Tourism Minister Samantha Sacramento yesterday attended the naming celebrations of P&O Cruises’ new vessel ‘Britannia’. The vessel will visit Gibraltar during her maiden voyage later this month. She did already call in on Gibraltar after leaving the shipyard in Italy, in order to carry out technical works.

The vessel is the largest cruise ship ever constructed within the British market. She features 13 bars and 13 dining venues, the line's largest Oasis Spa and open- deck retreat, a sports arena, four swimming pools including a Serenity pool and bar and a library.

The naming ceremony was performed by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh in a special dockside ceremony at the Port of Southampton’s Ocean Terminal.

As is traditional on such occasions, a bottle of sparkling wine from the Wiston Estate Winery in Sussex, UK, was smashed against the side of the ship. In addition a Nebuchadnezzar of the British Brut NV was used, while thousands of bottles of Brut NV and Rosé Vintage 2011 have been available during various programmed festive events starting on March 9th.

Commenting on the ceremony the Minister insisted that she ‘was extremely pleased to have been invited to the celebrations and naming of the new P&O vessel.’ She further commented that ‘will be making an inaugural call at the Port of Gibraltar later this month during its maiden voyage. Britannia will deliver passengers to Gibraltar as one of the 216 vessels scheduled to visit Gibraltar in 2015. This sees an increase in calls over last year and will no doubt be welcomed by Gibraltar's tourism, hospitality, transport and retail industry.’