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P&O Cruises invites the public to name its newbuild

(Photo: © Christopher Ison)
Paul Ludlow - P&O Cruises seeks a name for its new ship that is memorable and dignified
P&O Cruises is running a contest to name its 180,000gt newbuild entering service in 2020. It will be Britain's biggest cruise ship.

The competition, which opens today, will run on the P&O Cruises website and through social media channels. A panel of experts will consider all entries, and the winning name will be announced next year.

To help inspire entrants, P&O Cruises has produced four short online videos featuring 'Food Heroes' Eric Lanlard and Olly Smith, producer and performer Jonathan Wilkes and Azura godmother and 'Strictly Come Dancing' judge Darcey Bussell CBE.

Not only will the winner earn a place in history with their chosen name emblazoned on the ship for everyone to see for years to come, but they will get two VIP places at the naming ceremony in spring 2020.

'This new ship will be the first new launch for P&O Cruises in five years and will play a pivotal role in redefining the brand and broadening our appeal. It is therefore incredibly important that we have a name that reflects the ship’s heritage as well as highlighting the array of new cruising experiences it will offer—something memorable and dignified that reflects its position as the new star in our fleet,' said Paul Ludlow, svp, P&O Cruises.

The 5,200-berth ship will have striking new exterior and interior design and embrace the company’s classic and iconic features. It also will be the most environmentally friendly ship in P&O Cruises history by using LNG to generate the primary source of power in port and at sea.

Ludlow continued: 'The ship will bring an array of new cruising experiences to guests and attract newcomers to the brand, whilst instantly resonating with forward-thinking P&O Cruises guests, encapsulating the "P&O-ness" they recognise and love. Choice, flexibility and the ability to create individual holiday experiences on board will be at its heart.'

Contest information is here.