CRUISE NEWS
Artemis Farewell Cruise 12 April 2011
Artemis sold P&O Cruises has announced it is selling Artemis to MS Artania Shipping. The ship will continue to sail for P&O through mid-April 2011. Although P&O has already signed the contracts, the sale of Artemis will actually be completed on 6 October 2009. Artemis will sail its scheduled cruises for P&O through 12 April 2011. Its final voyage will be a 98-night Asian Grand Voyage, departing Southampton on 4 January 2011 and cruising to the Middle East, Asia and Africa, before returning to Southampton. The 45,000-ton, 1,200-capacity Artemis certainly isn't in keeping with the P&O Cruises model of big, contemporary ships. Built in 1984 and named by Diana, Princess of Wales, the vessel originally sailed as Royal Princess, transferring to the P&O Cruises fleet in 2005 to operate culturally-led cruises for an adults-only crowd, mainly of a certain age.
Courtesy of ais shipping news
Changes are to be made to P&O Cruises’ £300 million new ship Ventura after the line admitted to facing “challenges” in its introductory summer season.
The 3,000-plus passenger family-focussed superliner – the biggest in the fleet - will see alternations to its dining while the company is to address complaints over a lack of sun loungers, particularly on sea days.
Ventura has carried around 57,000 passengers this summer as well as hosting more than 4,000 travel agents.
The company’s managing director Nigel Esdale revealed the changes in a letter to travel agents.
He said: “In general newcomers have reacted very favourably to Ventura and we continue to see this as our primary focus.
“That said, we have had some challenges in marrying the differing needs and expectations of a new audience with those who have travelled with us many times before.
Indeed the first year of operation for any ship is always its most difficult and the team on board have worked extremely hard to consistently deliver against our passengers' expectations.”
Esdale conceded that the ship had experienced “particularly heavy demand” for Freedom Dining at peak times, especially during the summer school holidays.
“In order to realise this concept to the full, and thereby ensure that it does indeed offer customers the flexibility that they desire, we have increased the number of tables within the Cinnamon Restaurant and will be introducing specialist software to enable the team to effectively manage the utilisation of the range of restaurants around the ship,” he said.
“More significantly though, passengers will no longer need to book a table in advance. Instead they can enjoy the ultimate freedom of arriving at the time they would like to dine and, where possible, they will be seated immediately.
“This is the system that we operate on board Oceana with great success.”
The entertainment scheduling is also being improved and phased to offer increased choice and flexibility at a range of times, thereby alleviating 'peak time' demand.
The standard of presentation in the casual dining areas is being enhanced.
The family-orientated Beach House will “evolve” to offer an additional informal dining venue with waiter service.
On sunloungers, Esdale acknowledged that availability “has been an issue” during some of the summer school holiday cruises.
“In order to address this we have decided to devote some of the space originally allocated to Cirque Ventura on Deck 19 as an additional sunbathing area,” he said. “This will give those passengers who like to spend some time relaxing in the sun more space to do so.
“We will retain the bungee trampolines which have been a real hit with passengers aged from 8 to 84. And we will continue to offer the Cirque Ventura circus skills school teaching the art of juggling, tightrope and stilt walking.”
New furniture, including a reclining chair, will be introduced to cabin balconies in next spring.
“This will have the added advantage of helping to alleviate the high demand for loungers on the open deck, which we experienced during the summer school holidays,” added Esdale.
The ship will be using a new terminal at Southampton next year.
Esdale added that “the sheer number of people boarding this vessel has inevitably meant a greater requirement for car parking.
“This has been at the forefront of our minds when planning for the brand new cruise terminal currently under construction and, as a result, the new terminal will be better able to accommodate such demands when it enters use next year.”
by Phil Davies
OCEAN TERMINAL RETURNS
She will get new carpets, new soft furnishings and upholstery and also 34 new cabins with private balconies.
P&O Cruises' managing director Nigel Esdale said: “This is Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are taking the opportunity to enhance and improve the features of this already very successful child free ship.
“The work that we are undertaking will add to Arcadia’s contemporary charm.
