Arcadia Multi-Million Pound Refurb

P&O Cruises Arcadia is currently undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment, during which a total of 34 new staterooms will be added. The refit is being done in the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. Arcadia arrived in the yard on 26 November and will return to Southampton on 20 December 2008.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “This is Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are taking the opportunity to enhance and improve the features of this already very successful child free ship.

“The work that we are undertaking will add to Arcadia’s contemporary charm and she will emerge with even more facilities to surprise and delight her passengers.”

A new section of staterooms with private balconies will be added to the aft end of the ship. This will result in the creation of an enlarged deck area around the already popular Aquarius Pool. To further enhance this area, a larger and more stylish, new bar has been created.

A further new feature for passengers will be a 30-seat boutique cinema, creating a dedicated space for showing films on board. The cinema will be added in place of the existing Cyb@Study – wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board

The photo gallery is to be revamped with more space and privacy given for portrait sittings and the addition of equipment for passengers to download images from their own cameras to be printed directly on board.

Further refurbishment is taking place throughout the ship, with new carpets, soft furnishings and upholstery added in areas including the Spinnaker Bar, Neptune Pool and passenger cabins. New teak furniture will enhance open deck space and a sprung wooden floor in the gym will improve delivery of exercise classes.

The refit is taking place in Arcadia’s fourth year of service, just weeks before she embarks on her maiden 101 night Grand Voyage. The first passengers to sail on the new look Arcadia will be departing on a 16 night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton on 20 December 2008.

Official Press Release P&O Cruises dated 2nd December 2008.

Azura Set for 2010

A number of new innovations combined with a refined and modern interpretation of the classic cruise experience will be the defining qualities for the latest superliner from P&O Cruises, Azura, set to launch in 2010.

To harness eclectic British tastes and honour the rich history of P&O Cruises, Azura will feature an Indian fine dining restaurant, Sindhu, the creation of celebrated Michelin starred chef Atul Kochhar. Sindhu means meeting point, amalgamation or fusion, and the menu will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine. Dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce will tempt passengers through the doors of this – just one of 11 – dining venues on board.

Azura will feature 18 single staterooms, a first in the P&O Cruises fleet, and two large suites for extended families or groups of friends to share, meaning more affordable travel suited to today’s diverse market.

The ship will offer a record 900 staterooms with private balconies and a select number of spa staterooms, offering exclusive access to the Oasis Spa and added in-cabin extras.

TV wine expert Olly Smith has also been enlisted to help create a new ‘Select Dining’ restaurant and wine bar concept – The Glass House. A must for wine lovers, The Glass House menu will feature different wines recommended with each course, all served by the glass and expertly matched by Olly.

The Saturday Kitchen star will also lend his skill on the drinks menus for Azura’s other bars and restaurants, and will travel regularly throughout the year to host light hearted tasting sessions in his own irreverent style.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “We have a rich heritage of providing British cruise passengers with an exceptional holiday experience, and it is this unprecedented experience that gives us a unique insight into their needs and tastes. We are perfectly positioned to design a ship to appeal to today’s sophisticated consumers and have done exactly this with Azura.

“Modern travellers have diverse needs and require more than a ‘one size fits all’ approach. Azura will cater for every kind of consumer, from newcomers to cruising to our more experienced repeat customers; from singles and couples to families and multi-generational groups, empty nesters to parties or simply friends reunited – Azura will deliver them all with an authentic, large ship experience.

“Among the new developments Azura also features all the qualities inherent in the P&O Cruises experience, such as fine dining, a world-class spa, extensive family friendly facilities and specially commissioned works of British art.”

New design highlights include an open air cinema by the Aqua Pool and a secluded on deck spa area, The Retreat, with private cabanas for al-fresco massages, luxurious sun loungers and personal waiter service.

Treatment rooms within the spa will also have balconies, so that passengers can be pampered in the open air.

In entertainment, Azura will feature an ultra-modern interpretation of a classic London pub, a show lounge designed with the Big Apple in mind and a dance floor in the atrium, making it the social hub of the ship.

“Azura will provide a contemporary, glamorous, serene and sophisticated holiday experience for adults and couples,” continued Esdale. “The emphasis will be on the highest levels of service with extraordinary attention to detail.”

For family appeal, Azura will have innovations such as a dedicated ‘Wii’ room.

A purpose-built website has been created for Azura, featuring an interview with Atul Kochhar, as he talks about his background, family life, and passion for the finest Indian ingredients. Use of video clips and a carousel of imagery give visitors an insight into the detail that has gone in to the designing of the ship.

“Spontaneity combined with diversity is the key, whether that is fine tuning their tango on the new dance floor in the atrium or curling up with a book in The Alcove library. Everyone travelling on Azura will find plenty to enjoy and generate long lasting stories,” concluded Esdale.

