P&O Cruises’ newest superliner is set to launch in 2010. Azura is set to have some of the newest innovations including an Indian fine dining restaurants, 18 single staterooms, two large suites for extended families or groups, 900 staterooms with private balconies, a number of spa staterooms and exclusive access to the Oasis Spa.

A new select dining restaurants and wine bar concept is to be added with the help of TV wine expert Olly Smith. Other highlights that guests will find onboard Azura include an open air cinema, personal waiter service, a classic London pub, a show lounge and a dance floor.

When it comes to family entertainment Azura offers a Wii room which enables families to enjoy a variety of games on the Nintendo Wii.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

P&O Cruises have announced that a ceremony will be held to mark the keel-laying of the newest superliner which is to be named Azura. She will be one of the largest ships ever built for P&O Cruises and the British cruising market.

Azura will cater for 3,100 passengers on fifteen passenger decks. The decks will play host to 11 restaurants, 5 boutiques, 4 swimming pools, 2 lounges and more than 900 private balconies.

Her float out is scheduled for summer 2009 with her maiden voyage scheduled for late spring in 2010 after being delivered to the cruise line.

For the full press release see The Cruise News.

P&O Cruises are investing Euros 535 million on a new cruise ship to be built in Trieste, Italy. She will be constructed by shipbuilder Fincantieri at its Monfalcone yard.

The ship, expected to be delivered to P&O Cruises in early 2010, will weigh 116,000 tons and will have a capacity for 3,076 passengers.

As an Update, this new ship will be known as Azura.