P&O Cruises flagship Britannia to set sail on maiden voyage from Southampton today

Thousands of lucky passengers will be among the first to experience the luxury, style and elegance of the largest ship ever built solely for the rapidly growing British market.

Earlier this week the new P&O Cruises’ flagship was given the Royal stamp of approval when the Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, visited the city’s Ocean Terminal to officially name Britannia and signal her entry into service.

This evening Britannia, with Captain Paul Brown in command, will slip her ropes and set a course down Southampton Water and out into the Channel bound for the Mediterranean and some welcome sunshine.

From the spectacular bon voyage celebrations in Southampton to the exclusive maiden entertainment events planned for the entire cruise, every single moment will be one the passengers will certainly remember.

Easing guests into this sell-out maiden cruise will be Gibraltar; a home from home, but without the great British weather!

An afternoon here is just enough time to hop up the rock before setting sail for Barcelona; home to the famous cathedral, the still unfinished Sagrada Familia. Next is Monte Carlo, playground to the rich and famous, before passengers swap modern glamour for ancient classics with a visit to Rome, from Civitavecchia; will it be the Colosseum, Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon or a whistle stop tour of them all?

In Ajaccio Britannia’s travellers will soon realise the town has a link to Napoleon, who was born there, as almost every attraction bears his name!

Enjoy another day on board before arriving in Cartagena, an ancient city with its feet firmly planted in the present. From Cadiz, a tour to Seville is a must as it’s a symphony of everything Andalucian, and home to flamenco and the spectacular Alcazar fortress.

Finally, compare tales with other passengers who experienced this majestic maiden voyage on the two-day sail back to Southampton.

Built in Italy with a price tag of more than £500m, Britannia has been at the centre of many days of celebration in Southampton as thousands of specially invited guests from the travel and cruising industry have been given tours of the vessel.

Last Monday showbusiness stars of stage and screen, joined sporting personalities and some of the most famous names in British haute cuisine, who have close links with the ship, joined the ship’s officers and crew for a gala dinner, entertainment, and a sparkling firework display.

The following day the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were the Royal guests of honour for the traditional naming ceremony on the dockside.

The Queen said the famous words: “I name this ship...” and then sent a giant bottle, equivalent to 20 normal sized ones, of British sparkling wine crashing against the name of Britannia on the ship’s enormous hull officially christened the vessel in a fizzing spray of bubbly and a blizzard of multi-coloured confetti.

After the ceremony the Royal couple were escorted on to Britannia where they met officers and members of the crew and were given a brief conducted tour of the ship.

Britannia is the second ship in the current Southampton-based fleet of P&O Cruises vessels to be named by the Queen, as back in April, 1995 she christened Oriana, which many believed heralded the development of Britain’s modern cruise industry, which has its centre in the port.