Back in September 2016, P&O Cruises announced a brand new build for the line which is due to launch in 2020. The new build, which will accommodate 5,200 passengers, will become the largest vessel of the fleet and will mark a new direction for the line for the years to come. Furthermore, the 180,000-ton ship will also become the largest vessel to ever cater specifically for a British market.
Many details have been unveiled for the new ship, but one of the key factors has been left out – and deliberately so. P&O Cruises has yet to name its new vessel and has sought the assistance of the general public. For the first time, passengers will have the chance to submit their suggested names for the new ship as part of a competition – with the winning name to be announced in early 2018.
The opportunity to name the new vessel comes just a year after the Natural Environment Research Council launched a competition to name their new research vessel – which is due to enter service in 2019. The results of the competition proved to be a little surprising, with ‘Boaty McBoatface’ receiving the highest number of votes. In the end, however, the vessel was aptly named in honour of Sir David Attenborough.
Fears of the Natural Environment Research Council vote being replicated, however, have been quashed early on. While the vote is open to anyone, each submission is kept entirely confidential, with P&O Cruises getting the final say on the ship’s name. From fitting names such as Empress and Victoria to sillier names such as ‘Cruisey McCruiseface’, all suggested names are open for consideration.
The competition has been endorsed expert baker, Eric Lanlard, and wine expert, Olly Smith – both of which have become popularly established mascots for P&O Cruises since the launch of Britannia. P&O Cruises has placed a large amount of emphasis on the culinary offering on board its ships in recent years and previous passengers will be excited to hear what the new flagship will have to offer. There will be a total of 15 dining areas on board the ship – with a total of eight speciality restaurants. Furthermore, there will be eight places to enjoy breakfast, eight places to enjoy a fresh coffee and four places within which to treat yourself to afternoon tea.
Other features set to appear on the ship will include a stunning atrium complete with three-deck high glass walls and a grand staircase. There will also be a major new entertainment hub which will be known as The Dome. Here, passengers can relax in a large open space which is complimented by a pool with a retractable stage and evening performances consisting of aerial acrobatics high levels of immersion.
This chance to name the newest ship of the P&O Cruises fleet is a potentially once in a lifetime opportunity. If you love cruising as much as we do, you may be interested in learning about the unique franchise business opportunity available with GoCruise. To find out more, contact us via the number above or complete an Online Enquiry Form.
