Latest Barrhead News: Azura has arrived!

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It's official, P&O's amazing new Azura has arrived in Southampton this morning.

Travelmole reported:

Slate grey skies greeted P&O Cruises' new ship Azura as it sailed into its home port of Southampton for the first time this morning.

The seventh vessel in the British line's fleet was greeted by managing director Carol Marlow as it arrived with a fire tug streaming water high into the air.

The 3,100-passenger Azura sailed to the UK from the Italian shipyard where it was built.
Carnival UK CEO David Dingle was transferred on board as the giant ship gently slipped into the Solent before docking in the port.

Many sightseers were up early to greet the 115,000-ton superliner on its arrival.

A series of on board events for travel agents are planned ahead of the formal naming ceremony by former ballet star Darcey Bussell on Saturday in front of a VIP audience of more than 1,200.

The line's executives will be hoping for better weather than today for the ceremony which is to be held on deck on Saturday evening.

Azura, which has a crew of 1,200, then departs on Monday for its 16-night maiden voyage to the Mediterranean.

The ship features the first single cabins on a P&O Cruises ship. There are 18 solo cabins, 12 of which have outside views.

Of the 1,557 cabins, 910 have balconies and 440 are inside.

The ship also has a giant outdoor cinema screen - the first on a P&O Cruises's ship - together with an spa area on deck.

The Barrhead Cruise team have been looking forward to Azura's launch for some time, and we're not the only ones. Here's an article from the Telegraph last week:

In the next few days, the world’s newest ship, Azura from P&O Cruises, sets sail from Southampton for the first time. With interesting destinations in store, and a host of memorable experiences on board, passengers are in for a real treat.

Among the dazzling features on board are 11 restaurants and eating areas plus 12 places to drink; four pools; a gym and two spas including The Retreat, an outdoor haven of relaxation; a state-of-theart theatre and alfresco cinema and two show lounges featuring live entertainment.


“I never fail to catch my breath when I see a new ship for the first time, and Azura is going to be incredible,” says her captain, Keith Dowds. “We have a great crew and I know everyone is going to do everything they can to exceed all our passengers’ expectations.”

Having teamed up with Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, Sindhu, the ship’s Indian fine dining restaurant, will be a culinary delight for the senses. “Sindhu means meeting place, and that’s what my delicious cuisine represents: Indian food with a British twist. It’s a place to come with your loved ones, linger and enjoy the food,” says Atul.

Olly Smith, the effervescent TV wine expert, is another honorary crew member, with his on board restaurant, The Glass House. “I’ve been scouring the planet for the top 32 tipples with which to tantalise your taste buds and I’m really chuffed with the results,” beams Olly. “I’ve also been blending the signature house wine for Azura with some of the best wine makers in the world. As well as offering terrific value it will also be utterly delicious.”

Olly has also been devising a cocktail menu for Azura’s Planet Bar, where patrons can marvel at video footage of the world's greatest natural and man-made wonders, including Niagara Falls, the Grand Canyon and Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks, on a 20-metre floor-to-ceiling video wall.

Another P&O Cruises first is SeaScreen, an alfresco cinema screen suspended above Azura’s sparkling Aqua Pool, where passengers can watch the latest blockbuster or family favourite, concerts and sporting events, while reclining under the stars.

Azura’s 800-seat Playhouse theatre will feature West End-quality entertainment with show-stopping numbers from the great musicals. “Azura also has a superb teak dance floor in her three-deck-high Atrium, where passengers will be invited to try a cheeky cha-cha-cha, or a waltz.

“We’ve planned a fantastic programme of entertainment, from classical performers to cabaret and celebrity guest speakers, and there will be theme nights ranging from a Last Night of the Proms to the Oscars,” says the ship’s cruise director Neil Oliver.

Also on deck is The Retreat, a wonderful outdoor spa area where, after you’ve been massaged and pampered, you can go swimming in the pool or just lie in the sun.

“Azura is going to be a fabulous experience combining P&O Cruises quality of service with a superb choice of facilities,” says P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow. “She is the next exciting chapter in P&O Cruises illustrious history - whose roots can be tracked back over 170 years.”

All of Azura's amazing sailings are available now from the Barrhead Travel Cruise team. Call free now on 0800 093 0622 or visit www.barrheadtravel.co.uk/cruises and book your Azura voyage today!