Construction on the newest P&O cruise ship has started with the ceremony marking the steel-cutting in the Italian shipyard Monfalcone of Fincantieri.
The newest P&O ship will be launched in spring 2015 and will be the largest British cruise ship weighting 141,000 tons.
Speaking at a ceremony in  Fincantieri shipyard, managing director Carol Marlow said: “The cutting of the steel marks the moment the ship goes into production so for us it is a very exciting time as we go from the drawing board to reality.”
With capacity of  3,611 passengers this ship will offer a stylish and innovative new design and an unprecedented number of passenger facilities, along with many of the brand’s classic and iconic features made by the leading designer company in hospitality industry, Richmond.
Marlow continued, “Richmond’s design will make a stunning statement across the entire ship’s interiors.
“Through their ideas they will imbue the ship with a cohesive personality which works across all the public areas including the cabins, cafes, bars, restaurants and lounges.
“Richmond’s designs will add an elegant and timeless Britishness to appeal to everyone who steps on board and will facilitate an excellent evolution of the P&Oness our passengers know and love.”
The ship, that is not named yet will take to the water for the first time at her float out in summer 2014.