P&O Cruises will be aiming to attract a younger market and more families when it launches new ship Ventura in April 2008.
The 113,000-ton ship will be the largest built for the British market, with capacity for 3,110 passengers and 880 balcony cabins – 200 more than the cruiseline’s flagship Arcadia.
Speaking at a keel-laying ceremony this week at the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy to mark the start of construction, when the first of the 50 sections that will make up the ship was laid, P&O Cruises managing director David Dingle said the cruiseline is currently having to turn families away.
Dingle said: “We can’t accommodate all the families that want to sail with us so we know there is unfulfilled demand. We expect Ventura to attract a lower average age than our other ships.”
He said Ventura will offer the Freedom dining concept introduced on Oceana this year. This allows passengers to eat when and with whom they want, although they can also choose fixed dining if they prefer.
Dingle said: “There will be three main restaurants split between Freedom and fixed dining. Newcomers like Freedom, but there are still those who enjoy the sense of occasion that goes with fixed dining. We need to cater for all parts of the spectrum.”
After the success of Gary Rhodes-endorsed Arcadian Rhodes on Arcadia, Ventura will have a paid-for restaurant – the name of the celebrity chef is still under wraps – and an Asian-fusion dining alternative, also charged at a supplement.
It will also have a new tapas bar, which Dingle said would “probably” be free, and a family dining area in the lido buffet in the evening with a more child-friendly menu.
Ventura will also offer the New Horizons’ programme of classes and lectures introduced on Arcadia – although these will be modified because passengers are reluctant to pay for activities – and a large spa, split over two decks.