P&O starts construction of largest ever ship

To Whom It May Concern:

We came across this information in the trades and thought it would be of
interest to this newsgroup as well.

Happy sailing,
John Sisker, SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY®
(714) 536-3850 or toll free at (800) 724-6644 & (pagoo ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com



A ceremony to mark the keel-laying for P&O Cruises Ventura was held today at
the Monfalcone shipyard of Fincantieri near Trieste, Italy.

The Ventura, the largest ship ever built for P&O Cruises and for the British
cruise market, will enter service in April 2008.

The keel-laying involved the placement in the dry dock of one section of the
ship's hull. This section is made up of six pre-manufactured blocks, weighs
650 tons and is ready-fitted with piping and other internal structure.

P&O Cruises managing director, David Dingle, said: "Ventura will be the
largest cruise ship built for Britain. Her scale will allow us to make this
the most varied and exciting cruising experience of any British ship."

He said its spa, Oasis, will the largest and best equipped in any British
ship while families will benefit from play and adventure areas and dedicated
pools.

Dingle also revealed details of the ship's atrium, with its four imposing
pillars, clad in black granite and two panoramic lifts.

Ventura's 3,100 passengers will enjoy 14 public decks, eight restaurants,
six boutiques, five pools and three show lounges, including the largest
theatre on a British ship. There will also be nearly 900 private balconies.