The 400-tonne keel section for the cruise ship has been laid in the building dock at the Monfalcone shipyard in Italy.
The 3,611 passenger vessel, due to be launched in March 2015, will be the flagship of the P&O Cruises fleet, as well as the largest ever constructed for the British market. The ceremony was attended, among others, by David Dingle, Carnival UK CEO, Carol Marlow, P&O Cruises Managing Director, Enrico Buschi, Fincantieri Chief Operating Officer, and Carlo De Marco, Manager of Fincantieri's Monfalcone shipyard.
The shipbuilders say that the design Incorporates the ultimate in technological standards for the as-yet unnamed ship, which has a classic design that will complement the grandeur of its size. They add that the new cruise ship will also offer an unprecedented range of entertainment activities.