Name of new P&O Cruises ship unveiled

P&O Cruises has named its yet to be launched cruise ship Azura.

The vessel, the same size as superliner Ventura which entered service this year, is due to join the fleet in 2010.

The 116,00-ton Azura will bring the UK line's fleet up to seven ships when it enters service.

The ship will carry 3,100 passengers, have 15 decks, 11 restaurants, five boutiques, four pools, two lounges and more than 900 cabins with balconies.

Further details of the vessel's charcteristics are due to be disclosed next month.

Azura will depart on its maiden voyage from its base in Southampton in late spring 2010, details of which will be announced early next year.

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 the choice and service excellence for which P&O Cruises is renowned."

A ceremony marking the keel-laying for the new ship will be held today at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy.

With permission from TravelMole