and champagne picnic in the grounds of Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite residence. It is, therefore, fitting that Prunella will serve as godmother to Artemis, a graceful ship offering a more traditional cruise experience.”
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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