P&O CRUISES is planning to operate a series of inaugural voyages on its new ship Aurora in order to cope with strong advance demand for tickets.
The company said it has received 15,000 registrations of interest for the vessel’s maiden voyage, scheduled for May 2000. A waiting list will be established in March or April 1999, to give customers a chance to put down a deposit before the Aurora’s itinerary is published in P&O’s June brochure. No further details of voyages are available yet.
Marketing director David Dingle admitted the interest shown in Aurora was mainly from previous P&O customers so far, but said a publicity campaign would be run after the brochure launch next summer.
P&O anticipates taking delivery of Aurora in April 2000 following a 14-month building development.
Dingle claims the vessel will have several features not previously seen on a ship aimed specifically at the UK market.
These will include 24hr dining, 40% of cabins with private balconies, and a retractable roof called a magradome over one of the ship’s two pools (Travel Weekly September 16).
“When you are sailing out of the UK, being able to cover the pool is important. It is two decks high, and has a feeling of space because there are no intrusive pillars.”
Agents attending the keel-laying ceremony welcomed P&O’s investment in a second new ship aimed at the British market.
P&O’s previous new vessel, Oriana, was launched in April 1995.
Lunn Poly buyer Colin Keen said P&O’s desire to create a very British cruising product appealed to the domesticmarket.