P&O to go bigger again………

P&O Cruises has announced they want to go bigger!   They have ordered a new 180,000 ton LNG powered ship which should be launched in 2020.  What is LNG I hear you ask?  Its Liquefied Natural Gas apparently……..very green!

The new ship will exceed 180,000 gross tons and will accommodate approximately 5,200 guests (lower berths). Through an innovative use of space, the ship will offer an extensive range of dining, entertainment and relaxing features.

As many of you are aware and many have already sailed on her, Britannia is currently P&O’s newest ship and that was then their largest at a 143,000 tons.  Now I wasn’t that amazed with Britannia, it just didnt have the wow factor for me. I thought it was very much a Princess ship.  Here is a link to my blog after my visit to Britannia. What did you think?

this is currently P&O’s biggest!

P&O Cruises senior vice president Paul Ludlow had this to say “These are very exciting times. The number of British passengers taking a cruise in the past five years has significantly increased, boosted most recently by our very successful launch of Britannia last year. We know there is still huge potential as more and more people realise the value for money, choice and range of dining and entertainment options available on ships of all sizes. With an amazing range of itineraries, from two days to three months, there is a cruise to suit every budget.

“P&O Cruises is uniquely experienced in designing ships to meet the specific needs and aspirations of British passengers and the agreement by Carnival Corporation & plc to build a new ship of this size reflects all that our guests and prospective cruisers have been telling us and shows our confidence in the growth of the UK market. This ship will be the largest in the P&O Cruises fleet, will have a striking new exterior and interior design and will comprehensively embrace the company’s classic and iconic features. Innovative new guest experiences will be announced soon.” 

I think P&O need to be careful not to try to copy the likes of Royal Caribbean, Celebrity etc, as not everyone likes the bigger ships.  To be honest on many of my welcome home calls recently i’m getting more negative comments for Britannia, Ventura and Azura but very positive feedback for Oriana, Aurora and Arcadia. These seem to be favourite with P&O’s loyal customers.   Whats happening with Adonia I wonder………if she’s not returning to the fleet surely theres a market for a smaller vessel to be added to the fleet!  Remember Artemis, not really replaced her.

very popular small Adonia

So come on P&O, bring back Adonia or order a smaller vessel.

What do you think……do you prefer a smaller ship?

Thanks for reading, please feel free to contact me.

Haydn