Italy: The Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard launched a new P&O cruise ship for the Carnival Group on June 26.

‘Azura’ is a sistership of the ‘Ventura’ which was delivered last year at the same yard. ‘Azura’ will commence operations in the northern spring next year.

Present at the launch ceremony were, on behalf of the shipowner, David Dingle, CEO of Carnival UK and Nigel Esdale, Managing Director of P&O Cruises, while  Fincantieri was represented by  Paolo Capobianco, Director of Monfalcone shipyard. Godmother to the ship was Amanda Dowds, wife of Captain Keith Dowds who will command the new vessel.

The 'Azura' has a gross tonnage of 116,000 tonnes and is 290 metres long. The vessel has 2,180 cabins for 3,118 guests and 1,265 crew.