A key stage in the building of Britain’s newest and most innovative cruise ship was marked at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg (Germany).
The team building P&O Cruises new 184,000 GT ship Arvia, which, like her sistership Iona, will be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas), making them both among the greenest ships in the world, celebrated the milestone with the traditional coin-laying ceremony. The event is a long-held shipbuilding tradition that is to bring good luck to the newbuild and its crew through construction to the operation at sea.
Specially selected Barbados coins were put under the block before it was lowered onto them.
Speaking at the ceremony P&O President Paul Ludlow said that was "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."
“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.”
The keel-laying block weighs 570 tons and is 11.3 metres long, 42.10 metres wide, 11.81 metres high. It had to be lifted by an 800-ton crane.
The next steps include the completion of the block assembly of the aft part of the cruise ship in the dock as well as the further outfitting.
Arvia is scheduled for delivery in December 2022 and will sail her maiden voyage to the Canaries followed by a winter season in the Caribbean. The ship has 16 decks and will boast a unique high ropes experience Altitude Skywalk, a swim-up bar and infinity pool, a multi-sensory escape room Mission Control, a new restaurant Green & Co, Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300m2 of shopping, the Oasis Spa and Health Club.