Dame Helen Mirren To Name Britains Largest Superliner

DAME HELEN MIRREN TO NAME BRITAIN'S LARGEST SUPERLINER

British  icon  and  Oscar-winning  actress Dame Helen Mirren is to name the largest  superliner  designed  exclusively  for Britain, Ventura the latest addition  to  P&O  Cruises  fleet  (it is announced today, February 4). The spectacular  evening  naming  ceremony,  with  Dame  Helen  as  the  ship's Godmother,  will  take place in Southampton on April 16, prior to Ventura's maiden cruise to the Mediterranean.

But  in  a  break  with  tradition, instead of Dame Helen simply pressing a button  to send a cradled Taittinger champagne bottle towards the ship, she will command a crack team of Royal Marine Commandos to assist her in naming Ventura in a dramatic abseil.

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.”

Royal  Marines  display team commanding officer, Lt Colonel Steve Richards, "This  is  a  rather unusual assignment for our lads, but well within their capabilities.   They  are  very keen to assist Dame Helen with the launch - they will not let her down."

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 in 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.

On  board,  1,500  guests  will  be  invited including Ventura’s consultant celebrity  chef,  Marco Pierre White, and children's favourite, Noddy.  The occasion  will  benefit  three children's charities

supported by Dame Helen and P&O Cruises - Barnardos, Kid's Company and Naomi House.