By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises’ ships are to feature contemporary-style Union Flags on their bows and blue funnels with an illuminated rising sun motif from the end of 2014.
Designed to celebrate the operator’s British heritage and pay homage to the oriental influence in the Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) name on the company’s coat of arms, the livery will be added to all P&O ships by the end of 2016.
Aurora will be the first vessel to feature the flag and updated funnel when she emerges from drydock later this year. The line’s new flagship Britannia, which is currently under construction, will also feature a 94 metre Union Flag – the world’s longest – when she launches in February 2015.
“In our 177th year we are unveiling a new, contemporarily styled livery which symbolises all that we stand for, pointing to the future and celebrating our British heritage,” said CEO David Dingle. “Our ships will proudly carry on their bow Britain’s most distinctive symbol, the Union Flag, to all corners of the globe. The P&O Cruises name will be emblazoned along their hulls and the Rising Sun, the enduring symbol of our heritage, will shine from their funnels. This modern new look will exemplify the strengths and virtues of our company long into the future.”