Oscar winning Queen to name Ventura

 

British icon and Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren is to name P&O Cruises largest superliner, Ventura. The naming ceremony will be taking place in Southampton on April 16 prior to the ships maiden voyage in the Mediterranean. But in a break with tradition, instead of Dame Helen simply pressing a button to send a cradled Tattinger champagne bottle towards the ship, she will command a crack team of Royal Marine Commandos to assist her in naming Ventura in a dramatic fashion.

Dame Helen Mirren said, "It is the first time I have ever named a ship, let alone one of the size of P&O Cruises Ventura and am really looking forward to being Godmother.” There will be 1,500 guests invited to the ceremony including consultant celebrity chef Marco Pierre White who also has his very own restaurant onboard Ventura and children's favourite Noddy. The event will benefit three children's charities which are supported by Dame Helen and P&O Cruises - Barnardos, Kid's Company and Naomi House.

P&O Cruises managing director, Nigel Esdale said: "Dame Helen Mirren embodies glamour, vitality and Britishness, which are all values that will be a feature of Ventura. We are honoured that she has agreed to become Godmother. The arrival of Ventura is set to usher a new era for the British cruise industry and will accelerate the rate of progress of an already fast growing market. We are delighted that Dame Helen is to be associated with her. At the same time we are determined to get the bottle-smashing right, and are grateful for the military coordinated assistance of the Royal Marines."

In keeping with Ventura's contemporary and innovative values, her naming ceremony will be a departure from tradition. As well as Dame Helen's customary champagne naming, the celebration will encompass an exciting show with dramatic surprises.