By
Rebecca Gibson |
P&O Cruises has launched a UK campaign to help create two new pieces of artwork for its latest newbuild Britannia, which is to debut in March 2015.
The cruise operator has asked people to suggest what, or who, embodies the spirit of modern Britain and will use these suggestions to create unique artwork that will be developed by renowned British artist Johnny Bull. Known for his paintings of jazz musicians and for making prints that feature people in various locations, Bull aims to create an amalgamation of the nominated subjects in a variety of colours and treatments that reflect the ‘people’ element of the ship. Taking ‘pride of place onboard Britannia’, the pieces will be unveiled during the celebratory inaugural launch week.
“The ‘Spirit of modern Britain’ theme should provide us with some fascinating suggestions covering a range of categories such as objects, people, architecture, cultural events, TV programmes, activities and more,” said Bull.
Entrants can submit suggestions in 150 words or less via Twitter, Facebook and e-mail. All suggestions must be received by 15 September 2014 and the 50 top entries will be placed into a draw to win a tour and lunch onboard Britannia during her inaugural week.
The 141,000gt ship will also host various other pieces of artwork, ranging from paintings and bronze sculptures to ceramics and paper wall reliefs, which have largely been created by British artists, as well as people from Japan, Australia and South Africa. Some of the artists have produced single pieces, while others have created hundreds or even thousands for the ship.
Britannia, which is currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Monfalcone yard in Trieste, Italy, will accommodate 3,600 passengers and is the largest cruise ship ever built for both P&O and the British market. Expected to boost the line’s capacity by a quarter, the ship will feature 13 bars and 13 dining venues, the Oasis Spa and open-deck retreat, a sports arena, four swimming pools including a Serenity pool and bar and a library. Guests will also be able to enjoy various entertainment venues including The Limelight Club, a 936-seat theatre with an LED screen and a multi-purpose TV studio hosting shows with guest speakers, cinema screenings, radio plays or game shows. The ship will also offer 27 single cabins – more than any other cruise ship – and 15 of those cabins will have outside balconies.
In addition, British TV chef James Martin will develop The Cookery Club, the first cookery school onboard a British cruise ship, while award-winning patissier Eric Lanlard will open his first patisserie range in the Market Café in the ship’s three-tier atrium. Established P&O Cruises favourites Marco Pierre White, Atul Kochhar and Olly Smith will also contribute to the onboard culinary options, which include speciality restaurants and gala dinners. Guests will be able to participate in cookery classes under the guidance of the chefs, while guest chefs will provide onboard assistance to classes of up to 24 people.