November 26, 2008 - A number of innovations
combined with a refined and modern interpretation of the classic cruise experience
will be the defining qualities for P&O Cruises new superliner Azura when
she launches in 2010.
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. The restaurant is 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.
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.
Says P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale:"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.
Esdale continues: "Azura will provide a contemporary, glamorous, serene and
sophisticated holiday experience for adults and couples. 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.
To find out more visit the dedicated Azura website.
