P&O Cruises Managing Director David Dingle

Photo Courtesy of P&O Cruises

A ceremony marking the keel-laying for P&O Cruises Ventura was held at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. The largest ship ever built for P&O Cruises and for the British cruise market, Ventura will enter service in April 2008.

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. 50 sections and several additional interconnecting steel blocks will be used in the construction of Ventura and she will take to the water for the first time at her float out in June 2007, before her delivery to P&O Cruises at the end of March 2008.

P&O Cruises managing director, David Dingle, said: "Ventura will be the largest cruise ship built for Britain. Her scale will allow us to make this the most varied and exciting cruising experience of any British ship. Ventura will be "designed" for purpose, with every detail meticulously crafted to make this a remarkable holiday experience.

"There will an abundance of choice and faultless service throughout, whilst soothing relaxation will be characterised most clearly in Oasis, the largest and best equipped spa of any British ship.

"Looking to the passenger of tomorrow, Ventura will take care of families like no other British ship afloat, offering unprecedented play and adventure areas, dedicated family pools and new concepts in family dining."

Dingle also revealed details of the ship’s atrium, with its four imposing pillars, clad in black granite and two panoramic lifts.

"The design principles inherent in Ventura are embodied in the atrium, striking, contemporary yet designed for purpose. It will be the hub of the ship from which all public areas can be easily accessed.

"Ventura will redefine cruising and we look forward to sharing the innovations we have created as well as the authentic characteristics which typify a P&O Cruises ship.

"Ventura, through her innovation, scale and contemporary appeal, marks the next step forward for the UK cruise industry."

Ventura’s 3,100 passengers will enjoy fourteen public decks, eight restaurants, six boutiques, five pools and three show lounges, including the largest theatre on a British ship. With nearly 900 private balconies, Ventura will have the best-equipped accommodation of any ship sailing from the UK.

Ventura will depart on her maiden voyage in April 2008, details of which will be announced early next year.