P&O announces biggest ever UK cruise liner

(PA)

P&O Cruises is to build a 141,000-tonne cruise liner - the largest to be created specifically for the British market, it was announced today.

The 3,611-passenger vessel will enter service in March 2015, the company said.

It will be built in Italy by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and will be P&O's biggest vessel.

The company promised today that the ship, as yet unnamed, will "offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand's classic and iconic features". Specifications and new product innovations will be announced at a later date.

Micky Arison, chairman and chief executive of P&O's parent company Carnival Corporation, said: "P&O Cruises is Britain's number one cruise operator, and is synonymous with high-quality holidays that celebrate its rich British heritage."

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: "This next-generation ship will deliver the ultimate P&O Cruises experience, with 'sophisticated wows' and new features to attract thousands of newcomers to our brand."