The 30-seat boutique cinema will replace the existing Cyb@Study, although wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board
P&O Cruises have confirmed that the first passengers to experience the new look Arcadia will be departing on the 16-night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton on December 20.
I am doing my best to keep up with requests for information and photos etc. Angus Staff Chief Engineer is now a proud Father of a baby girl so our Congratulations to Angus and Jackie on the birth of Megan.
Many of you have requested photos and information on the recent three weeks of refurbishment in the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. During the multi-million pound refit a new aft section of 34 staterooms was added, along with a 30-seat boutique cinema, called The Screening Room. Please bear in mind that these photographs were taken in December so the skies are rather overcast.
This was Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are delighted with her new look and enhanced features. Arcadia is a very successful child free ship and the work we have done has added to her contemporary charm and will continue to surprise and delight our passengers.
A new section of staterooms with private balconies has been added to the aft end of the ship. This has resulted in the creation of an enlarged deck area and enhanced entertainment venue around the already popular Aquarius Pool. To further enhance this area, a larger and more stylish, new bar has been created, much to the delight of our Bar Staff! They have much more space for their stock and it is now a pleasure to work behind this bar.
Aquarius bar
A further new feature for passengers is a 30-seat boutique cinema, creating a dedicated space for showing films on board. The cinema, known as The Screening Room has been added in place of the existing Cyb@Study - computer workstations will now be available within the Horizon Suite and Library and wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board.
The Screening Room
The Photo gallery
New portrait area – there is a demand for more unusual high quality photography.
Increased photography area with Photo Now Kiosks
Further refurbishment has taken place throughout the ship, with new carpets, soft furnishings and upholstery added in areas including the Spinnaker Bar, Neptune Pool and passenger cabins.
Spinnaker bar – the Christmas Decorations have gone now!
Neptune pool - with the new beds that you all asked for. Also the swimming pools have been completely refurbished.
New teak furniture enhances open deck space and a sprung wooden floor in the gym will improve delivery of exercise classes.
New sprung wooden floor in the gym
www.jamescusick.co.uk
New Ship Named Azura
A number of new innovations combined with a refined and modern interpretation of the classic cruise experience will be the defining qualities for the latest superliner from P&O Cruises, Azura, set to launch in 2010.
To harness eclectic British tastes and honour the rich history of P&O Cruises, 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. Dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce will tempt passengers through the doors of this – 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, meaning more affordable travel suited to today's diverse market.
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.
P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “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.
“Azura will provide a contemporary, glamorous, serene and sophisticated holiday experience for adults and couples,” continued Esdale. “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.
“Spontaneity combined with diversity is the key, whether that is fine tuning their tango on the new dance floor in the atrium or curling up with a book in The Alcove library. Everyone travelling on Azura will find plenty to enjoy and generate long lasting stories,” concluded Esdale.
To find out more visit www.pocruises.co.uk/Azura
To download hi-resolution press pictures visit www.pocruisespresspictures.com
Changes are to be made to P&O Cruises’ £300 million new ship Ventura after the line admitted to facing “challenges” in its introductory summer season.
The 3,000-plus passenger family-focussed superliner – the biggest in the fleet - will see alternations to its dining while the company is to address complaints over a lack of sun loungers, particularly on sea days.
Ventura has carried around 57,000 passengers this summer as well as hosting more than 4,000 travel agents.
The company’s managing director Nigel Esdale revealed the changes in a letter to travel agents.
He said: “In general newcomers have reacted very favourably to Ventura and we continue to see this as our primary focus.
“That said, we have had some challenges in marrying the differing needs and expectations of a new audience with those who have travelled with us many times before.
“Indeed the first year of operation for any ship is always its most difficult and the team on board have worked extremely hard to consistently deliver against our passengers' expectations.”
Esdale conceded that the ship had experienced “particularly heavy demand” for Freedom Dining at peak times, especially during the summer school holidays.
“In order to realise this concept to the full, and thereby ensure that it does indeed offer customers the flexibility that they desire, we have increased the number of tables within the Cinnamon Restaurant and will be introducing specialist software to enable the team to effectively manage the utilisation of the range of restaurants around the ship,” he said.
