Happy Birthday to P&O Cruise ship Azura

P&O Cruises newest super ship Azura celebrated her very first birthday yesterday with a signed card from her godmother Darcey Bussell

In the card Darcey wrote “Happy 1st Birthday Azura! I wish I could be with you all. Have a wonderful celebration. Love Darcey."

Managing director Carol Marlow said: "One year ago we welcomed Azura into our fleet with a sparkling naming ceremony. Darcey Bussell was a perfect Godmother and gave Azura a wonderful entry into our fleet. Since then, Azura has had a very successful first year in service, and has received consistently excellent feedback from our passengers. May there be many more years to come!"

Azura was designed for the British market and follows similar features to her sister Ventura. Her first year has been a huge success and she has established herself as another jewel in the crown from the British cruise market

Azura today called at Cadiz in Spain as she follows on her 14 night Mediterranean cruise which will see numerous birthday celebrations and a gala night party

So what has Azura been up to in her first year, here are some interesting statistics

• 103,469 nautical miles sailed, equivalent to almost five times around the world or 653 trips between London and Manchester

• 65,000 passengers entertained at the Captain's Welcome parties

• 3,573 portions of Crayfish and Lobster cocktail served in XVII

• 3,400 Wine Flights sampled in Olly Smith's Glasshouse

• 515 massages enjoyed in The Retreat

• 507 bottles of Veuve Cliquot enjoyed

• 154 Champagne breakfasts in bed served

• 40 renewal of vows ceremonies conducted

In all she has been one very busy ship indeed

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY AZURA