P&O Go From Small to Large!

After welcoming the smallest ship in their fleet - Adonia, last month - P&O Cruises have revealed plans to build their LARGEST-ever ship, a whopping 141,000-tonner (artist's impression, above) for service in 2015. It is quite a contrast after the small-scale of their boutique newcomer but it promises to being in a whole raft of innovation and new features. Here is today's full press release:

P&O Cruises today announced that it will expand its fleet with a 141,000-tonne cruise ship, built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, scheduled to enter service in March 2015.

The as-yet-unnamed 3,611-passenger vessel will be the largest in the P&O fleet, as well as the largest cruise ship built specifically for the British market. To be built at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard, the all-in cost is approximately €155,000 per lower berth. Ushering in an exciting era for P&O, the ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand’s classic and iconic features. Specifications and new product innovations will be announced at a later date.

Carnival Corporation & plc’s chairman and CEO Mickey Arison said: “P&O Cruises is Britain’s number one cruise operator, and is synonymous with high quality holidays that celebrate its rich British heritage. The UK continues to be a key growth market and innovative vessels such as this new ship – targeted specifically to British clientele – underscore our commitment to leading the expansion of this important cruise region.

"With a progression of highly successful new ships introduced over the last 15 years, P&O is uniquely experienced in designing vessels to meet the specific needs and aspirations of British passengers. This newly ordered ship will underline its position as Britain’s favourite cruise line.”

P&O Managing Director Carol Marlow added: “This next-generation ship will deliver the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, with ‘sophisticated wows’ and new features to attract thousands of newcomers to our brand, and equally to resonate with existing P&O Cruises passengers by giving them the ‘P&O-ness’ they recognise and love. She will offer ‘the best of the best,’ combining the favourite classic features of Oriana and Aurora, the choice and variety of Azura and Ventura, and a host of new ideas and concepts which together will deliver to our passengers the holiday of a lifetime, every time they travel with us.”

Noble Caledonia's 2011 Cruises

By guest blogger Steve Newman

For those who like to combine adventure with luxury, Noble Caledonia have just released a whole range of cruises for 20011. Among these is a new Spring in Provence trip – a special offer from only £695, including flights from London, six-night cruise aboard the 80-passenger MS Rembrandt, full board including drinks with dinner and all shore excursions on March 20-26 or March 26-April 1.

For Wildlife Adventure Cruising, their South America itineraries visit places such as Patagonia, Costa Rica and Belize, which are rich in wildlife, and they have also just released their Antarctica brochure, plus Alaska & the Arctic, Britain & Ireland on purpose-built expedition ships such as Clipper Oddessy (above).

For further details, contact Noble Caledonia or the UK's leading adventure cruise specialists The Cruise Line Ltd.

A Stowaway On The Majestic Line

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Guests on the Heritage and Wildlife of South Argyll cruise with specialist Scottish cruise operators The Majestic Line got more than they bargained for during their 6-night cruise – a sneaky wee stowaway in the form of a red squirrel. The uninvited guest joined the cruise whilst their vessel, the Glen Massan, was anchored for the night in a secluded bay on beautiful Loch Riddon on the Argyll Coastline.

Although red squirrels are common on the Cowal Peninsula, there is a mystery as to how this one came to join the cruise. Martin McWhirr, the skipper of Glen Massan has 2 theories.

He said: ‘‘unday night was relatively windy, which may have resulted in the squirrel being blown from its tree overhanging the water and with it then swimming to the Glen Massan and shinning up the anchor chain. The other possibility is that it had been caught by a large bird of prey, possibly even a sea eagle which then lost its prey with it landing aboard. I can’t see any other possibilities.’’

However Jan Ferguson, Chairman of the Cowal Squirrel Group, has another opinion. She said ‘‘The most likely scenario is that he got involved in a fight with another red, probably over territory. If there was nowhere for him to run, he could have jumped into the loch and, as squirrels are good swimmers, he could have swum to the boat and climbed up the anchor chain.’’

However, she doesn’t dismiss Martin’s view. She continued: ‘‘It is very possible he was scared by a bird of prey or even a cat or dog, leading him to jump into the water.’’

The sneaky stowaway was discovered very early on Monday morning by one of the vessel’s guests, Canadian Steve Boyton, who is a professional photographer. He’d risen early to capture the stunning sunrise over the Loch, only to get the fright of a lifetime. In his attempt to capture the squirrel, the commotion awoke the crew and other guests. Further attempts to catch the squirrel only resulted in the Glen Massan’s bosun Jamie Duncan being bitten on the finger!

Further deatils on Majestic cruises can be found at http://www.themajesticline.co.uk/