To find out more visit www.pocruises.co.uk/Azura

To download hi-resolution press pictures visit www.pocruisespresspictures.com

Official Press Release P&O Cruises dated 25th November 2008.

Ocean Village to be Phased Out

Carnival UK has announced that it is rationalising its portfolio with the phasing out of the Ocean Village brand, beginning in Autumn 2009.  Consistent with Carnival’s strategy of investing in brands which show the greatest growth potential, both Ocean Village ships will transfer to the P&O Cruises Australia brand, the first in time for Christmas 2009 and the second a year later.

Commenting on the move, David Dingle, CEO of Carnival UK and Chair of the Carnival Australia Management Committee, said:

“In reviewing the most effective deployment of our ships, we have recognised the major growth potential in the Australian market and the profit opportunity which awaits.  Clearly it is disappointing to wind down our Ocean Village operation which has been superbly created and delivered by an excellent management team, but we must recognise the need to maximise profit performance from our assets.  Ocean Village has done much to change the face of British cruising, and all our UK brands have benefited from this.  The arrival of new ships for P&O Cruises and Cunard in 2010 and the continuing development of Princess Cruises in Britain will ensure that Carnival UK continues its growth despite the redeployment of the Ocean Village vessels.”

Ocean Village will operate a single ship in the Caribbean in Winter 2009-10 and the previously published programme will be adjusted, with existing bookings amended accordingly.  A European programme will be operated in 2010.  P&O Cruises will take delivery of the 3,100 bed Azura in March 2010 and the new 2,100 bed Queen Elizabeth will join the Cunard fleet in October 2010.

Construction On Azura Begins

A ceremony marking the keel-laying for the newest superliner for P&O Cruises will be held today at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. One of the two largest ships ever built for P&O Cruises and for the British cruise market, the new ship will be named Azura.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Evoking images of the ocean and capturing the thrill of cruise travel, the name Azura is very fitting for this most sophisticated of superliners. It is also appropriate for a ship that will be a haven of serenity and the embodiment of the choice and service excellence for which P&O Cruises is renowned.”

The keel-laying involved the placement in the dry dock of one section of the ship’s hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs 650 tons and is ready-fitted with piping and other internal structure.

The ceremony follows an intensive period of design and development. Fifty sections and several additional interconnecting steel blocks will be used in the construction of Azura and the ship will take to the water for the first time at her float out in summer 2009, before her delivery to P&O Cruises in spring 2010.

Azura’s 3,100 passengers will enjoy fifteen public decks, 11 restaurants, five boutiques, four pools, two lounges and over 900 private balconies.

Azura will depart on her maiden voyage in late spring 2010, details of which will be announced early next year. Further details of Azura’s build, partnerships and interior design will be announced in November 2008.

Official Press Release P&O Cruises dated 27th October 2008.

Drugs Raid On Arcadia

Drugs have been seized in a raid onboard P&O Cruises’ Arcadia whilst she was docked in Southampton.

In the raid HM Revenue and Customs and the UK Border Agency seized drugs that hold an estimated street value of £1.2 million.

Seven people were arrested during the raid where four of those were found with 30kg of cocaine strapped to their bodies.

All of the people arrested in the raid are said to be from the Birmingham and Manchester area.

None of the arrested were crew members of P&O.

P&O Two World Voyages

World cruise expert P&O Cruises is offering two world voyages for 2010 which will be on sale from Monday 15 September 2008. Arcadia will undertake her first full circumnavigation for those passengers who are looking for a traditional round the world voyage and Aurora will be taking a connoisseur voyage aimed at more experienced cruisers who are seeking something little different. The 2010 World Voyages brochure contains both itineraries which will depart from Southampton in January 2010.

Aurora’s Grand Voyage departs on 5 January, sailing eastbound via the Mediterranean, passing through the Suez Canal to visit Egypt, India, the Far East, Japan, Australia and the Indian Ocean, before returning to Britain via South Africa. Highlight destinations include:

• Dubai
• Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Hiroshima
• Sydney
• Melbourne
• Phuket
• Mauritius
• Cape Town

Prices for the full 104 night voyage start from £9,549 (including 45% pricebreaker early booking discount).

Arcadia’s World Cruise departs on 10 January and is a full world circumnavigation, sailing westbound via the Caribbean, Mexico, USA, New Zealand and Australia, with two weeks in the Orient and a return sailing to Britain via India and Egypt, passing through the Suez Canal. Key ports of call are:

• San Francisco
• Honolulu
• Auckland
• Sydney
• Whitsunday Islands
• Hong Kong
• Sihanoukville
• Ko Samui
• Singapore
• Aqaba

Prices for the 94 night itinerary start from £8,599 (including 45% pricebreaker early booking discount).

Abridged Press Release P&O Cruises dated 11th September 2008.

Cruise Holidays Better Value

Whilst the cost of everyday household items and food increases, it seems that the cost of holidays has dropped significantly. Cruise holidays, once the preserve of the wealthy, have now become affordable and accessible.

