The 180,000 gross ton newbuilding P&O Cruises in the UK has on order from Meyer Werft in Germany will feature The Dome, an entertainment hub on upper decks. “Featuring an impressive clear sky dome, a pool with a retractable stage, water feature and whirlpools, The Dome will act as an all-weather venue for all day entertainment and informal dining.,” the company said in a statement

At night The Dome – one of four primary entertainment spaces the ship - would come alive with aerial performances, projection onto the roof and immersive shows, P&O Cruises said. The as yet un-named ship would also feature an uninterrupted half-mile Promenade around the ship on Deck 8 that provides easy access to al fresco dining at a range of restaurants and relaxation areas under shaded pavilion awnings.

This, too, marks a major change compared to the Britannia that P&O Cruises introduced in 2015, which has no such wrap around promenade deck and all its swimming pols are exposed to the elements. The Dome concept itself appears to be an adaptation of a similar venue on board AIDA Prima, the first of two 124,500 gross ton ships of AIDA Cruises. The new P&O Cruises' ship is based on a new platform also used by AIDA Cruises, Costa Crociere and cArnival Cruise Line, all contemporary market units in the Carnival Corporation & plc group.

Glass walls spanning three decks will flow natural light into P&O Cruises signature Atrium, the central heartbeat and focal point of the 5,200-guest ship, complete with a grand staircase, gallery and overhead walkways.

“Initial concepts for differentiated cabins will be created by Acumen (London), a contemporary design practice behind British Airways’ first-ever lie-flat beds, Air France first class and The Residence, Etihad Airways’ opulent three-room suites in the sky,” P&O Cruises said.

The ship will be the most environmentally efficient in P&O Cruises history with “green cruising” design using liquefied natural gas (LNG) to generate the primary source of power both in port and on the open sea. This will significantly reduce exhaust emissions to help protect the environment in support of the company's sustainability goals.

Guests will be spoilt for choice for dining, entertainment, socialising and relaxation options:

 

  • 17 places to eat
  • 7 speciality restaurants
  • 12 places to enjoy a drink and see the sea
  • 13 entertainment venues from the theatre to adult only venues
  • Three pop-up entertainment spaces/venues
  • 16 whirlpools
  • 4 swimming pools (three outside, one inside)
  • 9 places to have breakfast
  • 5 places to enjoy afternoon tea
  • 7 places to have coffee

 

Built by Meyer Werft at its shipyard in Papenburg, Germany, cruises on the new ship will go on sale in autumn 2018.