P&O Cruises has announced that Dame Helen Mirren will name the cruise line’s latest superliner, Ventura in April.
The Oscar-winning actress will attend the ship’s naming ceremony in Southampton on April 16 where she will become the godmother of Ventura prior to Ventura’s
maiden cruise to the Mediterranean.
In a break with tradition, instead of pressing a button to smash a bottle of champagne against the ship, she will command a team of Royal Marine Commandos to assist her in naming Ventura.
Dame Helen Mirren said: “It is the first time I have ever named a ship, let alone one of the size of P&O Cruises Ventura and am really looking forward to being Godmother.”
P&O Cruises managing director Nigel Esdale said: “Dame Helen Mirren embodies glamour, vitality and Britishness, which are all values that will be a feature of Ventura. We are honoured that she has agreed to become Godmother. The arrival of Ventura is set to usher in a new era for the British cruise industry and will accelerate the rate of progress of an already fast growing market. We are delighted that Dame Helen is to be associated with her. At the same time, we are determined to get the bottle-smashing right, and are grateful for the military coordinated assistance of the Royal Marines.”
Around 1500 guests will be invited to Ventura’s naming ceremony including its consultant celebrity chef, Marco Pierre White, and children’s favourite, Noddy.