“More significantly though, passengers will no longer need to book a table in advance. Instead they can enjoy the ultimate freedom of arriving at the time they would like to dine and, where possible, they will be seated immediately.
“This is the system that we operate on board Oceana with great success.”
The entertainment scheduling is also being improved and phased to offer increased choice and flexibility at a range of times, thereby alleviating 'peak time' demand.
The standard of presentation in the casual dining areas is being enhanced.
The family-orientated Beach House will “evolve” to offer an additional informal dining venue with waiter service.
On sunloungers, Esdale acknowledged that availability “has been an issue” during some of the summer school holiday cruises.
“In order to address this we have decided to devote some of the space originally allocated to Cirque Ventura on Deck 19 as an additional sunbathing area,” he said. “This will give those passengers who like to spend some time relaxing in the sun more space to do so.
“We will retain the bungee trampolines which have been a real hit with passengers aged from 8 to 84. And we will continue to offer the Cirque Ventura circus skills school teaching the art of juggling, tightrope and stilt walking.”
New furniture, including a reclining chair, will be introduced to cabin balconies in next spring.
“This will have the added advantage of helping to alleviate the high demand for loungers on the open deck, which we experienced during the summer school holidays,” added Esdale.
The ship will be using a new terminal at Southampton next year.
Esdale added that “the sheer number of people boarding this vessel has inevitably meant a greater requirement for car parking.
“This has been at the forefront of our minds when planning for the brand new cruise terminal currently under construction and, as a result, the new terminal will be better able to accommodate such demands when it enters use next year.”
by Phil Davies
AZURA NEWS
 | |||
 | We are proud to announce a small and elegant addition to our fleet...  Joining us in May 2011, just after the farewell cruise of Artemis, Adonia will be considerably smaller than her sisters in the fleet. With an elegant and traditional interior including a delightful library, nautical Crow’s Nest and classic Anderson’s bar, Adonia will exude real small ship charm with a warm and intimate ambience. Yet being built as recently as 2001 she will offer all the modern facilities you would expect from P&O Cruises; a spa, cyb@study, a choice of dining and a high proportion of balcony staterooms. Being a smaller vessel - just 32,000 tonnes with 335 cabins and carrying 710 passengers - she will also be able to travel to some off the beaten track destinations that can’t be reached by the larger ships of today. Adonia’s exciting itineraries will be released over the next couple of months and her holidays will be available to book from spring 2010. | |   |
| Quick Links Find and book cruises Our ships Destinations P&O Cruises experience Community | |||
Artemis Farewell Cruise 12 April 2011
| |
| Day | Destination |
| Day 1 | Southampton, United Kingdom |
| Day 2 | At Sea |
| Day 3 | At Sea |
| Day 4 | Gibraltar, Gibraltar |
| Day 5 | Alicante, Spain |
| Day 6 | Palma De Mallorca , Spain |
| Day 7 | At Sea |
| Day 8 | Sorrento, Italy |
| Day 9 | Rome, Italy |
| Day 10 | Monte Carlo, Monaco |
| Day 11 | Barcelona, Spain |
| Day 12 | At Sea |
| Day 13 | At Sea |
| Day 14 | At Sea |
| Day 15 | Southampton, United Kingdom |
Artemis sold P&O Cruises has announced it is selling Artemis to MS Artania Shipping. The ship will continue to sail for P&O through mid-April 2011. Although P&O has already signed the contracts, the sale of Artemis will actually be completed on 6 October 2009. Artemis will sail its scheduled cruises for P&O through 12 April 2011. Its final voyage will be a 98-night Asian Grand Voyage, departing Southampton on 4 January 2011 and cruising to the Middle East, Asia and Africa, before returning to Southampton. The 45,000-ton, 1,200-capacity Artemis certainly isn't in keeping with the P&O Cruises model of big, contemporary ships. Built in 1984 and named by Diana, Princess of Wales, the vessel originally sailed as Royal Princess, transferring to the P&O Cruises fleet in 2005 to operate culturally-led cruises for an adults-only crowd, mainly of a certain age.
