Dream Designs Colchester to celebrate P&O Cruises' 175th Anniversary at Grand Event

We are delighted to take the opportunity to officially announce to you, our plans for our next major event in our illustrious history of outstanding achievements and accomplishments.

On July 3rd 2012, P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of seven ships will meet together for the first time, in Southampton to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the company.

Dream Designs Colchester has had a close connection with P&O Cruises for a number of years, which first originated in 2008, when we were invited to visit the then newly built Ventura, just days before she was officially named. In April 2010, we were lucky enough to receive an invitation to attend the Naming Ceremony of Azura, where we met with Carol Marlow, President & Managing Director, P&O Cruises and officially presented her with our originally assigned drawing of Azura.

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In December 2010, our honourable Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna were kind enough to agree to present our especially assigned drawing of Aurora to the Captain of the vessel on our behalf, during their 23 night Christmas Caribbean cruise. P&O Cruises arranged for Ernie & Edna to meet with Captain David Pembridge on the bridge, where they officially presented our drawing, which is now proudly displayed aboard.

Captain of P&O Cruises’ Aurora, David Pembridge (right) invites our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda to the bridge during their Christmas Caribbean cruise in December 2010 to officially present our especially assigned drawing of Aurora on our behalf

In August 2011, Ernie & Edna officially presented another of our especially assigned drawings, aboard P&O Cruises’ Arcadia, during their 13 night around the UK & Ireland. They again had the opportunity to visit the bridge, where they presented Captain Peter Philpott with the drawing, which is now proudly displayed aboard outside the Captain’s office!

Our drawing of P&O Cruises' Arcadia, which was presented to Captain Peter Philpott in August 2011, by our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna, now officially framed and displayed aboard the in the main alleyway leading to the Navigation Bridge, directly outside the Captain's office!

Later, in December 2010 Ernie & Edna officially presented our especially assigned drawing of Ocena to the Captain during their cruise aboard. We were delighted when P&O Cruises gave Ernie & Edna the chance to visit the bridge, where the official drawing presentation and handover took place on our behalf.

Our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna officially present our especially assigned drawing of P&O Cruises' Oceana to the Master of the vessel on the navigation bridge on December 30th 2011 during their 12 night cruise

Most recently on June 17th 2012, our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna set sail aboard Azura, with our brand new especially assigned drawing. They are set to arrive back in Southampton on July 3rd 2012, during the Grand Event. 

Our brand new especially assigned drawing of Azura which was recently presented to Captain Keith Dowds on our behalf by our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Enda during their cruise aboard the vessel

On the morning of July 3rd 2012, the seven ships will arrive together during the early hours, before berthing in Southampton to embark their new passengers. It is anticipated that thousands of onlookers and spectators will watch the ships arrive and take part in the celebrations ashore. A highlight of the celebrations, both on board and ashore will be the spectacular Red Arrows display which is planned to take place, depending on the weather conditions, before the seven ships set sail later that evening. 

Why not join us and the many others in Southampton to witness P&O Cruises' Grand Event and celebrate their 175th Anniversary!

The first ship is expected to set sail from Southampton at 17:00hrs followed closely by her six fleet mates. The ships will sail in progression down the Solent in formation one behind the other and once at sea, will line up together side-by-side. HRH Princess Royal is set to take part in the 175th anniversary celebrations and will be aboard the Trinity House vessel, Patricia where she will sail pass the seven ships to salute each of them once in formation, which will be a fitting end to this remarkable and memorable occasion in maritime history.

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, said:

“ We are absolutely delighted to be able to join P&O Cruises in Southampton to celebrate their 175th anniversary and witness the Grand Event ourselves. We are very proud of the connection and friendship which we have with P&O Cruises, so it seems only appropriate that we are present for such an occasion. ”

He added:

“ We are extremely proud to have had our drawings presented aboard many of the P&O Cruises fleet and to have also had the chance to visit many of their vessels previously too. It will be extraordinary to see the entire fleet together. ” 

ENDS

For more information please Contact Us on the following details below

Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester

Mobile: 07778940245
E-mail: harry_cotterill@hotmail.co.uk