The Queen confirmed as godmother of new P&O Cruises ship

P&O Cruises has confirmed that The Queen will officially name the line’s new ship Britannia on Tuesday, March 10.

The announcement confirms speculation that the Queen would be performing the honours in Southampton. She will be accompanied at the naming by the Duke of Edinburgh.

Carnival UK chairman David Dingle said: “We are honoured and proud that Her Majesty will name Britannia almost 20 years after she named the P&O Cruises ship Oriana.

“Britannia, a ship for the nation, will be the embodiment of contemporary Britain, and with her Union Jack livery she will fly the flag for Britain across the Globe.”

The biggest ship designed exclusively for Britain, Britannia is P&O Cruises’ latest vessel.

The ship will include a focus on cuisine, with 'Food Heroes' James Martin, Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar, Eric Lanlard, wine expert Olly Smith and cheese expert Charlie Turnbull all contributing to restaurants onboard.

Cunard welcomes three ships to Southampton

By Robin Searle 

Photos credit: James Morgan/Cunard

Cunard’s fleet of three ships arrived in Southampton on Friday morning ahead of the tenth anniversary celebrations of its flagship, Queen Mary 2.

The three Cunard ships are rarely seen in the same place at the same time, but this morning’s event marks the third time it has happened in Southampton.

Plans for today include a reception and lunch in the presence of the Duke of Edinburgh, and a ten-minute firework display from 10pm.

Queen Mary 2 will then lead the three ships down the Solent before embarking on a transatlantic crossing.

Queen Elizabeth will sail on a short break to Hamburg and Queen Victoria will head for the Baltic capitals.