Ventura, the largest superliner built exclusively for British holidaymakersset sail for her homeport, Southampton, after being officially ‘handed over’ to P&O Cruises by the Fincantieri shipyard, Monfalcone, Italy.
Speaking at the ceremony, P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “This is a very exciting day for us as we prepare to cast the ropes aside and head for home. Ventura’s maiden season is almost upon us and this ceremony today is the culmination of many months of hard work, creativity and innovation.
“Ventura marks a new era in contemporary British cruising and great attention to detail has been spent designing each and every bar, restaurant and cabin.
“That so many British icons have put their name to this ship – Dame Helen Mirren, Marco Pierre White, Nick Munro and Tate Modern – makes us extremely proud and reaffirms that we have created something very special with Ventura.”
The handover of Ventura marked a special occasion for Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard, as it celebrates the build of its centenary ship. A restored building has been transformed into an on-site museum, showing photography of its 99 previous ships. P&O Cruises commissioned photographer Mike O’Dwyer to design a mosaic artwork of Ventura as a gift to the yard. The mosaic features more than 1300 individual pictures and 6000 tiles.
Ventura will be a truly inspirational superliner designed specifically for her British customers. Every inch of her has been crafted in meticulous detail and she will showcase over 7,000 works of contemporary art. At 290 metres in length she is 22 metres longer than Tower Bridge and has an impressive 15 passenger decks.
To do things you have never done before, to taste cuisine you have never tasted before and to see things you have never dreamt of seeing: Ventura will really set the imagination free, opening up a world of extraordinary experiences for all who travel upon her. Learn to swing on a trapeze at her contemporary circus school. Swim in her endless pool. Drink in the coolest bar at sea. And enjoy ever-changing views from one of her 881 balcony cabins.
Partnering up with some of Britain’s favourite names, her holidays will offer something quite special for all ages. Tate Modern, will be bringing their expertise on board selected cruises, presenting ‘Tate Talks’.
Noddy will be livening up playtime through themed activities. A giant 14.5 metre Scalextric track will provide fast pace fun for all ages. And Michelin star chef Marco Pierre White, is creating, Ventura’s unique fine dining venue, The White Room, plus a number of her other menus.
During the day you can savour rich coffee and conversation in Tazzine, rejuvenate in the lavish spa, race cars around a giant Scalextric track, refresh yourself in one of the ship’s inviting pools or bounce on bungee trampolines in Cirque Ventura up on the open deck. Off her stunning three deck atrium you will find a tempting selection of shops, bars and eateries.
After dark a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and tempting aromas will enliven an already elevated mood. Flexible and innovative, evenings will offer a real sense of freedom. Dine in her unique fine dining venue, The White Room, created by Marco Pierre White. Watch one of the vibrant show in the Arena Theatre. Gaze at some of the world’s most captivating cityscapes as they are revealed, in real-time, on Metropolis’ 20 metre wide floor-to-ceiling video wall.
