PO Cruises celebrate 175th anniversary with Grand Event

P&O Cruises has marked its 175th year anniversary by sailing their full fleet of seven cruise ships into the Southampton docks.

Thousands of well-wishers lined the quayside and took to the water on sailing boats to watch as the huge cruise ships sailed through the Solent.

The ‘Grand Event’ was the highlight of a year of activities to mark the special occasion for the oldest cruise line in the world. It was the first time the Oceana, Adonia, Azura, Oriana, Aurora, Arcadia and Ventura ships had ever arrived and left together.

The Queen’s daughter, Princess Anne, was in Southampton to take a royal salute as the cruise ships sailed from Southampton Water at around 6pm.

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said: “As one of our esteemed godmothers Princess Anne’s presence and the congregation of our entire fleet to celebrate 175 years of heritage will go down in British maritime history and provide long lasting memories.”

The ships made their way one by one “three chains apart” (300 metres), from their berths and out to the open ocean. Fireworks accompanied the arrival of each ship and the RAF Red Arrows were due to make an appearance, but had to cancel due to bad weather.

Senior master of P&O's fleet Commodore Steve Burgoine said: "It's been a long time coming, a lot of effort has been put into the whole day.

“All seven ships are looking wonderful, never mind the rain.”

It was estimated that near 30,000 spectators embarked and disembarked the ships throughout the day.