Carnival allocates new ship to P&O Cruises

Carnival has assigned a yet-to-be-built 116,000gt cruise ship to its UK-based unit P&O Cruises. To be built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, the new Ventura is scheduled to enter service in spring 2008, and will become the largest cruise ship specifically built for British cruise service, Carnival said.

The newbuilding will carry 3,100 passengers in 1,550 cabins of which 900 will feature their own private balcony. It will feature an unprecedented range of passenger facilities including the largest theatre on a British cruise ship, one of the largest spas afloat, eight restaurants, six shops, five pools and three show lounges.

“This new order acknowledges the unprecedented demand for the P&O Cruises brand and its increasingly wide appeal,” said managing director David Dingle.

“Over the last ten years P&O Cruises uniquely has introduced a progression of new ships purpose-built for Britain, which have created record levels of demand. Ventura, through her innovation, scale and contemporary appeal, marks the next major step forward for Britain?s leading cruise line, maintaining P&O Cruises? position at the forefront of our industry.”