Ventura en-route to UK
P&O Cruises’ new ship Ventura has set sail for its Southampton homeport after being officially handed over by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy.
The £300 million superliner is due in the UK on April 6, passing the line’s Aurora in the Solent and arriving into the Mayflower Cruise Terminal a approximately 11:00.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, P&O Cruises’ managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “This is a very exciting day for us as we prepare to cast the ropes aside and head for home. Ventura’s maiden season is almost upon us and this ceremony is the culmination of many months of hard work, creativity and innovation.
“Ventura marks a new era in contemporary British cruising and great attention to detail has been spent designing each and every bar, restaurant and cabin.â€
Dame Helen Mirren will perform the official naming of the ship on April 16.
Ventura will set off on its maiden cruise will set sail from Southampton to the Mediterranean two days later to a fanfare of fireworks from nearby Stokes Bay.
*For an exclusive video preview of Ventura go to TravelMole TV from the TravelMole homepage.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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