P&O Cruises welcomes Adonia

Dame Shirley Bassey DBE gets ready to name Adonia

On Saturday 21st May 2011 was another momentous day for the maritime world, as P&O Cruises officially named their newest ship, Adonia.

The 30,000 tonne vessel was originally built in 2001 by Chantiers de l’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France for Renaissance Cruises as R Eight. Since then the vessel been operated by Swan Hellenic as Minerva II, before being transferred to Princess Cruises in 2007 as Royal Princess.

Adonia was official named by Dame Shirley Bassey DBE at a spectacular naming ceremony in Southampton.

Dame Shirley Bassey DBE said: 

" I have had the most exciting career imaginable, but to be invited to be godmother to a cruise ship is something very special and very personal. "

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Dream Designs Colchester has had a close relationship with P&O Cruises for a number of years and have been lucky enough to visit a number of their ships.

In April 2008 Nigel Esdale, then Managing Director, P&O Cruises invited us to visit the newly built Ventura, just days before she was officially named by Dame Helen Mirren DBE.

Newly re-fitted Adonia arriving in Southampton water for the first time

In April 2010 Dream Designs Colchester were invited to the Naming Ceremony of P&O Cruises' newest superliner Azura. We were also lucky enough to have the opportunity to meet Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, where we were able to present our drawing of Azura.

Right to Left: Harry Cotterill, President & Managing Director, Dream Designs Colchester, present his drawing of Azura to Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, at the Naming Ceremony of the new ship, joined by his father Brian Cotterill

Earlier this year Dream Designs Colchester contacted P&O Cruises, to ask if it would be possible for our drawing of Adonia, to be presented to the ship's Godmother, Dame Shirley Bassey DBE, during the Naming Ceremony. We received a letter from Carol Marlow, Managing Director, P&O Cruises, in response to our request to present our drawing of Adonia.
 
Carol Marlow, President & Managing Director, P&O Cruises, said:

" We are delighted to have Dame Shirley Bassey as our new Godmother for Adonia and as you say it will be a mometous occasion. However, unfortunately, since the ship is only in port for a few days, it will be a very tight schedule and it won't on this occasion be possible for us to include a drawing presentation. I know you will understand this. "

Our drawing of P&O Cruises' Adonia

In December 2010 our Volunteers @ Sea Ernie & Edna agreed to present our drawing of Aurora
to Captain David Pembridge during their Christmas Caribeean cruise.

Later this year in August, our Volunteers @ Sea, Ernie & Edna are due to present our drawing of P&O Cruises' Arcadia to the Captain of the vessel during their upcoming cruise.

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

" It was wonderful to see the arrival of Adonia to the P&O Cruises’ fleet. From first impressions she looks to be a remarkable vessel and I’m sure she’ll be a favourite among P&O Cruises’ passengers. Although we were unable to be part of the Naming Ceremony celebrations, we shall endeavour to present our drawing to the Captain of the vessel in the near future. "

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