Tag Archives: Britannia

P&O Cruises beats record with Britannia bookings

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P&O Cruises beats record with Britannia bookings

P&O Cruises saw an 81% increase in bookings for Britannia on opening day compared to the launch of its last ship Azura.

Chris Truscott, sales and distribution support director, said there had been massive demand despite issues with the system which caused problems for agents and customers attempting to make bookings.

He said: “We were having problems with our systems the night before, and then they went down on the morning as we opened to bookings. It was a combination of problems with the system and bad timing, being the first day of bookings.”

Truscott said bookings showed a 24% increase on the best ever ship launch for Ventura, and that the “vast, vast majority of bookings made been made by agents.”

He said the systems went down and then eventually P&O was able to take bookings through its contact centre which is normally open to just consumers but was available to agents during the system failure.

He said agents made bookings through his method and then by 10.30 both systems were back up and running.

“It was a great success with really phenomenal demand,” he added. “And that is down to the way we have been working with agents.”

Truscott added: “We really appreciate the patience shown yesterday by our trade partners in the early part of yesterday when due to circumstances beyond our control they experienced difficulties making bookings with us. I can only apologise for the disruption caused and emphasise that we took immediate action to resolve the issues.

“However, I am delighted with the support agents have shown to our fantastic new ship which is demonstrated by the unprecedented demand. Britannia will display the very best of British in terms of design, dining and innate attention to detail in all areas. We can’t wait for the opportunity to show off Britannia to agents in just under a year’s time when the ship arrives in Southampton.”

P&O floats out Britannia in Italy

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By Jane Archer 

P&O floats out Britannia in ItalyP&O Cruises took more pre-registrations in one day last week for new ship Britannia than in a whole week for Azura before it launched in 2010.

Marketing director Christopher Edgington said pre-registrations, targeted at past passengers only, allowed clients to put their name down for specific cruises but not cabins.

The maiden voyage, a 14-night Mediterranean cruise departing March 14 2015, was in high demand, as was a 12-night round-Britain cruise in July. They open for sale on March 27.

Speaking at Britannia’s float out – the moment when the dry-dock is flooded and water hits the hull for the first time – Edgington said: “Our past passengers are really excited about Britannia. We have created a ship that is right for them and for people who have never cruised by enhancing our signature features and adding exciting new ones.”

They include a new cookery school devised by TV chef James Martin, the Limelight dining and cabaret club, and a Mediterranean-style Market Café serving charcuterie and sweet treats from TV’s Cake Boy Eric Lanlard.

Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar and wine expert Olly Smith, who have venues on other P&O ships, are also part of Britannia’s culinary line-up. Instead of a restaurant, Marco Pierre White is creating dishes for gala nights in the dining rooms,

Hebden Bridge-based agent Louise Hunt, who works for Travel Councillors, won a P&O competition to be Madrina, or godmother, for the float out, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. A bank worker until last year, Hunt admitted she was both nervous and excited. She said: “This is quite surreal, quite incredible.”

P&O Cruises reveals new Union Flag livery

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P&O Cruises reveals new Union Flag livery

P&O Cruises has revealed it is changing the livery of its ships, adding a Union Flag design intended to highlight the line’s British heritage.

As part of the modernisation of their fleet the new design will feature on the bow of all ships.

The news was announced by the cruise line during Travel Weekly’s Globe Travel Awards ceremony tonight (Thursday).
The cruise line said that at 94 metres long the flag will be the longest in the world.

The line’s ships will also gain blue funnels, with a rising sun motif meant to symbolise the brand’s oriental heritage.

The new look will first be introduced on Aurora which goes to dry dock later this year. New ship Britannia will sport the livery when it launches in February 2015, with all other P&O ships featuring the new design by the end of 2016.

David Dingle, chief executive, said: “In our 177th year we are unveiling a new, contemporarily styled livery which symbolises all that we stand for, pointing to the future and celebrating our British heritage.

“This bold new look will make our ships yet more distinctive and recognisable across the world.

“Our ships will proudly carry on their bow Britain’s most distinctive symbol, the Union Flag, to all corners of the globe.

“The P&O Cruises name will be emblazoned along their hulls and the rising sun, the enduring symbol of our heritage, will shine from their funnels.

“This modern new look will exemplify the strengths and virtues of our company long into the future.”