P&O Cruises Grand Event

With only 19 days to go until the P&O Cruises Grand Event we decided it was time to touch a little more on what can be expected.

The Grand Event will see the historic cruise line mark 175 years of proud history and they have promised the day will be spectacular. On July 3rd Adonia, Arcadia, Aurora, Azura, Oceana, Oriana and Ventura will all sit together in Southampton for the very first time.

P&O Cruises also announced recently that the Red Arrows and HRH The Princess Royal will be attending the event.

Her Royal Heighness will join guests onboard Oriana for a small reception. She will the join THV Patricia to conduct the Fleet Review in her capacity as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House.

Each of the seven ships will then depart in order and start their journey down Southampton water into the Solent. The P&O fleet will then move into formation to pass THV Patricia at Charlie Anchorage and Salute HRH The Princess Royal as they are photographed from the air. Each ship will then head off into the open ocean for seven special Grand Event cruises.

Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises commented: "We are honoured to have HRH The Princess Royal visit us on this, one of the most significant days in our history, as all our seven ships gather in their home port on the same day for the first time ever to celebrate 175 years of heritage. As one of our esteemed godmothers* she is intrinsically linked with P&O Cruises and we are privileged that she has agreed to conduct our Fleet Review".

It is expected that thousands of people will line the shore side in Southampton and the surrounding areas to not only catch a glimpse of each stunning vessel but to also take part in this historic event. The day really is set to be magnificent.

Be sure to view the below video, this is a virtual adaptation of the beginning of the sail away process.