November 22, 2009 - Azura, the latest and most sophisticated addition to the P&O Cruises fleet, will be named in Southampton in April 2010, when Britain's favourite ballerina Darcey Bussel will be godmother.
Two days later the 115,000-ton liner will depart on her maiden voyage
The 115,000-ton ship is taking shape at Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste and saw the float out of Azura in a special two part ceremony in June, 2009.
Amanda Dowds, wife of Azura's Captain, Keith Dowds led the symbolic ceremony in which a newly-minted two pound coin and a new euro were welded at the foot of the ship's mast for good luck.
Azura, pictured in an artist's impression, was blessed by a priest as a bottle of Italian Prosecco smashed against the hull. The valves of the giant dry dock at the Monfalcone shipyard then opened allowing the ship to meet the water for the first time.
P&O Cruises, managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: "The float out ceremony is a significant event in the build of a new ship. Azura is designed with traditional cruise values of service and quality combined with the flexibility and choice that today's contemporary customer expects and the high level of early bookings proves this demand.
"For Azura we've gone 'back to the future'. We're looking at how travelling at sea really should be; sophisticated, relaxing, indulgent and exciting, while we are also looking forward at the same time. Firsts for P&O Cruises will include an open-air cinema-at-sea, an open air spa terrace and single staterooms."
The stylish superliner will carry up to 3,100 passengers who will enjoy 15 public decks, 11 restaurants, five boutiques, four pools, two lounges and over 900 private balconies and also boasts:
- A dance floor in the centre of the spectacular atrium
- Ten restaurants, including Sindhu, created by the first Indian chef to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, Atul Kochhar
- A state of the art health and beauty spa with an open-air spa terrace
- A giant cinema SeaScreen showing British film classics
- 750 seat live show theatre and separate nightclubs
- A full range of daytime activities including sports courts, whirlpool spas and fully equipped gym, dance and art classes all offer non-stop entertainment
Sindhu is the creation of celebrated Michelin starred Chef Atul Kochhar. It means meeting point, amalgamation or fusion, and the menu will offer a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine with dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce.
TV wine expert Olly Smith has also been enlisted to help create a new wine bar and restaurant 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, who was also present in Italy.
The Saturday Kitchen star will act as consultant in the creation of 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.
A 16-night Mediterranean holiday departing September 5, 2010, calling in Malaga, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Korcula and Gibraltar starts from £1,685 per person.
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