Australian-based Ballerina to be
Godmother to Britain’s Latest Superliner
One of the world’s best-loved ballerinas, Darcey Bussell, will be Godmother to the latest and
most sophisticated addition to the P&O Cruises UK fleet, the 115,000-tonne ship, Azura.
Former Royal Ballet principal dancer Darcey, who now lives in Sydney, will fly back to Britain
next spring with her family for Azura’s glittering naming ceremony. Exact details of the occasion
are being kept a closely guarded secret until the day.
“I am so excited, honoured and, at the same time, somewhat filled with trepidation to be
Godmother to Azura, as I know how significant the ceremony is viewed by the ship’s captain
and crew,” said Darcey Bussell.
The April naming ceremony will benefit three international charities personally chosen by
Darcey Bussell, including Sydney Dance Company, the Royal Ballet School and the Prince’s
Rainforest Project.
“Darcey Bussell epitomises glamour, sophistication and elegance, all qualities we have strived
to achieve in Azura,” said P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow. “Azura will offer the
service, quality and entertainment associated with cruising at its very best and as dance will
play a key part in this, it is entirely fitting for Darcey to give Azura the best possible start in life.”
More than 1200 invited guests will witness the naming ceremony on Azura’s top deck in
Southampton Docks on Saturday, April 10, prior to the vessel’s maiden voyage, a 16-night
cruise to the Central Mediterranean, which includes calls to Malaga, Corfu, Dubrovnik and
Venice.
The stylish superliner, which will carry up to 3100 passengers and 1226 crew, boasts a dance
floor in the centre of the spectacular atrium and 10 restaurants, including Sindhu, created by the
first Indian chef to be awarded a coveted Michelin star, Atul Kochhar.
It also features a state of the art health and beauty spa with an open-air spa terrace; a giant
cinema SeaScreen showing British film classics; a 750-seat live show theatre and separate
nightclubs, plus a full range of daytime activities including sports courts, whirlpool spas and fully
equipped gym, dance and art classes.
Media contacts:
Libby Moffet/Larissa Kaye
MG Media Communications
02 9904 0011
Released: November 23, 2009
NEWS 
