P&O begins construction of the UK market’s biggest ship
Contributors are not employed, compensated or governed by TD, opinions and statements are from the contributor directly
UK cruise operator P&O Cruises has officially commemorated the construction of the UK market’s biggest ever cruise ship by celebrating the steel-cutting ceremony. The ship, which will be 141,000GT is being built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste, Italy.
The cutting of the steel marks the moment the ship goes into production so for us it is a very exciting time as we go from the drawing board to reality,” said Carol Marlow managing director of the firm.
The 3,611-passenger vessel is being designed by British company Richmond, which is overseeing the entire interior to fit with the ‘modern classic’ theme. They will also be bringing P&O’s history into the design, although specifics will be discussed at a later date.
Marlow continued, “Richmond’s design will make a stunning statement across the entire ship’s interiors. Through their ideas they will imbue the ship with a cohesive personality which works across all the public areas including the cabins, cafes, bars, restaurants and lounges. Richmond’s designs will add an elegant and timeless Britishness to appeal to everyone who steps on board and will facilitate an excellent evolution of the P&Oness our passengers know and love.”
Richmond has previously designed work for many of the best hotels in London, including the Langham London, Mandarin Hotel Hyde Park, The Intercontinental and Four Seasons. The brand has also designed hotels in Barbados, Sqwitzerland, Budapest and Versailles.
The laying of the keel will take place in May 2013, while the completion of the as-yet-unnamed ship will be in spring 2015.