Courtesy of ais shipping news
| P&O Cruises to make Ventura changes following ‘challenges’ |
Changes are to be made to P&O Cruises’ £300 million new ship Ventura after the line admitted to facing “challenges” in its introductory summer season.
The 3,000-plus passenger family-focussed superliner – the biggest in the fleet - will see alternations to its dining while the company is to address complaints over a lack of sun loungers, particularly on sea days.
Ventura has carried around 57,000 passengers this summer as well as hosting more than 4,000 travel agents.
The company’s managing director Nigel Esdale revealed the changes in a letter to travel agents.
He said: “In general newcomers have reacted very favourably to Ventura and we continue to see this as our primary focus.
“That said, we have had some challenges in marrying the differing needs and expectations of a new audience with those who have travelled with us many times before.
Indeed the first year of operation for any ship is always its most difficult and the team on board have worked extremely hard to consistently deliver against our passengers' expectations.”
Esdale conceded that the ship had experienced “particularly heavy demand” for Freedom Dining at peak times, especially during the summer school holidays.
“In order to realise this concept to the full, and thereby ensure that it does indeed offer customers the flexibility that they desire, we have increased the number of tables within the Cinnamon Restaurant and will be introducing specialist software to enable the team to effectively manage the utilisation of the range of restaurants around the ship,” he said.
“More significantly though, passengers will no longer need to book a table in advance. Instead they can enjoy the ultimate freedom of arriving at the time they would like to dine and, where possible, they will be seated immediately.
“This is the system that we operate on board Oceana with great success.”
The entertainment scheduling is also being improved and phased to offer increased choice and flexibility at a range of times, thereby alleviating 'peak time' demand.
The standard of presentation in the casual dining areas is being enhanced.
The family-orientated Beach House will “evolve” to offer an additional informal dining venue with waiter service.
On sunloungers, Esdale acknowledged that availability “has been an issue” during some of the summer school holiday cruises.
“In order to address this we have decided to devote some of the space originally allocated to Cirque Ventura on Deck 19 as an additional sunbathing area,” he said. “This will give those passengers who like to spend some time relaxing in the sun more space to do so.
“We will retain the bungee trampolines which have been a real hit with passengers aged from 8 to 84. And we will continue to offer the Cirque Ventura circus skills school teaching the art of juggling, tightrope and stilt walking.”
New furniture, including a reclining chair, will be introduced to cabin balconies in next spring.
“This will have the added advantage of helping to alleviate the high demand for loungers on the open deck, which we experienced during the summer school holidays,” added Esdale.
The ship will be using a new terminal at Southampton next year.
Esdale added that “the sheer number of people boarding this vessel has inevitably meant a greater requirement for car parking.
“This has been at the forefront of our minds when planning for the brand new cruise terminal currently under construction and, as a result, the new terminal will be better able to accommodate such demands when it enters use next year.”
by Phil Davies
OCEAN TERMINAL RETURNS
25 YEARS ON, ‘OCEAN TERMINAL’ RETURNS TO SOUTHAMPTON Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Southampton has unveiled the official name for its new multi-million pound fourth cruise terminal - Ocean Terminal. The new terminal has been named after its predecessor on Ocean Dock, which was once home to many of the great transatlantic liners of the world, including Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary.
Building work has already started on the £19-million terminal, which is being constructed following a 20-year agreement with Carnival UK, which operates Cunard, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises. The new terminal is being built opposite the old Ocean Terminal and will be home to some of the largest cruise vessels afloat when it opens next year. The 300m-long tube-shaped building will contain 6,000 tonnes of steel, equal to the weight of 100 elephants, and the baggage hall alone is the size of 14 tennis courts. The building will be able to hold the equivalent of 437 double-decker buses stacked on top of each other.
Jonathan Manser, Managing Director of The Manser Practice Architects, commented on the philosophy behind the new terminal’s design: “The new terminal has been designed to enhance people’s holiday experience from the minute they enter the terminal until the minute they leave at the end of their cruise. We want to create a more exciting departure gate for passengers, which will enable them to see their cruise ship as soon as they enter the terminal building. The building itself will be extremely striking and visible from the shore, adding a recognisable structure to Southampton’s coastline.”
