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PENINSULAR AND ORIENTAL (P&O) is to invest pounds 1.25bn in five new luxury cruise liners, doubling the capacity of its fleet and closing the gap on its two US rivals in the cruise market.

Intel's sales supremo says UK plc will live or die by how well it uses the internet to improve its efficiency.

Bruce Springsteen is rock'n'roll made flesh. On stage, no one else even comes close. And without him, David Thomas's life would have been very different

What kind of poofs would we be if we ran away from Soho at the first sign of trouble?

THERE WAS fresh evidence of strengthening demand in the consumer economy yesterday when P&O, the ferry and cruise group, reported a buoyant start to the year in its cruise business.

P&O, the shipping company, said it will sell property holdings and its construction unit Bovis to focus on cruise, ferry and ports businesses. The shares rose 18 per cent on the week. The company is expected to raise pounds 2bn from the disposals. The decision comes after P&O posted a 30 per cent drop in second-half profit as shipping tariffs fell and cut demand for the services of P&O Nedlloyd, P&O's container shipping joint venture with Royal Nedlloyd.

Sybil Kapoor meets curry connoisseur Sally Argawal

THREE YEARS ago that old sea-dog Lord Sterling looked to be dead in the water. P&O was a ragbag of lumpy, underperforming businesses that seemed destined either for an ignominious Hanson-style break-up or oblivion at the hands of a bigger, stronger suitor.

P&O YESTERDAY surprised the City with plans to raise over pounds 2bn from the disposal of its construction, property, exhibitions and containers divisions in order to focus on its cruises, ferries and ports businesses.

The best boat design should combine old and new, says Tom Cunliffe. And he put it into practice in his own craft, The Westerman

Stuart Alexander opens this two page special report on boating at the 1999 London International Boat Show

... and a Canon EOS5 SLR. `The Independent' in association with `Wanderlust' magazine wants your best travel pictures