The new monster 143,000 ton P&O cruise ship, BRITANNIA, was ordered in 2011 and her keel was laid down on 15 May 2013. The ship was constructed at a cost of £473 million by the Fincantieri yard in Italy. The ceremonial launch and float out took place on the afternoon of 14 February 2014.
In early March 2015, BRITANNIA made her way to her home port of Southampton, bucking the modern day trend by not opting to fly an overseas flag, where she was officially christened on Tuesday 10 March by Queen Elizabeth II.
Speaking on board BRITANNIA before she departed on her first voyage to the Mediterranean, Captain Amir Esmiley, area operations manager for Southampton based Maritime and Coastguard Agency congratulated P&O Cruises on choosing to register the ship in the city.
Captain Esmiley said : “It is not common nowadays, but it is wonderful to see the name of Southampton shining on the stern of Britannia.”
A few facts about the BRITANNIA:
She carries 3,600 passengers and 1,400 crew – a total of 5,000 people equivalent to a sizeable village or small town.
BRITANNIA boasts four swimming pools, 13 bars and 13 restaurants and has 15 passenger decks.
The vessel has an art collection on board with an estimated value of £1 million.
The ship is 1,082 feet long.
Her engine generates 62,400 kW of power.