Doug Morrison, ABP Port Director, Southampton, said: “As the new terminal is being built opposite the previous Ocean Terminal, it made sense to commemorate this historic gateway and the great ships that sailed from it. We are delighted to see the new terminal begin to take shape – its contemporary design will act as a symbol of the modern cruising age and our long-standing partnership with Carnival UK. “Over the last few years, the cruise industry has seen enormous growth, making the Port of Southampton the cruise capital of Northern Europe. The new terminal is essential for the port’s future growth within the cruise market but also represents a significant economic contribution to the Southampton region.”
The terminal is due to be opened in May 2009, with P&O’s Ventura being the first to sail from it.
ARCADIA REFURBISHMENT
She will get new carpets, new soft furnishings and upholstery and also 34 new cabins with private balconies.
P&O Cruises' managing director Nigel Esdale said: “This is Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are taking the opportunity to enhance and improve the features of this already very successful child free ship.
“The work that we are undertaking will add to Arcadia’s contemporary charm.
The 30-seat boutique cinema will replace the existing Cyb@Study, although wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board
P&O Cruises have confirmed that the first passengers to experience the new look Arcadia will be departing on the 16-night Mediterranean cruise from Southampton on December 20.
13 January 2009
Arcadia's Multi Million Pound Refit.
Good Day Everyone,I am doing my best to keep up with requests for information and photos etc. Angus Staff Chief Engineer is now a proud Father of a baby girl so our Congratulations to Angus and Jackie on the birth of Megan.
Many of you have requested photos and information on the recent three weeks of refurbishment in the Lloydwerft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. During the multi-million pound refit a new aft section of 34 staterooms was added, along with a 30-seat boutique cinema, called The Screening Room. Please bear in mind that these photographs were taken in December so the skies are rather overcast.
This was Arcadia’s first major refurbishment since she joined the fleet in April 2005 and we are delighted with her new look and enhanced features. Arcadia is a very successful child free ship and the work we have done has added to her contemporary charm and will continue to surprise and delight our passengers.
A new section of staterooms with private balconies has been added to the aft end of the ship. This has resulted in the creation of an enlarged deck area and enhanced entertainment venue around the already popular Aquarius Pool. To further enhance this area, a larger and more stylish, new bar has been created, much to the delight of our Bar Staff! They have much more space for their stock and it is now a pleasure to work behind this bar.
New Stateroom section being lifted into place
Aquarius barA further new feature for passengers is a 30-seat boutique cinema, creating a dedicated space for showing films on board. The cinema, known as The Screening Room has been added in place of the existing Cyb@Study - computer workstations will now be available within the Horizon Suite and Library and wireless internet access will continue to be offered on board.
The Screening Room The photo gallery has been revamped with more space and privacy given for portrait sittings and the addition of equipment for passengers to download images from their own cameras to be printed directly on board.
The Photo galleryNew portrait area – there is a demand for more unusual high quality photography.Increased photography area with Photo Now Kiosks Further refurbishment has taken place throughout the ship, with new carpets, soft furnishings and upholstery added in areas including the Spinnaker Bar, Neptune Pool and passenger cabins.
Spinnaker bar – the Christmas Decorations have gone now!Neptune pool - with the new beds that you all asked for. Also the swimming pools have been completely refurbished.New teak furniture enhances open deck space and a sprung wooden floor in the gym will improve delivery of exercise classes.
New sprung wooden floor in the gym This will keep you all going in the meantime - I am off now to host at the Portunus Gold Tier Lunch! All arrangements in place for our Egypt calls and the travelling Egyptian Immigration Officer has been so helpful to us therefore the Ship will be more or less 'clear' for passengers and crew to go ashore on arrival Port Said - see the trouble we go to to ensure a smooth journey.
Bye for now,
James.
www.jamescusick.co.uk
New Ship Named Azura
Construction begins for Britain’s newest cruise ship
A ceremony marking the keel-laying for the newest superliner for P&O Cruises will be held today at the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy. One of the two largest ships ever built for P&O Cruises and for the British cruise market, the new ship will be named Azura.