Research conducted by P&O Cruises finds that whilst a two week cruise holiday this summer in an ocean view cabin costs £1579 per person, the actual cost of the same holiday ten years ago was £2520.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale said: “The cumulative inflation rate between May 1998 and May 2008 is 32%*, so if cruise holidays had increased accordingly, then our prices should be more than double those in this summer’s brochure. In actual fact, this year’s prices are more than £900 cheaper per person, almost £2,000 cheaper for a couple than ten years ago.”

An ocean view cabin for two people on Oriana this year costs £3158 – 37% less than ten years ago when the same cabin would have cost £5040.

“Compare that to a loaf of bread, which cost 48p and is now £1.08, or a pint of draught bitter which cost £1.70 ten years ago and is now around £3 a pint or even the well documented price of a litre of unleaded petrol which cost 67p per litre in 1998 and is now £1.12. Household expenditure on everyday items has practically doubled, whilst cruise holidays have become more affordable than ever.*

“Considering a cruise holiday today includes accommodation, almost all food, entertainment and even flights, the research proves the exceptional value it provides at a time when the credit crunch is hitting our wallets in every aspect of our daily life.

“Passengers can eat in the restaurant of a celebrity chef, try bungee trampolining and circus skills, enjoy a martini in a contemporary designer bar or see a West End style show at minimal cost.”

This view is endorsed by Virgin Holidays Cruises managing director, Robin Deller who said:

“At Virgin Holidays Cruises we have seen a significant increase in cruise sales in 2008. We believe this is mainly due to the fact consumers are now fully aware that a cruise holiday really does provide the best value for money. This trend seems set to continue as more innovative ships appealing to the ‘new to cruise’ passenger and to families enter service.”

P&O Cruises has set up a dedicated web page so holidaymakers can look at the value for money offered by a cruise holiday, www.pocruises.co.uk/value.

Official Press Release P&O Cruises dated 4th September 2008.

Ventura Rescues Yacthsman

Ventura rescued an injured yachtsman whilst on a Mediterranean cruise at the weekend. P&O Cruises’ newest cruise ship responded to an urgent call from a French man who had fallen and broken his hip. Ventura changed course when traveling to Malaga and rescued the man, he was treated onboard by the Ventura medical staff.

The man was taken ashore when Ventura docked in Malaga. The cruise ship then continued its 16 night Mediterranean cruise.

P&O Cruises introduces once in a lifetime shore excursions

P&O Cruises is offering a new collection of shore excursions for holidaymakers setting sail in 2008/09.

Designed to meet and exceed the needs of new and more adventurous cruise passengers, the programme offers a range of ‘must do’ activities and experiences on land, sea and in the air.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “We are now attracting more new to cruise passengers than ever before and these holidaymakers are looking for something a little different to do on shore than a guided coach tour.

“We can now offer them experiences that simply would not be possible on any other type of holiday. In a two week Mediterranean cruise they could charter a private yacht, go zip-wiring, learn to cook an authentic Italian specialities and make their very own fragrance.

“It is this breadth of choice that sets our holidays apart from any other.”

Highlights of the Mediterranean shore excursion programme are:

• Driving a red Ferrari F430 for the day through the streets of Italy, from the port of Livorno.
• Creating a personal fragrance with master perfumers in The Galimard Studio in Grasse, from port of Cannes (from 2009).
• Learning how to make fresh Tuscan specialties in a farmhouse overlooking the Alps, from the port of Livorno.

In the Caribbean, highlights include:

• Zip wiring through the rainforest, in Jamaica
• Racing a private Beneteau 40 yacht, in Antigua.

Highlights in the Baltic / Northern Europe are:

• Exploring glaciers and ice-fields on a snow truck, from Reykjavik.
• Floating downstream on the River Suldalslågen, for a 2km ‘Salmon Safari’, from Stavanger.

Official P&O Cruises press release Posted 31 Jul 08

P&O Cruises Ban Smoking

P&O Cruises is to go smoke free in all inside areas on board three of the ships in the fleet.

As of October this year two family-friendly ships, Oceana & Ventura, and adult-only Artemis will be no smoking in all inside spaces. There will be allocated outside smoking areas on all ships and passengers will be able to smoke on their cabin balconies.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “Since Britain went smoke free in July 2007 the British public has become accustomed to being in a smoke free environment with 76 per cent of the general public supporting the ban*. We hope that becoming smoke free will give all our passengers, especially children, a cleaner and more pleasant environment in which at enjoy their holiday on board.

“Cruise ships already provide so many ways to have a fun and healthy holiday, such as spas and fitness centres, and this is another step towards an even healthier holiday experience for all. Ventura and Oceana are both child friendly, and between them could have over 1000 children on board at any one time, therefore we want to ensure they are breathing clean air on board as well as clean ocean air out on open deck.”

Official P&O Cruises press release Posted 25 Jun 08

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