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Azura

P&O Cruises' newest ship for Britain ... and she's a real star turn

Azura, the latest and most sophisticated addition to the P&O Cruises fleet, was named in Southampton by Britain's favourite ballerina Darcey Bussel on April 10, 2010.

And two days after she carried out her role as godmother, the 115,000-ton liner set sail on her maiden voyage.

The 115,000-ton ship was built at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste where the the float out was staged in a special two part ceremony in June, 2009.

The 115,000-ton ship was built at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard near Trieste where the the float out was staged in a special two part ceremony in June, 2009.

Amanda Dowds, wife of Azura’s Captain, Keith Dowds led the symbolic ceremony in which a newly-minted two pound coin and a new euro were welded at the foot of the ship’s mast for good luck.

Azura, pictured, was blessed by a priest as a bottle of Italian Prosecco smashed against the hull. The valves of the giant dry dock at the Monfalcone shipyard then opened allowing the ship to meet the water for the first time.

P&O Cruises, managing director, Nigel Esdale, said: “For Azura we’ve gone ‘back to the future’. We’re looking at how travelling at sea really should be; sophisticated, relaxing, indulgent and exciting, while we are also looking forward at the same time. Firsts for P&O Cruises will include an open-air cinema-at-sea, an open air spa terrace and single staterooms.”

The stylish superliner carries up to 3,100 passengers who will enjoy 15 public decks, 11 restaurants, five boutiques, four pools, two lounges and over 900 private balconies and also boasts:

A dance floor in the centre of the spectacular atrium

Ten restaurants, including Sindhu, created by the first Indian chef to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, Atul Kochhar

A state of the art health and beauty spa with an open-air spa terrace

A giant cinema SeaScreen showing British film classics

750 seat live show theatre and separate nightclubs

A full range of daytime activities including sports courts, whirlpool spas and fully equipped gym, dance and art classes all offer non-stop entertainment

Sindhu is the creation of celebrated Michelin starred Chef Atul Kochhar. It means meeting point, and the menu offers a fusion of fine British and Indian cuisine with dishes such as pan-fried lobster tail in coconut milk and tamarind sauce.

TV wine expert Olly Smith was also enlisted to help create a new wine bar and restaurant concept - The Glass House. A must for wine lovers, The Glass House menu features different wines recommended with each course, all served by the glass and expertly matched by Olly.

The Saturday Kitchen star also helped in the creation of 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.

Vital statistics

Operated by P&O Cruises
Built by Meyer Werft, Germany
Entered service: 2010
Cost: £200 million
Gross tonnage: 116,000 tons
Passengers: 3,100
Passenger decks: 10
Crew: 1,200
Officers: British
Cabins: 1,532 including

• 872 with balconies
• 227 with ocean view
• 433 inside
• 32 for the disabled

Lifts: 16
Length: 886 ft
Width: 106 ft
Draught: 26 ft
Engines: diesel electric
Service speed: 24 knots

Facilities

Three restaurants (two sittings), five alternative dining venues,  casino, cinema,  two show lounges,  three dance floors, hair and beauty salon, library, five swimming pools (two inside), fitness centre, hair and beauty salon.