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.”
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. Fifty sections and several additional interconnecting steel blocks will be used in the construction of Azura and the ship will take to the water for the first time at her float out in summer 2009, before her delivery to P&O Cruises in spring 2010. Azura’s 3,100 passengers will enjoy fifteen public decks, 11 restaurants, five boutiques, four pools, two lounges and over 900 private balconies.
Azura will depart on her maiden voyage in late spring 2010, details of which will be announced early next year. Further details of Azura’s build, partnerships and interior design will be announced in November 2008.
From Go Cruise with Jane website.
Britain’s newest superliner to launch with added spice
Posted 25 Nov 08To harness eclectic British tastes and honour the rich history of P&O Cruises, 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. Dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce will tempt passengers through the doors of this – 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, meaning more affordable travel suited to today's diverse market.
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.
P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “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.
“Azura will provide a contemporary, glamorous, serene and sophisticated holiday experience for adults and couples,” continued Esdale. “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.
“Spontaneity combined with diversity is the key, whether that is fine tuning their tango on the new dance floor in the atrium or curling up with a book in The Alcove library. Everyone travelling on Azura will find plenty to enjoy and generate long lasting stories,” concluded Esdale.
To find out more visit www.pocruises.co.uk/Azura
To download hi-resolution press pictures visit www.pocruisespresspictures.com
Changes To Ventura
The 3,000-plus passenger family-focussed superliner – the biggest in the fleet - will see alternations to its dining while the company is to address complaints over a lack of sun loungers, particularly on sea days.
Ventura has carried around 57,000 passengers this summer as well as hosting more than 4,000 travel agents.
The company’s managing director Nigel Esdale revealed the changes in a letter to travel agents.
He said: “In general newcomers have reacted very favourably to Ventura and we continue to see this as our primary focus.
“That said, we have had some challenges in marrying the differing needs and expectations of a new audience with those who have travelled with us many times before.
“Indeed the first year of operation for any ship is always its most difficult and the team on board have worked extremely hard to consistently deliver against our passengers' expectations.”
Esdale conceded that the ship had experienced “particularly heavy demand” for Freedom Dining at peak times, especially during the summer school holidays.
“In order to realise this concept to the full, and thereby ensure that it does indeed offer customers the flexibility that they desire, we have increased the number of tables within the Cinnamon Restaurant and will be introducing specialist software to enable the team to effectively manage the utilisation of the range of restaurants around the ship,” he said.
“More significantly though, passengers will no longer need to book a table in advance. Instead they can enjoy the ultimate freedom of arriving at the time they would like to dine and, where possible, they will be seated immediately.
“This is the system that we operate on board Oceana with great success.”
The entertainment scheduling is also being improved and phased to offer increased choice and flexibility at a range of times, thereby alleviating 'peak time' demand.
The standard of presentation in the casual dining areas is being enhanced.
The family-orientated Beach House will “evolve” to offer an additional informal dining venue with waiter service.
On sunloungers, Esdale acknowledged that availability “has been an issue” during some of the summer school holiday cruises.
“In order to address this we have decided to devote some of the space originally allocated to Cirque Ventura on Deck 19 as an additional sunbathing area,” he said. “This will give those passengers who like to spend some time relaxing in the sun more space to do so.
“We will retain the bungee trampolines which have been a real hit with passengers aged from 8 to 84. And we will continue to offer the Cirque Ventura circus skills school teaching the art of juggling, tightrope and stilt walking.”
New furniture, including a reclining chair, will be introduced to cabin balconies in next spring.
“This will have the added advantage of helping to alleviate the high demand for loungers on the open deck, which we experienced during the summer school holidays,” added Esdale.
The ship will be using a new terminal at Southampton next year.
Esdale added that “the sheer number of people boarding this vessel has inevitably meant a greater requirement for car parking.
“This has been at the forefront of our minds when planning for the brand new cruise terminal currently under construction and, as a result, the new terminal will be better able to accommodate such demands when it enters use next year.”
by Phil Davies
AZURA NEWS
