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High seas ad-Ventura for Noddy
NODDY is packing his suitcase, leaving Big Earsbehind in Toytown and is off on his holidays on Southampton's brand new cruise ship, Ventura.
Behind this much-loved children's character is the tough, cut-throat competition of the international cruising industry in which ship operators fight it out to drive down the age of passengers by attracting more and more younger customers to their vessels.
Parents and their children together with first-time cruisers are key sectors being targeted by cruise ship operators tempting them on board with an ever increasing range of facilities and Ventura promises some of the most wide-ranging on any British ship afloat.
Noddy will be on hand to welcome toddlers aboard the £300m Ventura when the vessel comes into service in Southampton during April, 2008.
P&O Cruises' managing director, David Dingle, said: "Our passengers have grown up with Noddy and he remains as popular with children today as he was 50 years ago."
A series of glittering dockside events, including the official naming ceremony, will take in place in Southampton before the superliner, and its 1,200 crew, leaves on her maiden voyage.
Ventura, now under construction in Italy and aimed solely at the rapidly growing British market, will be the largest P&O vessel in Southampton. At 115,000 tonnes Ventura will be 40 per cent bigger than Arcadia, currently the largest in the company's city fleet.
Evolution at sea
Mr Dingle, said: "Each time we build a new ship, we look for evolution rather than revolution.
"Ventura's stylish interior and range of facilities will appeal to people who might not have previously considered a cruise, as well as those who enjoy cruising on big, modern ships.
"We're committed to creating a designer ship that can be enjoyed by our existing customers and embraced by those that haven't cruised with us before.
"People want to spend more time together as families and couples and while they are always looking for value for money, value for time is more of a priority.''
While the Enid Blyton character looks after the children, mums and dads will be able to enjoy a meal in a restaurant, called the White Room, created by celebrity chef, Marco Piere White who has been signed up as Ventura's dining consultant. He follows leading UK chef Gary Rhodes who has established eateries on both Arcadia and Oriana.
In another innovation art experts from London's Tate Modern will join Ventura on themed art cruises and taking entertainment to a different dimension will be Ventura's cinema screening special 3D films.
12:00pm Thursday 23rd November 2006
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