P&O Cruises has marked a key stage in the construction of its new ship Arvia with a coin-laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft Shipyard in Papenbur.
A coin-laying ceremony is a tradition which is believed to bring good luck to the ship and its crew.
Specially selected Barbados coins were placed under the block before the block was then lowered onto the coins.
Speaking at the ceremony, P&O Cruises President Paul Ludlow said, “This is yet another landmark in P&O Cruises new build history.
“Arvia will be our second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas as part of P&O Cruises’ ongoing commitment to sustainable travel.
“Other world-class environmentally-friendly innovations include shore power connectivity and the latest technology for its four main engines.
“Our guests will enjoy holidays on Arvia, as they have done and continue to do on Iona and on the other ships in the P&O Cruises fleet.
“They will holiday in the Mediterranean in the summer and in the warmth of the Caribbean throughout the winter as Arvia will be our “sunshine” ship.
“The coins that are laid under Arvia’s keel today will be the embodiment of that warmth and sun as they are currency from our winter homeport of Barbados, an island which has had a special place in our heart for over 20 years.
“These coins, with the workmanship and skill of everyone gathered today – and so many more – will keep and protect all on board this spectacular ship.”
Arvia will be delivered in December 2022 and will sail her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands followed by a winter season in the Caribbean.
The ship has 16 decks, and exciting features including Altitude Skywalk, a unique high ropes experience. There is also a swim-up bar and an infinity pool, a multi-sensory escape room, a new restaurant Green & Co, a cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping, Spa and Health Club.
For more information, please visit www.pocruises.com.
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